This weekend is the Great British Spring Clean. We typically associate spring cleaning with our homes, but here at Travall we know that other aspects of our lives could also use a little attention. This two-part spring cleaning series looks at areas that matter to us at Travall, starting with our dogs and dog grooming. During the wetter and colder months, dogs tend to get more dirty, more frequently. To keep your dog healthy and smelling fresh, a session of spring cleaning with a bit of at-home dog grooming may be the answer.
Dog grooming tip 1: Don’t give brushing the brush off
Although a simple task, the benefits of brushing shouldn’t be ignored. Brushing is excellent for your dog’s coat as it removes dead hair, avoids mats and distributes the natural oils, to keep the coat healthy and looking good. Most dogs are quite happy to be brushed, but the frequency and duration will depend on the dog’s breed.
Dog grooming tip 2: Splish, splash
Experts recommend bathing dogs once a month. More frequent bathing strips the coat of the natural oils necessary to keep it shiny and healthy. Never use shampoo or conditioners designed for humans. There are plenty of dog shampoos on the market that have been specifically formulated to be easily rinsed and to avoid irritating your pet’s skin.
After removing your dog’s collar, clean your dog’s ears with an ear cleanser before placing her in the bath, and then gently place cotton wool in her ears to keep them dry. Saturate the coat using warm water. Shampoo the dirtier areas first, working up to the head last, using your hands to massage the skin through the coat. Use a washcloth to remove dirt from the face. Rinse your dog’s head first and then work down the body, keeping water and shampoo away from the eyes and face. Rinse all the shampoo from the coat to prevent itchy skin. Following up with a leave-in conditioner can be helpful so the coat is more manageable. Comb out your dog’s fur while it is wet to prevent tangles.
Some dogs (mine included) enjoy a bath, but hate the feeling of being wet after a bath. One way to dry your dog is to take the natural drying approach, allowing the dog to shake the water from his coat and then letting the coat air dry. Impressively dogs can shake about 70% of the water from their fur in this way. If you don’t want that amount of water sprayed around your bathroom, towelling your dog dry is probably the way to go. For those that cannot even tolerate the towel-dry wet feeling, following up with a hair dryer is helpful. Not all dogs enjoy having a hair dryer blown at them. If it is a new experience for your dog, introduce her gradually. Keep heat and air moving over the entire dog and not concentrated in one area as that could be uncomfortable or even burn skin.
Dog grooming tip 3: Keeping those pearly whites clean
Ideally, brushing your dog’s teeth should be part of your daily routine. Take a look at our blog post on dental care for dogs to find the best approach for your dog.
Dog grooming tip 4: A mani-pedi
For some dogs, walking daily on a pavement keeps nails at a decent length. For others, this just isn’t sufficient. Many dog owners are fearful of trimming their dog’s nails in case they do it incorrectly. If your dog has regularly had his nails clipped, he is probably comfortable with the procedure. Talk to your vet about the best way to trim the nails if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable. Don’t forget the dewclaw, if your dog’s breed has them.
Dog grooming tip 5: Just a trim?
This is another area of dog care that many owners prefer to leave to the professionals. Depending on the breed, trimming at home is possible if the clippers and scissors are sharp. Choose a location without distractions and remember that many dogs will get restless quickly, so make it brief.
Dog grooming tip 6: Where should I groom my dog?
Self-service dog wash shops have opened up across the UK over the last few years. These give you the convenience and ease of using professional-grade grooming equipment to groom your pooch effectively. Installing a Travall boot mat in your car can help to keep your car free from dog hair and dirt on the way there.
Wherever you choose to do it, dog grooming is a good idea. Grooming your pet is not only good for the dog’s health but provides a great opportunity for the owner and dog to bond. Don’t just reserve this for the spring. Regular grooming enables the owner to be aware (more quickly) of any health changes that their pet is experiencing. Grooming your dog could turn out to be a lifesaver.
