Buzz
Regular care ensures that your pet stays clean, healthy, and happy. Many people prefer to use professional pet grooming services to refresh their dog's appearance and ensure their safety. However, if such services aren't available in your area or you'd like to save money, you can clean your dog at home yourself.
Steps
Clean your dog before the bath
Prepare your grooming tools. You should organize your equipment before you start grooming your pet to make the process easier for both of you. Check the "Things You Need" section at the end of the article to gather all necessary grooming tools for your pet.
Brush the dog's fur first. You should do this daily or every other day to keep your dog's coat shiny and smooth. The brushing method is quick and simple, but it might not detangle all the knots as some areas may be missed by the comb. It's best to brush thoroughly before cleaning your pet because tangled fur will be harder to manage once it dries. Start from the head and work your way down the body. Be cautious when brushing the belly area as it is sensitive, and don’t forget to brush the tail. If you encounter any tangles, use a comb to untangle them thoroughly. Avoid focusing on just one area to prevent causing irritation. Instead, you can try brushing on a sensitive area of your own skin to better understand how your pet feels during grooming.
- You can use a horse brush or gloves to groom short-haired dogs.
- For long-haired dogs, use a steel comb, massage brush, plastic brush, or one designed to remove shedding hair underneath.
- Regardless of the brush type, it should effectively remove loose hair and distribute oils from the skin throughout the coat.
Praise your dog while grooming. You should encourage calm and quiet behavior to help your pet enjoy this activity. You can reward them with treats for their good behavior.
Give your dog a break if needed. Don't pressure them, as it can create a negative experience, making future grooming sessions more difficult. You can make grooming more enjoyable for your pet by offering breaks, praising them, giving treats, petting, or even playing with them.
- This step is especially important for puppies who need to get accustomed to this routine from a young age.
Cut off any knots that can't be untangled. Tangled fur can pull on your dog's skin and cause discomfort. If the tangles can't be removed, consider trimming or shaving the tangled sections, depending on how close they are to the skin. Be cautious when using scissors to avoid injuring yourself or your pet. Trim along the direction of the fur's growth to prevent uneven regrowth.
- If you're unsure about safely removing tangled fur, it's best to take your dog to a grooming professional.
- Sometimes, tightly twisted tangles can press into the dog's skin, leading to infections under the fur. If you suspect an infection, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
- Signs of infection can be visible, such as redness, wetness, or even pus in severe cases. Your dog may scratch or chew the area because it's very itchy.
Clean your dog's eyes. Breeds with white fur or large eyes that tear a lot (such as Pekingese, Pugs, or Pomeranians) require extra care. Depending on the breed, you may need to remove eye discharge that collects around the eyes. For long-haired or white-furred dogs, it's especially important to wipe away the mucus, as tears can stain the fur. You can buy products specifically for cleaning 'eye boogers' at pet stores.
- Healthy eyes should be clear, without any signs of irritation or abnormal discharge.
- Don’t try trimming the fur around the eyes as you could accidentally hurt your pet. Instead, take them to a vet or professional groomer for this task.
Clean your dog's ears. While some earwax is normal, there should never be any unpleasant smell. To clean your dog's ears, gently use a cotton ball soaked in ear cleaning solution (available at pet stores) to remove dirt and wax inside. Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent causing discomfort. Additionally, never clean too deep inside the ear. The general rule is to clean only what is visible.
- Warm the ear cleaning solution to body temperature before use. You can do this by placing the bottle in warm water, much like warming a baby bottle.
- After cleaning with a cotton ball or damp cloth, gently wipe away any remaining moisture with a dry cotton ball or cloth.
- Give your dog a treat! Ears are a sensitive part of the body, and it’s important to soothe your dog during this process.
Contact a veterinarian if there’s an ear issue. If your dog’s ears are swollen, red, itchy, or darkened, they may require medical attention. Also, if there’s discharge, pain, or a foul odor, it’s essential to reach out to a vet immediately.
- If you notice excessive discharge, infection, or one ear being dirtier than the other with a bad smell, it could indicate an ear infection, and your pet should see the vet.
Brush your dog's teeth. You should brush your pet’s teeth daily with toothpaste specifically made for dogs to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Do not use human toothpaste, as it can be toxic to dogs due to the fluoride content. If your dog bites you, don’t attempt to brush their teeth. While brushing, if they feel uncomfortable at any point, pause and allow them to calm down.
