Dog Grooming at Home: Your Step-by-Step UK Guide for a Happy, Healthy Pup!
Let's be real: getting a professional groomer to do your dog is a great pampering day out, but it can add up quickly! Also, for some dogs, going to the dog groomer can be quite intimidating due to the unfamiliarity of the space and the strange new smells! What if I told you that with a few key dog grooming tools and a little bit of patience, you could keep your pooch looking tip-top from home?
At home grooming is about more than just saving some pennies (although it's a bonus!). It's a great way to spend time with your dog, learn about their body, and spot medical problems from the outset. Pampering for both of you is what it is!
As a dog owner and a dog groomer of my own dog, I have been through everything from muddy paws to completely lack of grooming (and tons of fluff) at home. This simple step by step guide provides insight and recommended dog grooming products UK dog owners recommend so that you can make dog grooming at home a success.
Eager to be your dog's personal stylist and spa therapist? Here we go!
Home Grooming: It's a Win-Win
Savings: You're paying someone to groom your dog a hefty sum, especially if you have a big dog or long fluffy hair!
Bonding: You're spending quality time with your dog that builds trust between you.
Health: You'll be looking at your dog's skin, ears, paws, and teeth regularly, so you can catch issues early on.
Dedication: Many dogs feel more comfortable in their own environment.
Less Shedding (in your home!): Keeping your dog brushed on a regular basis reduces the amount of fur tumbleweeds you're going to have.
Essential Dog Grooming Tools: You May Need (UK version!)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the steps, let's get your tools ready to go. Having the right tools will make all the difference!
1-Dog Shampoo - Dog shampoo, not human shampoo! (See our previous blog for the best dog shampoos UK).
2-Brushes and Combs - Depending on your dog's coat type, you'll probably need a few!
1-Slicker Brush - Perfect for detangling out knots and loose undercoat.
2-Pin Brush - A good option for longer and silkier longer coats.
3-De-shedding Tool (FURminator style) - Should have for double-coated breeds.
4-Metal Comb - For checking for tangles once you have brushed them.
3-Dog Nail Clippers or Grinder - Use what you are comfortable with.
Wahl Dog Nail Clippers with Safety Guard from Amazon UK - A highly regarded option in terms of safety.
4-Dog Clippers (Electric) - If you are going to give your dog frequent trims.
5-Blunt-Nosed Scissors - for trimming around their eyes, paws and sensitive areas.
6-Ear Cleaner (Dog specific):
7-Cotton Balls or Pads: For ears and general cleaning.
8-Towells: Lots!
9-Treats! Very important for positive reinforcement.
10-(Optional) Grooming Table: They are great for your back, and will also help to keep your dog still.
11-(Optional) Dog Hair Dryer: So much quicker than letting the dog dry on it's on, especially dogs with longer coats.
Your Home Grooming Guide: Step-by-Step Process
Let's break the grooming process down into simpler steps. Keep in mind that all grooming sessions should begin as positive experiences and that the sessions should be short when starting out.
Step 1: The Pre-Bath Brush & Detangle
This is arguably the most important step for a lot of breeds. Never wet a matted dog! Water just makes mats tighter and can only mean pain for the dog when mats have to be brushed out or removed.
What to do: Grab your slicker brush and/or de-shedding tool and work through your dog's entire coat. Ensure to pay close attention to "hot spots" that tend to tangle: behind the ears, "armpits," tail, and anywhere a harness rubs. If you notice any small knots, it is best to gently tease them out with your fingers or a metal comb. If you come across larger & stubborn mats, you may want to try to carefully snip them out with your blunt-nosed scissors (*pointing away from the skin, always!*)
Goal: A tangle-free coat that can be washed.
Step 2: Bath Time Joy (or organized chaos!)
Once brushed, it is bath time!
Preparation: Before you get started, you will need to gather all of your shampoo, towels, and a non-slip mat for the bathroom/shower. Don't forget some treats!
Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water. You should check the water temperature on the inside of your wrist - if it feels comfortable to you, it will probably be comfortable to your dog.
Washing: When your whole dog is wet, take dog shampoo and start on their neck and work your way down, avoiding eyes and ears. Lather all over your dog and massage shampoo into their skin.
