Keep Your Dog Looking Great Between Groomer Visits
As a dog owner, keeping your furry friend well-groomed between professional grooming appointments is essential. Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking their best but also promotes a healthy coat and skin.
Here’s how you can maintain your dog's grooming routine at home with a few essential tools and products.
The Importance of Regular Grooming
Regular grooming helps prevent matting, reduces shedding, and keeps your dog's coat shiny and healthy. It's also an excellent opportunity to check for any skin issues, parasites, or unusual lumps and bumps. While your professional groomer takes care of the major grooming tasks, there are several things you can do at home to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
Tools You'll Need
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is a must-have in your grooming kit. It's perfect for removing loose fur, tangles, and mats from your dog's coat. The fine, short wires on a slicker brush are especially effective for dogs with medium to long fur. There are several different types of slicker brushes to cater for different coat types and grooming needs, so do ask your groomer about which type would be most suitable for your dog at your next appointment.
Comb
A good quality comb is essential for finishing the grooming process. It helps to detangle and smooth out the coat after using the slicker brush. Make sure to choose a comb that suits your dog’s coat type; a wide-toothed comb is best for thick or curly coats, while a finer comb works well for smooth or silky coats.
Conditioning Spray
Using a conditioning serum or spray like Balsam Professional can make a world of difference in maintaining your dog's coat. This spray helps to detangle, moisturise, and add shine to your dog's fur, making the grooming process much easier and more effective. It will also keep your pooch smelling fresh between appointments.
We recommend the Artero range of grooming products, all of which can be purchased in-store.
Step-by-Step Grooming Guide
1. Prepare Your Dog
Before you start, ensure your dog is calm and comfortable. Choose a quiet area where your dog feels safe. Having some treats on hand can help to keep them relaxed and cooperative.
2. Applying Balsam Professional Conditioning Spray
Prior to using any combs or brushes on your dog’s coat, lightly mist your dog’s fur with a conditioning spray. This product not only conditions the fur but also adds a healthy shine and makes the coat easier to brush. Spray it evenly and then use the comb to distribute the product through the coat before going in with the slicker brush.
3. A Systematic Guide to Brushing Your Dog
Before you start brushing your dog, mentally map out the areas you will brush, and the order you will do it in. We recommend starting with the one rear leg, as this area is the least sensitive. You can then move on to the middle section of the body and back on the same side before moving onto the front leg on the same side. You can then focus on the chest area, before moving across to the other front leg, back down the body, and then ending on the opposite rear leg that you started with.
We then recommend moving onto the tail. This is a sensitive area for the dog, so we want to make sure that the dog is fully relaxed by the time we get to the tail, which they should be if you’ve followed the above approach. You can then finish with the head, neck and shoulder blades.
4. Brushing with the Slicker Brush
Begin by gently brushing your dog's coat with the slicker brush. Start from back to front in each section, working in a line right down to the root of the coat. Be gentle, especially in sensitive areas like the belly and behind the ears. The slicker brush will help remove loose fur and any minor tangles.
If you want to know how much pressure you should be applying when using the slicker brush, run it across your hand first, and this will give you a sense of how much pressure is needed to effectively brush the coat without causing any discomfort.
5. Using the Comb
After brushing, use the comb to go over your dog's coat. This step helps to find and eliminate any remaining tangles or mats. Comb through small sections at a time, making sure to work right into the root of the hair again. It's a common mistake to only brush the top layer of hair, thinking it is completely detangled. Patience is key to avoid causing any discomfort to your dog.
6. Final Touches
Check your dog’s ears, eyes, and teeth for any signs of issues. Clean the ears with a dog-specific ear cleaner and wipe the eyes with a damp cloth if needed. We recommend the Adios Compostable Cleaning Wipes, or the Artero Ear and Eye Wipes. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth can help maintain oral health. We recommend the Emmi-Pet teeth cleaning solution that we offer in our salon in Central Brighton. Click here to find out more.
Benefits of Home Grooming
By grooming your dog at home between professional appointments, you help maintain their overall health and appearance. Regular brushing reduces shedding and keeps your home cleaner. It also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, making grooming a positive experience for both of you.
Conclusion
Grooming your dog at home doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, such as a slicker brush, a good comb, and a quality conditioning spray like Balsam Professional, you can keep your dog's coat looking fabulous and healthy between trips to the groomer. Regular grooming sessions at home will ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and looking their best year-round.
If you have any questions about grooming your dog at home, please do not hesitate to ask us to take you through the process at your next grooming appointment.
