Top 7 Dog Grooming Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
With so many pet lovers seeking knowledge about how to groom their pets at home, having a reliable place to learn all that is required is essential. The reason for finding expert guidance is that many people unknowingly make mistakes during the grooming process which ultimately compromise dog's health and well-being. This article, therefore, will be sharing the mistakes pet owners make and how to solve them.
Ignoring Regular Brushing
Many dog owners do not follow the right brushing routine for their furry friends. This leads to matting, particularly in long-haired breeds and this can be so painful causing skin problems. Usually, brushing distributes the natural oils of the dog throughout his coat, removes dirt, and blocks tangles, thus preventing matting and maintaining the skin in good condition.
How to avoid
It is recommended to brush dogs at least once a week using a proper breed and coat-type brush. For breeds with long or thick coats, owners should consider daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats from forming. Always use light strokes and be patient when trying to work out stubborn knots.
Using the Wrong Brush
When the wrong brush is used, it makes the dog feel uncomfortable, which makes them less attracted to grooming sessions in the future. In addition, using the wrong brush can lead to anxiety and skin damage.
How to Avoid
Use the right brush that is designed for the dog, depending on the breed and coat type. For example, the pet owner should consider a double-sided soft brush if he wants to remove dirt and hair all over the dog's body. The bristle side or slicker brush is ideal when removing mud. During shedding, a shedding blade and a double-row rake can be used. Here is the table illustrating the type of brush needed for each type of coat:
Human Shampoo
One of the common mistakes is using human shampoo on dogs. This can be a serious mistake considering it may have a profound impact on skin and coat health. Human shampoos are for human skin pH, which is supposed to be much more acidic than that of a dog's. As such, using these shampoos strips away the essential oils from the skin, a move which only leads to dryness, irritation, or infection. Dogs have very sensitive skin, and human products can irritate any existing condition or create a new one.
How to Avoid
To avoid that mistake, one must never use human shampoo on dogs but rather always have one formulated for them. Dog shampoos are manufactured and designed in such a way as to meet the skin pH of a dog by maintaining its coat and moisturizing its skin. Buy a shampoo that best suits dog's various needs, which might include sensitive skin, allergies, among other special skin conditions. If one is not sure, consult a veterinarian to know a product in line with one's dog's particular requirements.
Brushing Too Hard
One of the most common mistakes dog owners make while brushing their dogs is brushing too hard. This often causes the dog discomfort and can even hurt them. Aggressive brushing can lead to skin irritation, including abrasions, and it creates a negative association with grooming sessions. This is most true for those dogs that have sensitive skin or who have mats or tangles in their coats.
How to Avoid
Gently stroke in the opposite direction of the fur growth to avoid brushing too hard. Always detangle either with a wide-tooth comb or detangling spray before using a brush. Hold the fur, close to the skin for tough tangles, as opposed to pulling directly on the fur. Go slowly, and if the dog indicates discomfort, lighten the pressure. Consistent brushing done properly will maintain health without causing pain to the dog's coat.
Trimming the Nails too Short
Nail trimming is one of those activities in dog care which is essential to the animal's health but has to be done with caution to avoid going too short. This can be a mistake sure to cause pain for the dog, bleeding, and hesitancy in future grooming sessions. If the nail is cut too closely, a blood vessel inside the nail itself can easily be cut, thus bringing a lot of discomfort.
How to Avoid
To avoid cutting too much of the nail, use a good pair of nail clippers for dogs and clip just a little at a time. If one is unsure, consult with a veterinarian or professional groomer.
Over-bathing
Regular bathing is meant to be a part of the grooming routine of every dog. However, frequent bathing will deprive the body of a dog of all the valuable skin and coat-enhancing oils, which provide proper nourishment to the skin and the coat. Too much bathing causes dryness, irritation, and a dull coat in most breeds with their naturally oily coats.
How to Avoid
Consider sticking to a bathing schedule that suits the breed type and lifestyle of the dog. The general rule of thumb is that most dogs should be bathed every four to six weeks. Take dog for a moisturizing shampoo and consider a conditioner to help replenish natural oils.
Ignoring Ear Care
Neglecting ear care is another common mistake that invites infections, discomfort, and problems of hearing. Such regular cleaning is a must for dogs with floppy ears or those dogs that are prone to ear infections.
How to Avoid
Regular cleaning of the ears can be done as part of dog grooming to avoid problems in the ears. The interior part of the ears should be cleaned up gently with a cotton ball or soft cloth using a vet-approved ear cleaner. Also, avoid inserting it deep into the ear canal. Check signs of infection such as redness, smell, or discharge anywhere around the ears. In case any issues pop up, consult a veterinarian. This will make the dog comfortable and healthy.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of a dog's grooming is an important aspect to consider when wanting the dog to be completely healthy and happy. By keeping away from typical mistakes and listening to the professionals, pet owners can support their pooches in being at their best physically and emotionally and, at the same time, enhance the bond between them.
