Guide To Grooming Dogs & Cats – Do’s & Don’ts

Guide To Grooming Dogs & Cats – Do’s & Don’ts

Grooming plays a significant role in maintaining a dog’s health and hygiene and makes life comfortable and improves the quality of life. Regular grooming not only provides scope for close inspection and identification of the skin infections at an early stage but also limits the spread of infection and increases the chances of successful treatment. Bathing, brushing, hair and nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc all are part of routine grooming, whether you do it yourself or opt for professional grooming service, there are certain dos and don’ts of pet grooming every responsible pet parent should be aware of. When it comes to pet maintenance, most people anticipate ribbons, brushes, and chasing after their pets. Some people believe that pet grooming is unnecessary. However, it is a crucial element of a pet’s general health and well-being. Pet grooming is crucial for the entire family. You don’t want your filthy and stinky pet leaping on your pristine couch or bed sheets. You can get rid of shedding, fleas, ticks, and other health issues by grooming your pet properly. Grooming a pet is much more than simply having a cute pet. You will also be addressing possible harmful problems by grooming your pet. It will also enable you to detect any underlying illnesses or diseases at an early stage. As a result, you will be able to take your pet for treatment sooner and more quickly.

However, many pet owners discover that their pets dislike the grooming process. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, you should think about taking your pet to a professional groomer. Grooming your pet not only helps them look great and allows you to strengthen your bond with them, but also has many great health benefits. Regular grooming helps remove build-up of dead hair which helps reduce the amount of fur shed and for cats helps reduce the amount of fur ingesting during self-grooming which leads to fur balls. It also prevents and removes matted fur, which when severe can be quite uncomfortable, and helps remove surface contaminants and allergens which can contribute to skin conditions in some animals.

Grooming does not only involve regular brushing, but also includes bathing, fur trimming and nail clipping. Some owners prefer to take their pet to a groomer regularly, others like to do all the grooming themselves. Visits to professional pet groomers will help ensure your pet comes home looking fresh each time they need a trim. Pet grooming requires a high level of skill as for many animals it can be quite a stressful situation which requires careful animal handling to ensure it is done in a safe manner for both your pet and the person involved. Accidents can happen when trying to clip that big knot of fur or their nails while your pet is wriggling around.

Getting your pet used to grooming can take time. It is important to spend time with your pet regularly and handle them frequently so they get used to being touched and petted. This includes stroking their ears and feet, as these are often sensitive areas for many animals. Have treats on hand to reward them as you groom them and pet them.

Different animals and breeds require different levels of grooming. Before bringing your new pet home it is important that you’re aware of their particular grooming needs.

Grooming for dogs

Brushing

All dogs need regular brushing, even short-haired breeds, to keep their coats clean, tangle-free and tidy. Brushing regularly also helps manage shedding, so there’s less fur left behind around your house and on your clothes. It is a good idea to start brushing regularly when they are puppies so they get comfortable being handled and brushed.

• Medium to Long-haired breeds, such as poodles, border collies and golden retrievers, usually require weekly to even daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of the hair.
• Short-haired dogs, such as boxers, jack russells and chihuahuas can go longer periods between brushing but will still benefit from regular brushing to remove dead hair and debris from their coats.

Bathing

Most dogs generally don’t need bathing more than once a month, unless of course they get dirty or lie in something unpleasant. When bathing it is important to use a shampoo designed for pets and is best to apply to your hands first and then rub into your dog’s coat rather than directly onto their skin as this can lead to skin irritations in some individuals.

Some dogs with skin sensitivities or conditions may require special shampoo. If you suspect your dog may have issues with their skin it is best to check with your veterinarian for the correct shampoo to use.

Nail trimming

Dogs who spend the majority of their time indoors or on soft surfaces may require their nails to be trimmed. Dogs that regularly walks on hard surfaces, such as concrete paths and roads, often wear their nails down and as result don’t need to be trimmed. It is still important to check your dog’s nails regularly to ensure they are not overgrowing, as if left untreated they can even grow around into the pad which is very painful for your dog. When checking their nails, particular attention should be placed on the dew claws (these are the nails located higher up on your dog’s forelimb paw and don’t touch the ground). All dogs have dew claws on their forelimbs, with some dogs even having dew claws on their hind limbs. These hind limb dew claws are often much smaller than a normal toe and are even more prone to becoming over grown or being traumatised.

