Dog Grooming 101

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Dog Grooming 101

Dog Rescue & Adoption Articles

Written by Melissa Halvorsen

Understanding how to properly care for and clean your dog is an important step towards good pet stewardship. Many people assume that dogs essentially groom themselves. In the case of wild dogs this is true. However, because of human interference with the dog’s natural form (aka “breeding”), most of our loyal pets require a little human help and grooming to stay healthy.

The Brush

The most vital dog grooming tool is a brush that works with your dog’s particular coat. Dogs with smooth, silky hair like spaniels and many toy breeds require a soft-bristled brush. Hounds and other dogs with short, smooth coats need a hound glove or rubber brush (like the popular Zoom Groom) that uses static electricity to gather hair. Terriers and other dogs with coarse, wiry hair require a stripping brush that will pull out the dead hair from the dense undercoat. Stripping can be tricky, so you should ask a professional groomer to show you when and how it is done. Dogs with medium to thick coats like German shepherds, Saint Bernards, border collies, and Labs benefit from a standard stiff-bristled brush.

Most dogs benefit from daily brushing and grooming. Grooming is a social activity, and most dogs enjoy spending time with their humans while they are brushed. When you groom your dog’s coat, you distribute natural oils that keep hair shiny and protected from the elements. Even dogs like poodles that don’t shed need a daily brushing to remove dirt and other debris from their fur.

The Bath

The most common mistake dog owners make when bathing their pooches, especially with larger, more rugged breeds like retrievers and herding dogs, is using the garden hose. Think about it. Would you enjoy being tied up and sprayed with icy cold water? Okay, maybe you would if you were a Lab, but the majority of dogs are traumatized by this sort of hack and slash bath.

To create a bath that you dog will tolerate, if not enjoy, you’ll need the following supplies:

Warm (but never hot) water and something to hold it. If you have a small dog, you can use your sink or bathtub. Larger dogs may require a kiddy pool or similar container filled from the hose and left in the sun to warm for a few hours.
Dog shampoo and a bucket of warm water to dilute it in. Never use shampoo meant for humans or liquid dish soap. Dog shampoos are made with ingredients that are safe and won’t over dry your dog’s skin.
A large sponge or rag.
A jug or shower attachment.
A brush or comb that can get wet.
Old towels to dry your dog with.
An assistant to provide a second set of hands.

Once you have all your equipment together, coax your dog into the water (or place him there if you can lift him) and give him a few minutes to adjust. Begin by using the shower attachment or jug to rinse your dog with warm water. Dilute some dog shampoo in your bucket and use your sponge or rag to massage it into your dog’s coat, paying particular attention to dirty areas like the belly, legs, and behind. Gently rinse your dog thoroughly and use your comb or brush to remove hair loosened by the water. Dry your dog with towels. If your dog will tolerate it, you can use a hairdryer to speed things up. Once he is dry, thoroughly comb or brush your dog again to redistribute the natural oils in his coat.

The Clip

If you have the stomach for it, you can safely clip most dogs’ hair at home with sharp grooming scissors or an electric shaver designed for dog grooming. Long-haired breeds that shed regularly, like golden retrievers, need minimal clipping, usually just the hair around the ears, eyes, toes, and under the tail. Dogs that don’t shed like schnauzers can benefit from an all over clip with an electric shaver. If you don’t know how to clip your dog’s hair, ask your vet or a trusted professional groomer to show you how.

The Teeth

Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth cleaned daily. Many people try brushing their dog’s teeth once and give up in despair, but with persistence and the right tools, you can establish a daily dental hygiene routine. The secret to successful dog dentistry is using flavored toothpaste designed to appeal to dogs. Once your pup realizes that the toothbrush equals a tasty treat, she’ll be more willing to submit. You should also use a toothbrush specifically designed for dogs. A lot of dog chews and toys claim to brush your dog’s teeth, and they do help, but no toy is a substitute for daily tooth brushing.