- Start by applying a small amount of toothpaste to your finger and gently rub it over your dog’s teeth for a few seconds. Reward them for allowing this.
- After brushing with your finger for 20-30 seconds, you can switch to a finger brush or gauze, then use a dog-specific toothbrush.
- Always be gentle and reassuring to help your dog have a positive experience rather than a stressful one.
Use professional grooming services when necessary. If your dog has built-up tartar and plaque, a regular toothbrush may not be enough for proper cleaning. Just like humans, pets may need a vet to perform a professional cleaning. Another service offered is ear cleaning without anesthesia, although this is rarely done by veterinarians.
- If you notice red gums or brown buildup on their teeth, this is a sign that brushing may cause discomfort, and you should take your dog to the vet first.
Trim your dog's nails. If not trimmed, nails can grow too long and puncture the paw pads or cause joint problems by pressing on the toes. Regular nail trimming is necessary to maintain proper length, depending on how quickly your dog’s nails grow. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it means they’ve become too long.
- Use nail clippers to trim the tips of the nails (about 15mm). For puppies or small dogs, you can use human-style pliers instead of scissor-type clippers. Also, select a size appropriate for small dogs.
- If the nails are translucent, you’ll see the pink area where the blood vessels are. Avoid cutting this part and only trim the clear, hard part of the nail.
- Take extra care with dark nails to avoid cutting the blood vessels. Proceed slowly and trim a little at a time. Nail grinders are generally safer and less likely to harm the soft tissue, as they trim a small portion of the nail at a time. Always use a pet-safe grinder that doesn’t have a cord, as corded ones may be difficult to use around fur.
- If you accidentally cut into the blood vessel, apply styptic powder, cornstarch, or flour to the wound to stop the bleeding.
Bathing your dog
Prepare your supplies. It's important to gather everything in advance instead of scrambling for items while your dog is soaking wet. Also, wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty as you’ll likely get wet. At the very least, you’ll need the following items:
- Shampoo made for dogs
- Treats
- A few towels
- Place a towel around the edge of the tub to catch any splashes, and use the other towels to dry your pet afterward.
Place a non-slip mat at the bottom of the tub. The bathtub can become quite slippery, especially if it has soap on it. To prevent your dog from slipping, place a towel or non-slip mat at the bottom of the tub.
Fill the tub with warm water. Hot water can damage your dog’s skin, particularly if they have short fur. Don’t run the water while your dog is in the tub as this might stress them out. Take the time to get your pet used to the sound of running water by rewarding them with their favorite treats. Always proceed slowly to reduce stress for both of you.
- You can mix a small amount of dog shampoo into 20 liters of lukewarm water to simplify the process.
Secure your dog in the tub. Some dogs may try to escape during their bath. If this happens, you can purchase a special leash from pet stores. This leash attaches to the side of the tub with a suction cup and keeps your dog in place while you bathe them.
- Swap out their regular collar for one that won’t stain their fur or get damaged when it gets wet.
Thoroughly wet your dog's fur. Make sure to wet the entire coat before applying the shampoo. If your dog isn't afraid of water, you can use a hose with a water pressure attachment. This is especially useful for larger dogs or those with double coats. However, if your dog is scared of the sound of running water, it's better to use a cup or bucket to pour water gently from the tub onto their body. Avoid spraying water directly into their ears to prevent infections. Only spray water up to their neck, while their head will be cleaned separately (see instructions below).
Apply shampoo to your dog's body. Start from the neck and move down the sides and legs, using your fingers to work the shampoo into their coat down to the skin. Leave the head for later and avoid getting soap near their ears and eyes (unless you’re using dry shampoo made for dogs). Instead, you can use a damp cloth to clean their head. After applying the shampoo, gently comb through the dog’s double coat to distribute the shampoo evenly, but be careful not to comb in one area for too long. You might want to practice first to see how it feels.
- Dilute the shampoo to make it easier to apply and rinse off.
Rinse thoroughly. If the water still appears dirty or soap bubbles are coming out, continue rinsing as you did when you first wet the coat. Be sure to avoid running water if your dog is scared of the sound. Instead, gently pour water using a cup to rinse off the shampoo.
Dry your dog. Use a rubber mitt or your hands to wipe the water off their fur and body. Dry them as much as possible with a towel while they are still in the tub to avoid splashing water everywhere. Place a towel on their back or beside them, allowing them to shake off water naturally. Many dogs will learn the 'bath routine' and only shake once you put the towel on them to absorb the moisture. If your dog has short fur or you prefer to let them air-dry, you can skip this step.