Nail trimming is a job that needs to be done carefully as it is very easy to hurt a dog if you trim too closely. The ‘quick’ of the nail is where the nerves and vessels are located, if the nail is cut too short and the quick is trimmed it will start to bleed. Many veterinarians, veterinary nurses and groomers are able to trim your dog’s nails for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself at home.

Fur trimming

Dog breeds that don’t shed hair such as Maltese, Shih Tzus, Poodles and associated crosses have non-shedding coats which require regular grooming when their fur grows long. Other long hair dogs also benefit from fur trimming, especially in warmer months or if they start to develop areas of matted fur.

Grooming for cats

Unlike dogs, cats don’t need as much grooming as they tend to be quite meticulous in looking after their own hygiene. Regular grooming or brushing helps increase the bond between you and your cat and gets them used to being handled. It also helps remove dead fur which reduces the risk of fur balls when they self-groom. Some cats require clipping of their coat, which should be performed by a professional groomer and if sedation is required will require a veterinarian to be involved.

Grooming for rabbits

Like cats, rabbits will self-groom and if kept with other rabbits they will groom each other. Rabbits also benefit from regular grooming, particularly when they are shedding their coat. It is also important to ensure that your rabbit does not develop mats or dags (fur containing urine or faeces) around their genitals, as if your rabbit is kept outdoors these dags are enticing areas for flies and can lead to fly strike which can be deadly. Some breeds of rabbits, such as Angoras, will require regular shaving which should be performed by a professional groomer.

What does grooming a dog include?

When it comes to grooming dogs, they need a bath, nail clipping/grinding, brushing, hair cutting, ear cleaning, blow-drying, etc. When done professionally, grooming can do wonders for them!

But why do dogs need a bath?

Baths are important for a dog’s overall health. It is the most basic requirement of general pet care. Dogs need regular baths to clean their skin & coat off the dust & debris they accumulate over time. A bath removes hair that is shedding, rids them of the odour & cools them down. In fact, water-based activities like bathing & swimming are amazing ways to soothe the summer itch. Dog parents must make it a point to bathe their dogs in the summer months.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Generally, a dog’s bath session depends on its breed, coat & climate. But as a thumb rule, dogs can be given a bath once in 15-20 days. This may also vary if your dog has been prescribed topical skin treatment. In such a case, please consult your vet about the bathing schedule. Also, if your dog is a regular swimmer, the need to give them a bath also reduces.

How to train your dog to enjoy the bath?

Dog parents often face difficulties in two steps of grooming. Nail cutting & dog baths! While we recommend nail cutting to be done by a professional groomer, dog baths can definitely be made more enjoyable for them! Dogs should have a positive association with baths. Feed some treats before & after the baths, bring their favorite toys along & take it slow. Reward them for being calm. Gently stroke their head & body to calm them down. The temperature of the water should not be too high or too low. Keep it gentle!

Why is grooming a dog at home important?

Grooming should be a positive experience for dogs. It can be discomforting for them to visit a new place. The best way to groom dogs at home is by a professional grooming team. This way, they will have a positive experience with nail cutting, nail clipping, cleaning, etc. Apart from professional grooming, you can also groom your dog by gently brushing their coat. Regular brushing ensures that their coat remains healthy & shiny. It gets rid of the dirt & if done right, can be an enjoyable experience for dogs.

Do’s and Don’ts of grooming dogs at home 

1. Use the right brush for grooming. The brushes vary as per the breed & coat of the dog.
2. If your dog is not used to nail clipping or nail trimming, then don’t do it on your own. Take the help of professional groomers.
3. Use treats to make the grooming a happy experience.
4. If you have a puppy, then start slow. Don’t scare the puppy!
5. Clean the paws, ears, tail, nails. Be careful while handling the eye region.
6. Use only vet-approved products like shampoos, anti-tick spray, etc.

Brushing different breeds of dogs 

As mentioned, different types of breeds have different coats. They need different kinds of brushes for grooming. For example, a Shih Tzu generally has soft hair but is prone to tangling. They will require different sets of grooming products.

