Dog Grooming Basics

Grooming is essential for your dog's health and well-being. Daily hygiene routines and regular grooming are just as important as other dog's basic needs and proper physical maintenance will make your dog look good and feel good as well. A dog's grooming routine greatly depends on breed and hair type but all dogs need to be brushed and bathed, and have their nail trimmed. Basic grooming needs also include cleaning of ears and eyes, while breeds with continuously growing hair require regular haircuts. Except for haircuts which are recommendable to be left over to professional dog groomers, you can take care of your dog's grooming needs at home. All you need is appropriate dog grooming equipment and learn to groom your dog properly.


Regular brushing is important for removing dirt and dead hair from your dog's coat, prevents matting and tangling, and makes your dog's coat healthier and shinier. The frequency of brushing and type of brush to use depends on your dog's hair type. Dogs with long hair should be brushed daily, while medium-haired and short-haired dogs need to be brushed once a week, respectively, two weeks. However, you can brush your dog daily regardless to its hair type. Many dogs enjoy being brushed and view it as a sign of affection. For long-haired dogs with thick hair use a wide toothed brush or a comb, take a small area at a time and start brushing from the ends.


Dogs are not particularly thrilled about bathing, especially if not being used to it from an early age. Fortunately, dogs do not need to be bathed too frequently - generally only once a month. Before bathing, brush your dog and make sure you have removed all tangles. Always use shampoo designed for dogs because dog's skin has different pH level than human skin. When shampooing your dog make sure the shampoo does not get in your dog's eyes or mouth. If shampoo gets to your dog's eyes or mouth flush the area with lots of water to prevent eye irritation or gastrointestinal problems.


Daily grooming routine should include paw care. Your dog's paws, pads and the area between the pads should be cleaned with a bar towel to remove dirt and mud every time you and your dog return from a walk. Nail trimming is typically unpleasant task for both dogs and their owners but it is unavoidable. Most dogs require nail trimming once a month depending on the growth rate.


Just like human ears, dog's ears need to be regularly cleaned to remove the excess ear wax. Use a cotton ball soaked in warm water and gently rubs your dog's ear. Avoid using cotton swabs, especially for cleaning dog's ear canals because they can cause injury. Cleaning of the ear canals should be left over to the veterinarian.


Regular cleaning of your dog's eyes with a cotton ball soaked in warm water helps prevent eye infections which are very common in dogs.