- If your dog has a double coat or long fur, you’ll need to use a blow dryer to dry them completely.
Use a blow dryer if necessary. If towels aren’t enough to dry your dog, you can use a blow dryer, but make sure it doesn't make your dog feel too hot or rough. For dogs with long fur, use the dryer while combing through the coat.
- Set the blow dryer to cool! This will take longer than normal drying, but it prevents your dog’s coat and skin from becoming dry or brittle.
- If your dog is afraid of the noise or sensation of the dryer, don’t force them. Instead, use a towel and guide your dog to an appropriate place where their coat can air-dry, such as a laundry room.
Dog Grooming
Consider grooming your pet's fur. Many dog breeds have short fur and don't require frequent trimming. However, if your dog has thick fur, regular grooming is essential to keep them healthy. Breeds that need frequent grooming include the cocker spaniel, sheepdog, poodle, collie, lion dog, Pekingese, and the Shih Tzu.
Trim your dog's fur when it's dry. If you're planning to trim your pet’s fur, carefully read the instructions that come with the grooming tools. Watch instructional videos, read books, or seek advice from professional groomers on how to use the tools correctly. The blades should be sharp, and the trimmer needs to be lubricated. Dull blades can pull your pet’s fur, causing discomfort.
- Before trimming your dog’s fur, plan the desired shape. Do your research, ask questions, and watch tutorials to guide you before you start the job.
Gently secure your dog. Use a leash to keep them in place so they don’t move around. While trimming, you can place one hand under their belly to encourage them to stay still, instead of fidgeting constantly.
Use a dog-specific clipper. Invest in a high-quality trimmer. While the initial cost may be high, it will save you money in the long run since you won't have to pay for professional grooming services.
- Use the clipper blades to achieve the desired length of fur.
- Using scissors won't give you a neat, shaped trim, and sudden movements could hurt your dog. Opt for clippers instead of scissors.
You can confidently move the cutting blade over your pet's body, just be sure not to press too hard on the skin. Brush the fur in the opposite direction of hair growth before using the clipper in the other direction, which is along the direction of the hair. Moving the clipper against the fur direction has the same effect as brushing it backward, but the result will be shorter compared to using the clipper blade. If you want to cut against the direction of hair growth, test it on the stomach first to check if the length is appropriate. Keep the clipper steady, but move it slowly along the pet's body to remove excess hair. Moving too quickly can cause uneven cuts. Always move the cutting blade in the direction of hair growth unless you want to trim shorter than the standard blade length. Start at the neck, then move down to the shoulders, below the ears, towards the chin, throat, and chest area. DO NOT trim the fur around the throat area or any narrow parts of the body such as the tendons on the heels, underarm skin, genital area, tip of the tail, or anus. Afterward, trim the fur on the back and sides of the dog’s body, and finally, the four legs.
Be cautious when trimming around the anus. This area can suddenly protrude, like a button, and you might accidentally cut it. So, it’s important to anticipate this.
- Be careful when trimming the fur on the legs, tail, and face of the dog. These are highly sensitive areas.
- Regularly check the clippers to ensure that the temperature isn't too high to avoid burning the dog’s skin.
- If the blade becomes hot, stop and let it cool down, and/or use a cooling spray to remove oil buildup on the blade which causes it to overheat. You may want to prepare an extra blade or wait until the temperature lowers.
Reward your dog. Staying still is really a challenge! If your pet seems uncomfortable during this process, allow them to take a break for a few minutes. Praise your dog while grooming them, and offer treats during breaks. Avoid playing with the pet so they don’t get dirty again.
Be patient. You’ll need to go over the dog’s fur multiple times to achieve a smooth and straight cut. Don’t rush! Allow your pet to rest as much as possible, and always move the clippers gently.
Advice
- If you don’t have time to bathe your dog, consider taking your pet to a professional pet groomer to ensure they stay clean, healthy, and happy.
- If you need to dry your pet, you can buy a high-quality dryer from Double K Airmax. Breeds with double coats, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, need longer drying times, which can lead to burns if not careful. For smaller dogs, you can use a dog-specific dryer, like the Crazy Dog Dryer, to prevent or minimize the risk of burning your pet.
- Occasionally, you will need to pluck your dog's ear hair. Ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance on how to safely and accurately pluck ear hair. You can use ear cleaning powder for an easier, quicker process, as it helps make the ear hair smoother.
