Grooming Your Pet at Home

Keeping your pet groomed is an important part of their overall care

Routine grooming is important for the health and happiness of your pets. Regular grooming keeps their skin healthy, eliminates mats and shedding in their fur, and helps facilitate the removal of fleas and ticks. Taking your pet to a professional may not always be feasible, but grooming your pets at home can be an easy and enjoyable way to care for your pet.

Here are a few simple grooming tips you can follow to keep your pet healthy and looking and feeling their best.

Bathing Your Dog

Use a gentle shampoo that’s designed for dogs. They even make specific shampoos for dogs that have allergies or sensitive skin. Depending on the size of your dog, it may be easier to wash them outside with the hose (temperature permitting, of course). Make sure all the shampoo is washed out of their coat and towel dry their paws well so they do not slip on the floor.

Bath time for your pup should take place at least once every couple of months. Pets that need bathing more often–those that spend a lot of time outside, playing with other dogs, or those that have skin conditions can be spot cleaned in between with waterless shampoo, or may need special medicated shampoo that is safe to use on a more frequent basis. Speak with your veterinarian about what is best for your pet.

Pro Tip: If you’re bathing your dog in the bathtub, smear some peanut butter on the shower walls to keep them happy and distracted while you wash them down!

Brushing Your Pet

Regularly brushing your pet will help keep their fur in good condition by removing dirt, preventing tangles and matting and keeping their skin irritant free. Regular brushing your pet also gives you an opportunity to check for fleas and ticks and will help keep shedding under control.

Trimming Their Nails

If you can hear your pet’s nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Long nails may make walking or running painful for your pet. To trim their nails, you’ll need pet-specific clippers.

We put together a video with Nami and Gus to help you safely trim your pup’s nails. Watch the video here.

Cleaning Their Ears

Cleaning your pet’s ears should be done after bathing or the ears are exposed to moisture in order to help avoid infection, using a cleaner with a drying agent recommended by your veterinarian. Otherwise, the ears can be left alone if there are no signs of discomfort. 

Cleaning Their Teeth

Brush your pet’s teeth frequently with a special toothbrush and toothpaste. You can get your pet used to it by rubbing their teeth and gums with your finger. You can also get chew toys and bones that will help clean their teeth, but brushing is the best possible way.  Always supervise your pet when chewing. Some bones are hard enough to cause tooth fractures on aggressive chewers, or may break off and be swallowed.

Always consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns you may have. If you do not feel comfortable grooming your pet on your own, find a professional you trust.