Short & smooth-haired dogs can be groomed by using a grooming glove. Whereas dogs with medium to long-haired coats will need combs & brushes with long bristles. Grooming also depends on the kind of coat a dog has.

How does the ‘coat’ affect a dog’s grooming?

A dog’s coat affects their grooming procedure. But before that, let’s understand the terminologies & the difference between “single-coated dogs” & “double-coated dogs.”

1. Single-coated dogs – A dog with a single, hard-layered, coarse hair coat with no soft coat beneath is a single-coated dog. So if you are a parent to a Rajapalayam, Great Dane, Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Poodle, Maltese, Chihuahua, etc, you have a single coated dog.

A Chihuahua is a single-coated dog

1. Double-coated dogs – A dog with a double coat will have a hard-layered, coarse hair coat on the outside but if you part their upper coat, you will find a softer layer of hair. This layer is called the undercoat. So if you are a parent to an Indian Pariah, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Dachshund, Pug, Labrador, Indian Spitz, Rottweilers, Chow Chow, Husky, Labrador, Pomeranian, etc, you have a double-coated dog. 

A Golden Retriever is a double-coated dog

The kind of coat your dog has will decide the amount of hair clipping, cutting & shaving. A single-coated dog can have their hair clipped, close trimmed but should not be completely shaved down as they only have one coat to protect them. Regardless, they need a regular trim to keep the growth of the coat in check. Don’t worry, their hair will grow back the way it was.

But when it comes to a double-coated dog, shaving a dog is a big no-no! A double-coated dog should not be shaven down to the skin. The coat serves a purpose. It keeps them cooler in summers & warmer in the winter season. Getting rid of the coat will do more harm than good.

Is shaving a dog a safe practice in grooming?

No. Shaving double-coated dogs like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Chow Chows, Huskies, Labradors, Pomeranians, etc will be a nightmare for them. Here’s a list of why it shouldn’t be done –

1. It will not help them cool down in the summers. Instead, it will make the heat unbearable for them.
2. Shaving a dog increases the risk of sunburn, bug bites, etc. Prolonged exposure to the sun might end up causing skin cancer.
3. Constant discomfort will cause itching that may lead to redness, scratches & injuries.
4. Their fur can become permanently damaged. So much so that there is a chance that it might never grow back completely.
5. Shaving will not decrease the amount of shedding. It is a natural process with its own advantages that can’t be avoided.
6. Shaving a dog, be it shaving a Golden Retriever or shaving a German Shepherd will not reduce allergies, ticks, or mites.
7. The psychological effects of shaving a dog are real. They can feel shy, underconfident & may end up skipping their meals, water & playtime.

If not full body shave, what can be done?

Since shaving a dog is forbidden, you can follow these grooming steps to keep the coat healthy & your dogs happy –

1. Brush and comb them every day for at least 20 minutes. This will remove all the tangles.
2. Plan a weekend bath using smoothening shampoo.
3. Feed them with food like buttermilk, frozen chicken stock cubes, frozen fruits,  watermelon, muskmelon that will keep them cool.
4. Book a professional grooming appointment at least once a month.

So the next time you try to google “shaving a german shepherd” or “shaving a golden retriever”, please remember that they are double-coated dogs & shaving them should be avoided. Leave it to the professional grooming team. They will take care of your baby. Because grooming a dog is not just a profession, it is an art!

 

Do’s

1. Groom your pet routinely

Due to lack of regular grooming, some dogs can have severe mats and skin issues, which you may not see immediately. Certain dog breeds especially long-haired breeds including Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Pomeranians need to be brushed frequently. Be gentle while brushing and try to remove knots and tangles consistently to prevent dreadlocks. Nails should be clipped, as well. Overgrown nails are uncomfortable and trimming those can be distressing and awkward for your canine. At the point when your pet is feeling awkward, they are less prone to cooperate.

2. Show patience with your dog

Some dogs become anxious during grooming, so handle them with extra care and ensure that you’ve saved a lot of time for the prepping meeting. Go on gradually and give close consideration to what you are doing and how your dog is responding. Watch for indications of stress, like shuddering, crying, or panting that is not heat-related, and take breaks if necessary. Be extra careful when using scissors and nail and hair trimmers. In this case, your canine will be in a general frenzy and will not stop, groom your pet more frequently, at least once every week, and simply practice small grooming sessions. When cutting your canine’s nails, simply do a couple at once. . Try to make it a pleasant experience for them, offer some treats and pats to praise them. With time and patience, your pet will get comfortable with the cycle and feel wonderful.