Protect Eyes & Ears: When you wash the dog's face, use a damp cloth. If you have a floppy eared dog, you can loosely put cotton balls in their ears to keep water out (don't forget to remove).
Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! This is the most important step. If you have leftover shampoo, it can irritate their skin. Rinse again and again until the water is completely clear.
Drying: Squeeze the water out and then towel dry them completely. You can use a dog hair dryer on a cool setting (keep the dryer moving) for thick coat breeds; this will dry them quickly and reduce the risk of skin issues.
Step 3: Nail Trimming (Dun dun DUN!!!)
Many owners are uncommonly frightened of doing this, but regular nail trimming is critical for a dog's comfort and paw health. Cut too long, and they could experience pain and even skeletal issues.
Identify the Quick: Inside each and every nail, there is the "Quick" a blood vessel and nerve. Thus, if you cut into it, it will hurt and bleed. On light nails, it is pink. On dark nails, it is more challenging to see, so cut more tiny bits for your first cut.
How to cut: Take your hold of their paw firmly, and use sharp clippers for dogs. You can cut straight across, just before the quick. If you are using a nail grinder, take off small layers of nail at a time.
If you create bleeding: Don't Panic! Apply some sort of Styptic Powder or Corn Starch on the Quick and apply pressure. It normally stops bleeding rather quickly.
When to cut: If you hear nails clicking on the floor, it is time! For most dogs, every 2-4 weeks.
Check out: "Wahl Dog Nail Clippers with Safety Guard" on Amazon UK
Step 4: Ear Care
Regular ear inspections and cleaning can help prevent painful infections.
Inspect First: You may look for signs of ear infections, which are: redness, swelling, discharge, or a bad odour. If you do see these symptoms in your dog's ears, call your vet immediately!
Cleaning: You will clean dog's ears on a regular basis only if do not show any signs of infection mentioned above. Using a dog ear cleaning solution, put a recommended amount on a cotton ball designed for ears and wipe all parts of the visible inner ear flap. (Because the ear canal cannot be seen by humans, an alien may not tell you what is going on inside the ear, you will have to take it to the vet) NEVER INSERT ANYTHING INTO THE EAR CANAL!!! (Ear canal is over a foot long in most dogs)
Check out "Vet's Best Ear Relief Wash" on Amazon UK
Step 5: Eye Area & Paw Pad Trims
These small areas can have big benefits for comfort and hygiene.
Eyes; Remove the hair growing into their eyes with professional blunt-nosed grooming scissors. Always cut away from the eye (pointing scissors away from the eye).
Paw Pads; The hair between the dog's pads may trap dirt, pebbles, and cause slipping. Using small blunt-nosed scissors, you can trim the hair as flush as possible with the pad. You can also use clippers (like the Wahl mentioned earlier) to trim the hair flush with the pad.
Check out "Moontay Dog Grooming Scissors Set" on Amazon UK
Step 6: General Trim (If Required)
For those breeds that require a haircut (Poodle, Bichon, some Doodles etc.), this is where the clippers come into play.
Understand The Breed's Cut: Understand your dog's specific coat requirements. Watching YouTube tutorials for your breed is invaluable.
Take Your Time: Turn the clippers on before you even touch your dog so they can get used to the noise. Start with a longer guard comb than you think you need.
Follow The Direction Of Hair Growth: Do not press down hard. Take your time and stretch the skin when necessary (armpits etc).
Check out " Oneisall Dog Clippers from Amazon UK" - A new favorite of mine as they are a quiet and popular model (for home users).
Step 7: The Final Touches & Rewards!
You're almost done!
Paw Balm: If your dog's paws are dry or cracked from walking, a soothing paw balm will do the trick.
Check out "Paw to Paw Balm" on Amazon UK- A natural option that is made in the UK.
Dental Care: Not specifically part of "grooming" but a very important part of hygiene. Introduce a dog toothbrush and toothpaste (never human).
The Best Rewards! Lots of praise, snuggles, and their favorite treats. Make the experience a positive one so they will look forward to their next grooming session.
Dog grooming at home might seem overwhelming, but you can learn an easy-to-execute method for grooming at home with the right dog grooming tools UK pup parents use, a few practice runs, and by staying calm. You and your dog will not only look and feel awesome, but your connection will grow stronger as a loving pet parent. Happy grooming!
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