The Nails

One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of at home dog grooming is trimming your dog’s nails. Even the most considerate, careful owner will likely draw blood every now and then when clipping her dog’s nails. Often, dog owners will be so nervous they will take their dogs into the vet or groomer to have their nails trimmed. This option is available, but it can be expensive and stressful for your dog. Follow the steps below to take the fear out of trimming your dog’s nails.

Gather together everything you need: some dog treats, an old towel, your dog’s favorite blanket, some quick stop powder (or ordinary cornstarch), and nail clippers in the right size for your dog. You may also need an assistant.
Accustom your dog to having her feet handled. Offer her treats while you play with her paws. Show your dog the clippers and let her get used to having them near. Once your dog is comfortable, lightly tap the clippers on your dog’s nails. Continue offering treats throughout the process.
If your dog won’t settle down or tries to nip, wrap her gently but snugly in her favorite blanket. It is essential to remain calm or your dog will pick up on your anxiety.
Gently hold your dog’s foot and use your fingers to extend her nails. If you are lucky, you dog will have clear nails that allow you to see the quick (the pink area inside the nail). Trim only the tips of your dog’s nails. You can always go back and trim more if your need to.
If your dog has dark nails, gently run the edge of the clippers along the underside of the nail. You will feel the clippers catch slightly where the quick ends. Once you feel the clippers catch, move them a little further towards the end of the nail and make the cut.
If you cut the quick, your dog will most likely cry and there will be a lot of blood. The injury seems much worse than it is, and the best thing you can do is remain calm and reassure your dog. Take some quick stop or cornstarch and pack it into the nail. Hold an old towel around the dog’s foot and use your fingers to put direct, firm pressure on the end of the bleeding nail. Depending on the size of your dog and how bad the cut is, you may need to apply pressure for as long as ten minutes. Don’t worry, a few more treats and your dog will forget it ever happened.

Eyes and Ears

Wild dogs tend to have clear eyes and short, erect ears, but thanks to human intervention, many of our pets have long drooping ears and eyes that are prone to infection. Dogs with loose flews (or lips), like mastiffs, tend to have loose skin around their eyes as well, leaving them prone to infection. Use a cotton ball soaked in warm water or special eye wipes for dogs to clean the area around the eyes regularly. Many toy breeds weep, leaving brown stains beneath their eyes. This is usually due to a blocked tear duct. While not life threatening, blocked tear ducts can lead to eye infections if not cleaned regularly. Long-eared dogs like basset hounds need their ears cleaned regularly with ear wipes or cotton balls. Never use cotton swabs in a dog’s ears. If your dog is particularly smelly, a buildup of earwax may be to blame. Try cleaning her ears and see if her odor improves.

Professional Dog Grooming

While most breeds of dogs require minimal effort when it comes to dog grooming, some breeds, like Yorkshire terriers, Afghan hounds, and poodles, require hours of grooming attention. For dogs like this, the services of a professional dog groomer are usually more convenient than trying to groom the dog yourself. Look for the following qualities in a good professional dog groomer.

The groomer is always kind and patient with the dogs she is grooming.
The groomer doesn’t use sedatives to keep dogs quiet unless directed by a veterinarian.
The groomer is familiar with your breed of dog and has worked with similar dogs before.
The groomer only uses products specifically designed for dogs.
The groomer’s shop is clean and calm. A lot of noisy, barking dogs are a sign that the groomer is taking on more work than is good for the animals.

The most important thing to remember when looking for a professional dog groomer is that you have the right to inspect the groomer’s shop (or van if the groomer is part of a mobile unit). Don’t hesitate to ask if you can stay for the entirety of your dog’s first visit to the groomer. If the groomer says no, be ready to go somewhere else. Be sure to drop in on your groomer unexpectedly from time to time to make sure your dog is being treated the way you want. Once you establish a good relationship with a professional dog groomer, be sure to show your appreciation of her service with adequate tips, just like you would your own hairdresser.

Master these dog grooming basics, and many of the most common dog owner complaints, like dogs that smell or shed too much, will disappear. Not only will your dog be healthier and happier, but the two of your will become closer as your engage in one of nature’s oldest and most primal bonding rituals: the daily groom.

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