Tips for Grooming Your Pet

Dog Grooming. Short coated dogs, like Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers, do not need a large amount of grooming, but plan on brushing your dog weekly. A “shedding blade” or mitt-type brush can work well for these types of coats. When bathing your dog, a rubber, nubby bathing brush works well to get some of that loose hair off the dog. If you want to keep your bathroom clean, you can always go to a “do-it-yourself” dog wash in your area. Use the power blower to blow the dog off as much as possible. Most dogs do not mind this and the more hair left at the shop, the less on your carpet.

Thick-coated dogs such as Chow Chows and Samoyeds need much more regular brushing. A wire pad brush or a “coat rake” works well on these breeds. The rake resembles a garden rake and actually gets the deeper hair out. A key to these breeds is to brush the dog out completely before bathing the dog. If mats or thick hair is left on the dog and then you attempt to wash it, the dog will mat further causing you a big problem that has to be corrected by a groomer.

If you’re planning on clipping your dog’s fur, there are important steps you need to take. Make sure you buy the proper clippers, blades and equipment for your dog’s breed. A groomer can recommend the best equipment. Buy a quality professional clipper with good blades. If you attempt to go cheap and get an inexpensive clipper you could make the job much harder for yourself or you could even hurt your dog. No matter what the breed, the dog will need to be completely brushed out, free of all tangles and mats. The dog will then need to be bathed and dried completely. If you have a Poodle or Bichon Frise this will require the proper drying technique. After that is done you can begin to clip the dog. In the beginning, you can take your dog to a groomer and ask if you can watch. This way you can get a feel for the proper technique.