Grooming

Grooming brings you closer to your puppy

Every puppy needs to be looked after daily. And not just to keep his skin and coat in good condition. Grooming helps to teach your puppy to calmly endure any manipulations made with him. In addition, it strengthens your relationships. Regular grooming will allow you to get to know your puppy’s body, which is especially important because will help you notice any health problems in your puppy in the first few months of his life.

How to start

Grooming should be done daily, regardless of the length of your puppy’s coat. This shouldn’t be a problem – most dogs love to be groomed and patted, especially if they’ve been trained to do so from an early age.

Get a special brush for the puppy. At first, this procedure should be short – it is enough to brush once along the entire body. Gradually increase the time of the procedures and if your puppy easily endures all your actions and stands still, take a break and reward him with a walk, play or treat. This will help your puppy understand that if he stands still, he is rewarded – it will make the grooming process easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

 Grooming on the table:  If you sometimes put your puppy on the table during grooming, he will get used to this position and this can be useful when visiting a veterinarian or a professional groomer.

Sensitive zones: Your pet’s head is a very sensitive area, so be extremely careful when combing the fur. If you notice any discharge from your eyes or ears, contact your veterinarian. If your puppy starts to struggle, hold him firmly with both hands until he calms down. Talk to him and praise him every time he is calm.

Regular care

You may want to trim your puppy’s coat more often, especially around the eyes, ears, and on the paws. This is one of those procedures that you are able to perform on your own. However, if your breed requires special grooming or grooming to look its best, consult a professional groomer.

Claws: Your puppy’s nails need to be checked and trimmed regularly to prevent them from picking and causing painful scratches. Again, this is something you can do yourself, however, if you are not completely sure, your veterinarian or professional groomer will do it for you.

If you do decide to trim your pet’s nails yourself, be careful not to cut them too short. The base of the claw in dogs is very sensitive, so if you touch this area, the claw can start to bleed and hurt.

Water procedures

Shower products for dogs are as numerous and varied as those for humans, and are much better suited to the skin of an animal than ordinary “human” shampoos. Therefore, choose a special shampoo for dogs, taking into account the type of coat of your puppy. (The coat of long-haired dogs becomes dull and dirty more quickly, so these dogs need to be washed more often.) Be careful not to get soap in your pet’s eyes during washing. Safe wash: If you purchase a rubber mat and put it on the bottom of the bath, your puppy will not slip and fall and this will make bathing more enjoyable. 

Is it worth going to a professional groomer?

For the most part, grooming can be done on your own with most dogs – it’s fun and brings you and your dog closer together. Such a pastime will bring you joy. 

But if your puppy grows into an adult longhair dog, it will take much longer to keep him in good condition. It may be better if a professional groomer does the haircut and care. Obviously, you’ll want to find someone who not only does a good job, but also makes the process enjoyable for your puppy. You can ask about his/her work experience and internships, and maybe look at the dogs that this specialist has worked with. 

If you want to find a professional groomer for your puppy, ask your vet for some advice.