All dogs require grooming. We recommend that everyone spent some time grooming their dog in order to keep them healthy, happy, and clean!

Here are some basic dog grooming tips to help you get started:

1. Bathing
Your dog should get a bath at least every few months. You may be thinking: “That isn’t nearly enough for mine!” You’re probably right. Some dogs require more frequent baths depending on their time spent outside, allergies, skin sensitivity, and tendency to get dirty.

2. Brushing
We highly recommend that everyone take the time to brush their dog, even if they have an easily-manageable coat. This will help keep their hair free of tangles, matting, and dirt– and it also helps disperse their natural oils! For recommendations on what type of brush your dog’s hair requires, ask your pet groomer! This is also a great time to check your dog for fleas, skin irritation, bumps, and more.

3. Oral Care
Yes, your dog should have its teeth brushed, too. Tooth brushing, maintaining a healthy diet, and chew toys can help your dog maintain good oral hygiene. Similar to how we can experience gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss, so can dogs! For suggestions, ask your vet!

4. Ear Care
Do your dog’s ears get waxy? There’s only one way to find out. You should check their ears regularly to ensure they’re clean– just make sure not to insert anything while cleaning them. If your dog has a lot of inner-ear hair or earwax built up, they should have their ears checked more often.

5. Nail Trimming
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed when they’re just about to touch the ground. They shouldn’t be clicking against hard surfaces, getting snagged on fabrics, or starting to curl. Depending on their activity level and where they’re walking or running around, you may need to trim their nails as often as weekly.

6. Paw Care
While you’re taking time to trim your dog’s nails, take a look at their paw pads! Checking their feet is important to ensure they’re in good shape for walks, playtime, running– all of daily life. Watch for signs of injuries, infections, or small objects lodged between their pads or toes. Your dog may also require a hair trim to remove excess from between their toes.

If you have questions about at-home pet grooming, ask your vet or your professional groomer. Dog grooming is an important responsibility that can help your dog avoid common health issues. These simple practices can help keep your best fur-riend living healthy, happy, and comfortable!