- If using conditioner, only apply a small amount to ensure the coat stays clean without making the pet feel greasy or uncomfortable.
- Learn about the grooming needs specific to your dog’s breed or coat type. Each breed may have unique requirements for maintaining a clean and well-kept coat. For example, the Komondor breed requires special attention when separating their long, matted hair.
- A low grooming table and dog bath will make you bend over frequently, causing discomfort. You can use any solid surface for grooming your dog, but it should have a high grip. This means you should avoid tables with wheels. Non-slip rubber mats from hardware stores can be cut to fit your table.
- Never allow water to enter your dog's nose, as it can cause them to struggle to breathe and trigger acute stress reactions. If your dog inhales water and has difficulty breathing, gently lower their head to let the water drain out.
- If you can't afford expensive grooming tools, you can opt for self-service dog bathing services. These provide professional tools at a lower cost compared to hiring a professional groomer. The best part is, these services clean up after you!
- For double-coated pets, you can use a shedding comb to remove the undercoat. When using this, avoid focusing on one spot for too long and concentrate on the neck, hind legs, and back. These areas have the thickest fur.
- If you have a wolf-like dog or a breed similar to wolves, you should never trim their fur short, as this can make them aggressive. Wolves have wild instincts, so you should only bathe and groom them.
Warning
- Avoid using human shampoo on your pet, as it is not formulated for dogs. It may cause your pet’s skin to become itchy and irritated.
- Dogs often reflexively kick their back legs when lifted. Don’t spread their legs apart, as this can make them uncomfortable. Instead, gently hold their paw and pull it forward or backward. Stay patient and encourage them when they remain still. If your dog is medium to large in size, you can easily trim their back nails without having to lift their feet.
- Do not use human toothpaste for cleaning your pet’s teeth. Your dog may accidentally swallow it, and the fluoride in human toothpaste could be harmful. Use only veterinarian-recommended toothpaste.
- If your dog’s eyes are irritated, you can use an eye cleaning solution to gently wipe their eyes clean.
- Be careful not to let bath oil get into your pet’s eyes, as this can cause severe irritation. Apply the bath oil to your hands first, then rub it into the dog’s fur instead of pouring it directly onto their body. When rinsing, make sure soap suds don’t get in your dog’s eyes, and gently wring out the water from their ears. You can use cotton balls to block water from entering their ear canal. Be sure to remove the cotton after cleaning.
- Do not allow water to get into your dog’s eyes or ears. If this happens, you can gently use cotton or a cotton pad (avoid cotton swabs, as they can go too deep) to blot inside your dog’s ears. They will shake their head to let the water drain out, much like after swimming. If your pet keeps scratching their ears after a bath, consult a vet to address the issue.
- If your dog’s skin shows signs of problems, take them to the vet for a check-up.
- If you feel uncomfortable touching certain areas of your dog’s body, you need to get used to it. To properly clean your pet, you’ll need to wash their entire body. If there are fleas or ticks on their fur, leave the bath oil on for about ten minutes after applying it to the coat. Once the parasites are gone, thoroughly rinse off the oil. Any remaining oil could lead to illness. Make sure to scrub all areas of their body, including sensitive spots. Do not bathe with hot water, and avoid letting warm water or medicated shampoo touch their genital area as this is highly sensitive.
- Do not bathe your dog too often. Once every 2 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient. Professional grooming services recommend bathing long-haired dogs every 4 to 6 weeks. Over-bathing can dry out their skin by stripping away natural oils. You can use dry shampoo to clean specific areas like the legs and other parts of the body. Spray directly onto the area and gently wipe it off with a damp sponge. Use non-allergenic or mild oatmeal-based shampoos when bathing your dog. If your pet has skin issues, choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic shampoos before visiting the vet. If the problem persists, the vet may recommend medicated shampoos. Consult your vet if you’re concerned about your pet’s skin condition.
Things You Need
Short-Haired Dogs:
- Plastic brush or grooming gloves
- Ear cleaning solution
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls/towels
- Pet toothbrush
- Dog nail clippers
- Collar
- Dog shampoo
- Dryer/towel
Medium and Long-Haired Dogs:
- Square brush, massage brush, or de-shedding brush
- Ear cleaning solution
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls/towels
- Pet toothbrush
- Dog nail clippers
- Collar
- Dog bath shampoo
- Dryer/towel
