The number of people who own pets has increased for the last 30 years. According to most recent statistics, 66% of all US households have at least one pet. This growth in pet ownership is expected to continue.
Dogs are by far the most popular pets. They are loyal, friendly, and affectionate, so they make the perfect pets. But having a dog, or any pet, comes with certain responsibilities. Pets need to be trained and assimilated into the household as well as the society at large. Health and hygiene, similarly, are critical concerns.
Grooming and hygiene are important due to their close relation with general well-being. Keeping your dog clean is among the most significant ways you can keep your dog safe and healthy.
Grooming Your Dog Like A Pro At Home
The pet grooming industry is valued at $1.492 billion and is expected to grow to over $3 billion in the next decade.
Professional grooming services are not cheap. However, grooming your dog does not have to cost a lot if you are willing to make the effort and invest in grooming at home. It does not matter whether you own the best breeds of sighthounds hunting dogs or even breeds of small dogs, at-home grooming is sufficient to keep your dog clean and healthy.
Here are ways you can give your dog professional grooming services at home:
Daily Teeth Brushing
Many physical ailments begin with your dog ingesting something they are not supposed to. This includes eating bugs or parasites that may be on something your dog found outside while playing. 80% of dogs above the age of three experience some form of dental issues many of which can be prevented with good dental hygiene.
Dental hygiene is also linked to optimal gut functioning. This is why regularly brushing teeth is a necessary part of grooming.
Start your dog's day by cleaning their mouth thoroughly. You can use a toothbrush made for dogs. Just get in all the crevices by getting your dog to open wide. This should be done at least once daily.
You may struggle with vetting your dog to cooperate at first, but it will become a habit over time. Having their teeth brushed is not the most pleasant feeling, but remain consistent and your dog will get used to it.
Regular Baths
Bathing is essential to grooming. Dogs play outside and come into contact with dirt, dust, bugs, and other kinds of trash. Having an inquisitive dog is a good thing, but having them deep-cleaned after a long day outside is also very important.
As a dog owner, it is your decision how often to bathe your dog. If your dog is a homebody, keeps clean naturally, and does not have long fur, it is alright to bathe them once a week. Just bathe them when you feel they need one.
When it comes to the actual bath, it is best to take them outside or in a bathtub if you have one. Wet the fur completely and apply shampoo. It is better to use a shampoo that is made for dogs. If your dog has a skin condition, be sure to use products recommended by your vet.
Once you have lathered the shampoo or soap, you can clean out hard-to-clean areas. Use your hands or a soft bristle brush to clean the armpits, feet, neck, and any other area you feel needs extra attention.
Trimming The Fur
Unkempt or untamed fur not only looks bad, but it is also a health hazard. Fur over the eyes can seriously hamper your dog's vision and make them prone to accidents.
Trimming fur does not have to be difficult. You do not even need to be a professional to give your fog a decent haircut. All you need is a good pair of hair-cutting scissors and a good eye for following the natural shape of your dog's fur.
The best hack is to get your dog's fur trimmed just once professionally. Then, you can trim the same cut as soon as the fur grows slightly. You can preserve the same haircut at home through regular trimming.
Clipping Nails
Clipping nails as needed is also indispensable to good grooming. Dirt and other rubbish can get stuck in nails when they are grown. Your dog can seriously injure themselves or others with long nails.
You can easily get pet nail clippers and use them to keep your dog's nails in good shape. Just be very careful and make sure your dog remains calm and still during the process. You can use a nail file to neaten the edges if needed, but that is unnecessary.
Combing And Brushing The Fur
Haircare is not complete without frequent brushing and combing. Brushing the fur gets rid of shedding and it keeps the fur de-tangled. Using a fine-toothed comb also removes lice, bugs, or anything that may have gotten stuck in your dog's fur.
Depending upon your dog's fur type, whether it is straight, thick, or curly, you should get hair tools to suit your dog's fur. The right kind of brushes and combs will make your dog's fur shiny and soft.
Massaging Your Dog
Completing the full spa experience means massaging your dog. Massaging relaxes the muscles and softens them. It is a great way to treat your dog after a long day. Brushing also helps to massage the body, but you should also massage using your hands occasionally.
Professional groomers massage dogs to relax them. It also helps to redistribute the body's natural oils and her the blood flowing. This makes massaging excellent for encouraging skin and hair health.
Get Grooming
Grooming your dog does not have to cost much. It is not very difficult once you get the hang of it and your dog gets into a routine of getting groomed. Lack of proper grooming and hygiene is among the leading causes of dog disease.
Professional groomers have some great techniques, but there are a lot of online resources and tutorials you can find and copy at home. Invest in good tools, like proper brushes, shampoos, and combs, and use these appropriately to achieve the best results.
You can become your dog's best groomer since you are the person, they trust the most and most comfortable with.
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