After stumbling and crashing over furniture, your dog is finally in your arms. Now, the fun part – home grooming your dogs.
It’s relatable and it’s okay. That’s why you’re reading this during the Covid-19 pandemic – we’re all trying to surf along some turbulent waves of life. In such times, we are here for each other and yes, together we can laugh and even learn some grooming tips along the way.
As a professional groomer, I have a few tips for home grooming dogs:
1. Shaving with a clipper:
A pet’s coat is shaved with a clipper – this is very similar to the electric device that a barber uses for a buzz cut. Most pet clippers come with a # 10 blade – this shaves a pet bald and is used mostly for sanitary areas.
For home grooming dogs, it is a good idea to use a clip comb over the #10 blade.
Clip-combs act as a guard preventing direct contact between the blade and the pet’s skin. You may purchase different sized clip-combs depending on how long you wish to keep the hair. however, never force the clipper through the coat if there is too much resistance.
If the pet’s coat is matted, it is best to wait for your groomer to work through this kind of coat condition.
2. Trimming with alligator scissors:
What are alligator scissors? They look like regular scissors except the blades are serrated like alligator teeth. But before you Google these scissors – they are actually more formally known as thinning shears .
Now, if you absolutely must trim your dog’s hair – thinning shears give a more textured cut. One snip with straight sheared scissors leaves harsh chop marks in the coat. However, thinning shears leave a more natural and layered trim.
PRO TIP: For safety, it is recommended to use a comb to lift the hair up and away from the pet’s skin – then trim only the hair that runs past the comb. In this way, the comb sets a length and acts as a protective guard over the pet’s skin.
3.Tools for shedding coats:
There’s a whirlwind of shedding hair from your pet – now what? Of course, as camouflage you could always just buy furniture that match your pet’s coat. However, you’re here for grooming tips and not another reason to shop at Ikea.
For long haired dogs such as Huskies, German Shepherds, and Collies – there are de-shedding tools.
Look for an undercoat rake or Furminator brush. These tools have metal ends that are perfect for catching onto clumps of shedding hair.
CAUTION: Be careful with how much pressure you apply when using these tools. As a test, brush your wrist with these tools to get a feel of how much pressure to apply on your own pet.
4.Oatmeal is the real deal :
Yes, dog’s and cats can condition their hair too. Have you seen pet food commercials? Those dogs and cats probably condition. Conditioning your pet’s hair can help untangle thick curls and soften heavy coats.
There are many great pet conditioners but personally, I recommend an oatmeal based conditioner – it works wonders to maintain a beautiful coat.
5. A Rubber Curry :
For anyone ordering this online – please note, it’s NOT a rubber duck or curry duck – it’s called a Rubber Curry. Though it sounds like a great rapper name, it’s actually a rubber brush with solid rubber bristles.
It fits comfortably into the hand to rub along your pet’s coat. As a test, rub t this brush against your own skin – it works as a great massager. Best of all, the the Rubber Curry works as an effective de-shedding brush for short-haired shedding dogs.
Examples of breeds that benefit from the Rubber Curry include Rottweilers, Daschunds, and Mastiffs.
PRO TIP: To avoid a messy job, brush your pet outside or in the bathtub.
6. A Slicker brush :
If your pet is matted, avoid trimming out any mats with scissors – this is dangerous and scary. Matting can stick closely to the pet’s skin and a pair of scissors can accidentally snip into skin. Instead, try and break up the mats and knots with a hard-slicker brush. These brushes have lots of thin hooked bristles.
PRO TIP: To effectively use a slicker brush, use a pat and pull motion to break apart thick knots.
7. Peanut butter Warning
It has come to my attention that a shocking nail-trimming trend has begun. This viral trend showcases people smearing peanut butter on their cling-wrapped head. Then, while the dog licks at the peanut butter, the owner trims the nails of the distracted dog. It’s okay to smear peanut butter on your head wrapped with cling-wrap if you’re trimming your OWN toe nails. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to leave the pets out of this peanut butter trend.
Accidents can happen. With or without smeared peanut butter , it’s never a good idea to bring your face that close while trimming a pet’s nails. A pet may instinctively bite your face, if sudden fear or pain jolts their nerves.
Remember, for nail trims – always have someone help restrain and calm the pet.
8. Comb daily
Pets can wake up with bed hair too – it knots, it tangles and it covers their whole body. It doesn’t matter if you own a treasure chest of brushes or pretty bows – you may need a comb. Brushes often have thick bristle ends that seem to smooth out a pet’s coat but it’s very superficial.
PRO TIP: Though You may use brushes to fluff out your pet’s coat – it does help break up tangles and knots, but always finish off with a comb.
The comb reaches down to the base of hair strands and is more thorough at picking up tangles, knots and maybe even a piece of Lego.
– By Nikita King, Certified Pet Groomer