Grooming your dog is not just to make them look good. Periodic grooming gets rid of dead hair, ensures a healthy coat and healthy skin and it also gives you the chance to check on your dog’s health. In addition to that, grooming is a time to bond and build your relationship with your dog. There has been scientific studies proving that grooming reduces stress and blood pressure for both you and your dog.

Duration to grooming

Whether your dog’s coat is long or short, coarse or fine, it requires attention. Veterinarians generally recommend that you groom your dog daily, this prevents tangles and also reduces shedding of hair.

Grooming essentials

What you’ll need is a special brush for your dog. Take a double sided brush, one side with soft bristles and the other a pinhead. For dogs with lengthy hair, you might require a comb with broad teeth and a 90-degree incline amidst teeth and hold. Combs are essential in getting rid of thickened mats. Another important tool is the ‘rubber grooming mitt’. These mitts feel like vigorous petting to the dog, and they enjoy it.

How to Groom

Firstly, start by using your fingers to loosen matted hair from the skin. Using scissors to remove tangles is not recommended. When doing the area surrounding your dog’s head, neck, anus, legs and their base, and lower abdomen, use a comb for a safe and comfortable choice. The best way to use a comb is to brush with the grain. When pulling loosened hairs from your dog’s coat, use rubber grooming mitts, as their dull-tipped rubber ‘teeth’ is optimal for the job.

Clipping the coat

In some cases, clipping your dog’s coat is required. This is in cases where the matts appear very bulky and it becomes impossible to remove them painlessly by hand. Your dog will be grateful, especially in the hot weather. If you have any doubts or wish to learn more about how to groom your dog, ask a professional groomer. There are other rational reasons as to why you should clip your dog’s coat, such as for hygiene and keeping hair out of your dog’s eyes. However, clipping in some situations is not the best choice, such as when dealing with dogs who have long hair between their toes.

Professional grooming

Grooming may be difficult in some dogs as they have pervasive matts or snarl. If untreated, they may speed up the matting of nearby hairs. Sometimes it may be better to regularly visit a professional groomer, if your dog has a challenging coat, enjoys a regular swim in the pool, or if you would rather spend your time walking instead of brushing. A great groomer will offer a relaxing bath, pleasing hair drying and a complete brushing. You’d be surprised at what you can learn by asking a few questions too.

There are some breeds such as poodles and Bichon Fraises, which do not moult normally and need periodic professional grooming.