Dog grooming: our top 5 products in 2024
No matter how often you groom your dog, it's crucial to get the right equipment and products. If you don't use the right accessories, it could harm your dog's health and well-being.
To ensure a pleasant and soothing grooming experience, buy a dog clipper that is adapted to your dog's hair type. Choose one that is quiet and won't scare your pet, especially when shaving sensitive areas. You should also have a brush to remove tangles and dead hair. For a flawless blow-dry, there are even models that combine a brush with an electric drier.
Shampoo with a pH level suitable for dog skin is also necessary. Don't forget the claw trimmer, which is a must-have grooming tool. Finally, get a table that is the same height as you to sit your dog on.
Do you want to start grooming your pet yourself? You'll save money by not having to take them to the groomer. Take a look at the comparison we've put together to help you make the best choice when it comes to dog grooming equipment.
Summary
What's the point of grooming your dog yourself?
Grooming your dog yourself allows you to spend quality time with your dog while saving money on professional services. Grooming requires some practice, and the first few sessions may be a little bumpy. However, your bond with your pet will become stronger, and they will begin to trust you more and more.
You can groom your dog anytime you want if you do it yourself. You don't have to wait for a grooming session to clean your dog's ears, remove hairballs, or trim their nails.
How often should I groom my dog?
It is not recommended to wash your dog too often. Bathing your pet too regularly can hurt both their skin and coat. Over time, the shampoos could affect the special film that protects the skin, causing dryness, itching, and irritation.
As a result, grooming your dog every 3 to 4 weeks is advisable. If you stick to this bathing schedule, your dog will have a beautiful, healthy coat free of skin conditions.
Some dogs, on the other hand, can be washed more often. For example, pollution might soak into your pet's coat and dull it if you live in the city. In this case, you can groom your dog about every two weeks using dry shampoo.
You can give your dog a bath if they smell bad after rolling in the mud, being too hot or if their coat has been in contact with toxic substances. In any case, brush your dog every day when they are moulting to eliminate dead hair and improve blood circulation.
How do you groom your dog yourself?
To groom your dog yourself, place them on a table at your height. This will make it easier for you to handle your dog without hurting your back. You can also groom your pet outside on a balcony or in the garden. This will keep their hair from getting hair all over the house! During the first few sessions, show them the trimmer, let them get used to the noise and sniff it. This will allow them to get used to the machine and reassure them when you put the clippers on their back.
At the same time, talk to your dog and stroke them to make them feel at ease. For aesthetics, use the same cutting head for the animal's whole body so that all the hair is of the same length.
How do I trim my dog's hair?
To trim your dog's hair, choose a clipper designed for your pet's hair type, such as short, long, or curly hair. Then, clip their hair in parallel strips, starting from the shoulders and moving down to the tail.
Next move on to the harder-to-reach areas, such as the belly and armpits. Some spots are more sensitive than others, such as the area behind the ears, the hair around the eyes, and the area surrounding the nipples in females. Do not be afraid to clip some hairs with scissors to achieve the best result.
What dog grooming equipment should I use?
Buy a special dog clipper, which allows you to shave even the most sensitive areas gently. Also, opt for small scissors to trim around the eyes and nipples.
You'll also need a nail clipper, wipes to clean the eyes and ears, and a brush to remove dead hair.
You should also consider buying a comb to remove knots from the fur regularly.
Is dog grooming the same for all types of animals?
No, the grooming method varies based on the type of hair, the sensitivity of the skin, and the animal's lifestyle. Some dogs have a particularly oily coat that requires specific products. Short-haired dogs do not need the same level of attention as long-haired animals. Brushing is unnecessary for dogs with curly hair, such as poodles.
Also, if your dog has skin problems, you will need to wash him with specially designed products, which would not be suitable for a dog with a dry coat.
Finally, young dogs need to be groomed more frequently than older pets, as they have a more active lifestyle and get dirty more often.