Grooming is a big part of keeping dogs healthy and happy. The proper grooming equipment can make the process easy for pets and their parents.
For example, brushes can remove tangles and promote blood flow to the skin. And a hair clipper with different blade lengths helps groomers handle all sizes of dogs.
Brushes
Grooming your dog’s coat is vital to keeping it healthy and looking its best. Brushing fends off matting and prevents dirt from becoming embedded in the fur. Many groomers use a de-matting tool to break apart heavy mats and tangles. A shedding blade may also be helpful during your pup’s natural shed cycle, although it should be used cautiously because, if not used correctly, it can remove too much hair and possibly scratch your pet’s skin.
A comb is another essential grooming tool for most dogs. Professional groomers swear by these stainless-steel combs because they’re easy to clean and, help to remove tangles, dirt, loose hair, and even give short-haired breeds a beautiful shine. Many dogs dislike being brushed, so it’s essential to use patience and understand the dog’s signals when touching him—excessive panting or shaking are signs of stress. Groomers at Dog Wash Near Me recommend avoiding punishing your dog for these reactions, as they can lead to negative associations with grooming sessions.
Combs
Whether you’re grooming your dog or planning to become a professional, you need the right tools for the job. The right health grooming equipment at Activedogs.com can help prevent problems like tangles, excessive shedding, lousy breath, and overgrown nails. It can also make grooming your pet much more pleasant for you and your pup.
You may need different brushes or combs depending on your dog’s breed and coat type. A slicker brush removes dirt, tangles, and mats from long-haired dogs, while a rubber curry brush is ideal for shorter-haired breeds. It would help if you also had a wide-toothed comb for thick hair and a flea comb to remove fleas from your dog’s coat.
Some grooming tools, such as nail clippers or a styptic powder used to stop nail bleeding, can cause discomfort and distress in some dogs. It’s essential to take your time while using these tools and avoid making loud or sudden noises. Getting a dog accustomed to being handled and touched takes some time, exceedingly as simple as brushing or cleaning their ears.
Nail Clippers
Nail clippers are essential for keeping your dog’s nails and claws short. Long nails can cause your dog to walk with a splayed foot and reduce traction, which may lead to deformities of the feet or tendons over time.
Several nail clippers are available, each designed to suit different needs. Scissor-style clippers function like household scissors but have sturdier, shorter blades. These work well on all sizes of dogs, including those with thicker nails. ‘Guillotine’ nail clippers have one fixed and one moving blade that slices the pin when you squeeze the handles. These are good for avoiding cutting quickly but can be challenging to use on little or highly curved nails.
To make nail clipping a positive experience for your dog, start by having treats ready to reward him at every step. This will help to keep him calm and relaxed. It’s also a good idea to have a styptic powder handy in case you accidentally cut your dog’s quickly. The powder will stop the bleeding soon.
Ear Cleaners
Ear cleaning is essential to your dog’s grooming routine, especially for breeds with floppy ears. It’s necessary to clean them regularly to prevent wax buildup, which can lead to infection and itching. However, avoiding over-cleaning is essential, which can cause ear irritation and remove healthy ear tissue.
When you need to clean your dog’s ears, use a cleanser recommended by your vet and never pour liquid directly into the ear canal, as this can damage the ear drum. Instead, tilt the ear downward and squirt the cleaner into the ear, filling the trench to loosen up any gunk inside. Then, gently wipe the ear and the ear flap using cotton balls or gauze.
When you’re finished, thoroughly dry your dog’s ears, and give him affection and a treat. This will help to make the process less stressful for both of you. Remember that if your dog’s ears appear red and inflamed or smell yeasty, or he shakes his head frequently, this could indicate an ear infection, which requires treatment by a veterinarian under sedation.
Toothbrush
Although most dogs do not like brushing their teeth, veterinarians recommend doing it at least regularly. Dental care is crucial to your dog’s overall health, and brushing his teeth helps prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay.
Start with a finger toothbrush (a little rubber thimble-like covering that fits over your finger). Place the toothpaste in your dog’s mouth and then rub his teeth with the finger brush in short back-and-forth motions for about one minute. Repeat this process twice daily and gradually increase your time cleaning his teeth.
Once your dog is comfortable with this, use a pet-specific toothbrush with a long handle and angled head to better fit his mouth. Also, use pet-safe toothpaste – human toothpaste contains ingredients that may harm your pup. Dental chews are an excellent option for dental hygiene and are available in many flavors to keep your dog interested. They can replace wood sticks, which splinter and are a choking hazard for pets.