The Dos and Don'ts for First-Time Home Pet Groomers
Many reasons force a dog owner to do the dog grooming on their own. They could be afraid of entrusting their dog’s grooming to strangers or are too far from the nearest clinic. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the things pet parents could typically do. Since a dog's hygiene should never be neglected, pet parents decide to take matters into their hands and do the grooming themselves.
Nothing is wrong with grooming a pet at home, but you should know the dos and don'ts of grooming as a responsible pet parent. Fortunately, you can use this list as a reference before you start your grooming project.
What You Should Do
- Know Your Dog Breed's Ideal Grooming Schedule and Do It Regularly
Just like humans, dogs can feel uncomfortable when they are not groomed properly. Failing to give them a bath, comb their hair, or trim their nails could result in them being irritable and experiencing uncomfortable skin problems.
Different breeds of dogs have different needs, so it is best to do your research or ask your veterinarian about their recommendations. For example, dogs with long hair need brushing often, or cutting out a dog's grown nails could feel too stressful for them.
- Make the Necessary Preparations
The first thing that you should secure is a well-lit place where you would conduct your grooming. That could help you see things better and avoid hurting your pet dog. Next, make sure that you use products and tools specifically made for them. You can always buy your dog grooming products and equipment from trusted pet stores or ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
- Be Calm and Relaxed
In case you are still not aware, dogs can easily recognize what you feel. Therefore, if you feel stressed or anxious, they would sense it. Do not panic and stay calm. If you need to do it slowly, then do so. It is better to start in a relaxed mode so you could both benefit from the experience.
To make you feel less worried, make sure you have your full attention to what you do and be extra careful. Do not forget to take breaks whenever necessary.
What You Should Not Do
- Do Not Rush
Nothing good comes out with rushed grooming, especially if it is your first time. Not all dogs are fans of the grooming sessions but taking your time to do it would be better than ending up injuring them in the process.
Pro Tip: Make sure that you give your dog a treat every time they allow you to groom them. That could help encourage them in the subsequent sessions.
- Do Not Try to Do Many Things at Once
Grooming involves a lot of things. There is bath time, brushing the fur, eye and ear cleaning, nail trimming, brushing teeth, and more. You know you only want to keep your dog clean as much as you can, but do not attempt to do them all at once. Your dog can feel overwhelmed too. The best you can do is ask your veterinarian for their recommended grooming schedule breakdown so that the experience would not be traumatic for your pet.
Conclusion
Grooming is essential for dogs, but it could be challenging, especially when done by a non-professional groomer. While these tips could help you, the most important thing you should never forget is to know your limitations. Even though you have good intentions, there are things that you can do and some things that are only meant for a professional groomer.
Should you need a mobile dog groomer for your pet in Marysville and nearby areas, feel free to contact us at Earthwise Pet Nutrition Center & Wellness Spa. We are a group of certified pet dietitians and pet nutrition specialists who assist pet parents in caring for their fur babies. Contact us today to book an appointment!