Start Grooming Your Pup Early
Do not delay the start of your puppy’s grooming routine after bringing it home. Many pet parents purchase grooming equipment in advance to avoid last-minute rush. The earlier you start, the better your pet’s coat will look in the long run.
Another reason why you should start puppy grooming early is because younger puppies are impressionable. If you establish a healthy grooming routine right from the early days, your pet will adapt its behavior and personality accordingly.
Know The Importance Of Brushing
As a pet parent, you should always know the importance of brushing your puppy’s coat. It is arguably the most important aspect of grooming your pet. Especially if you have a dog breed that has long and flowy hair, you should brush its coat every day.
The coats of all puppies need regular brushing. This prevents their fur from tangling and matting. Brushing your pet’s coat will also keep its skin healthy and blood flowing. It facilitates the seamless distribution of natural oils, keeping your furry friend’s coat shiny.
Coat brushing is even more important if you do not like fur storms in your house! You can control excessive shedding by brushing your puppy’s coat regularly. This is because brushing helps you take excess fur out every time.
How To Brush Different Puppies?
You should know the difference between brushing the coats of short-haired and long-haired puppies. If you have a short-haired puppy in your house, you should use a grooming mitt or a soft-bristled brush to groom it. On the other hand, long-haired furry friends need combs that are slightly slicker. These furry friends also require special attention behind their ears to prevent infections.
Know When To Bathe Your Puppy
Dogs do not require daily bathing sessions. However, every pet parent should know their furry friend’s bathing routine. Ask your dog breeder about the frequency at which you should bathe your puppy. Regular bathing keeps your pet’s skin healthy and coat clean. It also removes allergens from your pooch’s coat.
Having said that, you should refrain from overbathing your pet as it removes essential oils from its body, leaving its skin dry. Get your furry friend a puppy-friendly shampoo that is gentle on its skin. Always use lukewarm water to bathe your puppy, avoiding eyes and ears. You can clean them later to prevent infections.
While towel drying your pet is the best, you can also use a low-heat dryer to dry its beautiful fur.
Trimming The Nails
Like humans, puppies also need some nail trimming to stay healthy. In fact, trimming your puppy’s nails will keep you and your loved ones safe from painful scratches! Long and dirty nails also compromise your puppy’s health and hygiene.
Always buy a nail clipper designed especially for puppies. These devices are gentler and can be used without worry about harming your furry friend. If you have become a pet parent for the first time, be gentle at first and trim only a little part of your puppy’s nails.
If you notice dark areas in your pet’s nails, remove them and stop as you reach the safe white areas. Most pet parents follow this rule of thumb for the best results.
Cleaning Your Pet’s Ears
Many dog breeds (especially the ones with long hair) are prone to ear infections. Your pet may accumulate dirt, debris, dust, wax, and all sorts of impurities over time. If not removed, they lead to multiple health complications. Clean your puppy’s ears regularly to prevent such issues from arising.
Get a puppy-friendly ear cleaner that a vet approves. Apply it to your puppy’s ears using sanitized cotton. Start with the ear flap and clean the canal entrance to remove all impurities from getting in. Never put any object deep into your pet’s ear canal.
Rely On Positive Reinforcement
Just like training, grooming your puppy also requires positive reinforcement. Reward your furry friend with its favorite treat when it sits still and lets you groom it. This will motivate it to cooperate during the grooming sessions.
At the end of the day, all that matters is how careful you are. Your puppy may get a little jittery but you should remain consistent in your approach. Do not rush any grooming activity and create a safe environment for your furry friend.
Receive Complete Grooming Guidance From Skilled Canine Professionals At Best For Pets
Whether you are planning to buy a puppy or already have one, the canine experts at Best For Pets will guide you in grooming your pet. If needed, we will also groom your furry friend, ensuring its aesthetic appeal. Even apart from grooming, we are more than happy to help you with nurturing your little companion throughout its life. All you need to do is give us a call and we will do our best to make you a responsible pet parent!