Being a pet parent means taking care of all of your pet’s needs. This includes making your feline or canine look and smell great - all the time. And the magic step that you need to perform is grooming! Cat or dog grooming is the most important and essential step towards your pet’s healthy life. However due to time constraints or some other issues, some pet parents take their pet all the way to a grooming parlor, therefore dog grooming at home is a convenient option for several pet parents. All you need is the right tools and the right steps to follow! To make it easier for you, here are some steps that will make the process of grooming your pet at home simple and fun.
- Always brush the hair: The entire process of grooming begins with brushing the hair. Not only does regular brushing help in getting rid of the debris and the dirt in the coat but also helps in proper detangling. It aids in detangling unhealthy matts and tangles. The number of times your furry will require brushing depends on the breed they belong to. Short haired dogs require lesser brushing as compared to long haired dogs. It is always a good idea to speak to your vet before you begin with dog grooming at home.
Bow Wow: Just like you don't like your hair to be pulled when you are at the hairdresser, similarly your dog or cat find it uncomfortable if you pull their hair while brushing. Always be gentle and do not try to pull out matts or tangles - try to untangle it with patience and love.
- Bathe with warm water: Your beloved feline or canine can be bathed at home without any injuries to your furry and you! You just need to be armed with yummy dog treats and lots of patience while doing so. Make sure that you lay out the required dog shampoo, conditioner and towel beforehand so that there is no last minute confusion. You can use a medium-sized cup or mug to wet the fur. Ensure that the water is warm, not too hot nor too cold. It should be comfortably warm so that your pet does not feel troubled. Once the fur is wet, use the dog or cat shampoo to make a nice lather. Rinse out well, avoiding the eyes, nose and ears. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner. Reward your pet with yummy treats if they cooperate during the bathing session. Do not yell or be harsh with them.
Bow Wow: Always use dog or cat shampoo. Never use human products on your pet as it can cause more damage than good. Ensure that the shampoo is moisturizing and gentle on the coat.
- When all else fails, trim the nails: Trimming your pet’s nails is another extremely crucial step of dog grooming or cat grooming. Long nails can not only make your pet uncomfortable but also hurt you when you engage with them. Therefore, you must trim them - safely and gently.
- Use a dematting comb or a deshedding tool: Like we said before, brushing your pet’s hair is very important, you need to have the right kind of tools to do it. Brushing your pet’s hair not only detangles it but also helps in spreading the natural oils all over the body. Make sure that you never cut out a matt, instead separate the hair just below the matt and brush it in sections. A wide toothed metal comb is very useful for dematting cats and dogs with thick coats.
- Towel dry or blow dry your furry: It may seem very tempting to let your furry run free after giving them a nice bath. However, this is a strict NO when you do dog grooming at home. You must keep a towel handy so that you can nicely towel dry your furry after a nice warm bath. Leaving your pet run wet all over the house can cause yeast infections in their skin and become a source of trouble. Therefore, you must towel dry and then follow it up with blow drying - ensure that it is not too hot. The temperature should be set at mild. Do the back and forth motion while blow drying your cat or dog and they are good to go!
Why Grooming Your Pet at Home Matters
Home grooming strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend, keeps them healthy, and saves you trips to the salon. But if you’re busy or find grooming challenging, professionals are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How often should I brush my dog or cat at home?
It depends on your pet’s coat type. Long-haired pets may need daily brushing, while short-haired ones can be brushed weekly. Check with your vet for personalized advice.
2. Can I use human shampoo on my pet?
No, always use shampoos formulated for dogs or cats. Human shampoo can irritate their skin and damage their coat.
3. How do I safely trim my pet’s nails?
Use a pet nail trimmer and cut a small portion at a time. Avoid cutting too close to the quick (the pink part inside the nail) to prevent bleeding.
4. What tools do I need for home grooming?
A slicker brush, dematting comb, deshedding tool, pet shampoo, conditioner, nail trimmer, towels, and a blow dryer set to low heat are essential.
5. What if my pet is scared of grooming?
Be patient, use treats as rewards, and groom in a calm environment. If needed, seek professional groomers who can help your pet feel safe.
While dog grooming at home plays a crucial role in letting you bond with your furry in a better manner and is a great way to spend time with them, it can sometimes be taxing, especially for working pet parents. Well, don't you worry, we are there for your furry! Book an at home grooming session for your pet only from Zigly. Our experts will groom your pet within the comfort of your home and give them a salon-like experience! So what are you waiting for? Book your session today and groom your worries away!