3. Pick a protected, sufficiently bright spot for grooming

You should have the option to perceive what you are doing, and you likewise need a protected, non-slippery surface with the goal that your pet does not slip and fall. Try not to tie your dog during preparing—that will only make him fearful and can prompt horrible mishaps. Obviously, on the off chance that they love being brushed, brush them anyplace and as regularly as could be expected—this will also provide you time to bond with your dog. You can even utilize brushing as an award after a grooming session that they don’t really enjoy.

4. Utilize professional canine care equipment

Talking about brushing, it’s necessary to do some research on the kind of brush that is suitable for your dog before buying. It depends on the type of coat and skin of your pet. Different types of brushes are available in the market nowadays like slicker, pin, bristle brushes for different breeds. If you are using the right kind of brush your dog will surely enjoy grooming but if there is any sign of pain and discomfort them might be because of the wrong brush. Additionally, ensure the nail trimmers, scissors, hair trimmer, are of good quality. In case you are uncertain, seek for veterinarian’s advice or ask a professional groomer for ideas.

5. Be careful that long-haired or two-fold covered varieties require broad upkeep

Long-haired breeds like Shih Tzus, Apsos, golden retrievers, poodles, and other fluffy dogs look beautiful and elegant if properly groomed. Without regular grooming, these dogs can rapidly acquire mats on different parts of their bodies, for example, behind the ears, behind the front legs, and before the rear legs. Regularly check your pet’s coat. It’s beneficial for these dogs to cut long hair on their paws before the nail clipping.

Don’ts

1. Try not to restrain your dog by grasping his fur

Avoid tying your dog during grooming and instead use another hand who can hold your pet gently and calm him down especially while using scissors and trimmers.

2. Try not to use scented cleanser

Perfumed shower items can bother canines’ skin and noses. Pick an unscented cleanser from a pet store or from a pet website.

3. Try not to bathe your dog time and again

Give your dog a shower just when it is necessary, for example, when they’ve got filthy or foul by moving in something—bathing your dog frequently strips skin’s natural oils and can cause skin and temperature-regulating issues. Ensure shower time happens on a sunny day, and dry him thoroughly after bathing, as washing on a cold day may cause the dog’s temperature to drop or cause skin issues due to a wet coat. Towel-dry your dog and dry him in the morning sunlight, can also blow-dry but the sound of the dryer can be disturbing to them and furthermore cause them to overheat.

4. Try not to overpower your dog by attempting to do a lot in one grooming session

Your dog grooming plan may incorporate a shower, hair trimming, nail clipping, tooth brushing, and the sky is the limit from there, do not wrongly attempt to accommodate this all into one sitting. Divide all the grooming tasks and perform frequent and short grooming sessions.

The dos of dog grooming at home

• Use a handheld shower: a handheld regulates the flow of water and introduces it gradually
• Use lukewarm water: experts suggest dipping your elbow into the water to test the temperature, much like one would when bathing a baby
• Start at the head and work your way backwards to the legs and body
• Be careful around your dog’s ears, eyes, and paws
• Assess for lumps, bumps, skin irritation, and debris
• Take your dog to a professional groomer if you’re unsure
• Reward your dog with treats:  Some dogs need help keeping focus during washing and brushing at home, and more anxious dogs can benefit from the naturally calming effects of licking.

The don’ts of dog grooming at home

• Use human shampoo: experts stress the use of certified dog shampoos only; human shampoos have different pH levels and could cause skin issues and harm your dog’s eyes
• Bathe your dog too often: overwashing can lead to skin irritation
• Use hot water
• Get water down your dog’s ear canal: this could lead to infection
• Rush: your pup certainly wouldn’t appreciate shampoo residue
• Get shampoo in your dog’s eyes
• Attempt hair clipping, ear plucking, anal glands, or nail clipping:experts advise dog owners to leave the clippings and pluckings to professionals.

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

Image-Courtesy-Google

Reference-On Request.