We all know that our cuddly, fluffy monsters love to be messy. They love rolling in filth and playing in the sand. After all, that’s a trait of their charming personality. However keeping them clean is our responsibility.
You don’t have to necessarily spend hundreds for any professional groomer; you can do it on your own. Just the right tools and voila!
But before initiating the grooming process, you should know why it is so important for your dog.
● Makes your pet happy
● Reduces the risk of skin, ear, eyes and teeth infections.
● Builds sociability between you and your darling pet.
Not only grooming will control shedding, it will also make your cute monster feel happy and healthy.
Shampooing
To some dogs, muddy pool or a sandy beach is something to enjoy, savor and play in. But when they start smelling bad, the odor can become a problem. However, you can do something to get rid of this pungent smell and that is- bathing.
Being a responsible dog owner you should properly shampoo and brush your pet. But too often washing your pet’s coat can eliminate the essential oils and moisture from its body. Therefore choosing the right shampoo is important. While there are so many different hair cleaners for dogs, picking the right one that can protect your pet from the problems like itchy skin, pyoderma, hot spot and even tick and flea infections is a must.
Here are few shampoos that you can choose for your dog.
Dog Shampoos are of 4 Types
- Natural Shampoo
Natural shampoos are gentle and very effective for cleaning pets. It contains neem, essential oils, baking soda and much more that are used to remove grease, dirt, and sebum from your little monster’s coat. It is beneficial for all kind of dogs.
- Heavy Duty Shampoos
These shampoos are best for knocking out the stinkiest filth from your dog’s body. They contain aloe, vitamin E, tea tree oil and shea butter to keep your pet’s coat healthy and shiny. They are paraben-free and are a perfect pick for curing insect bites.
- Allergic Shampoos
For the dogs that have sensitive skin, or have seasonal allergies, allergic shampoos are the best. They are soap-free, tearless and will not hurt your pet’s sensitive body. They contain aloe extracts and Vitamin E, which will protect your dog from itching and other problems.
- White Hair Shampoos
These are like conditioners and brightening agents that will restore your pet’s coat to glistening white. They are also soap-free and sooth dry skin. These shampoos are very helpful in removing yellow tint from the white fur of your dog.
Does Your Dog Need Conditioning?
If yes, you can choose one from below:
- Isle of Dogs Everyday:
Isle of Dogs Everyday is a conditioner that not only is gentle but also smells great. It can be used on regular basis. Plus, it will give your pet’s hair a lustrous, shiny look.
- Earthbath All Natural Oatmeal Conditioner:
You can use them on all hair types. It helps in moisturizing and detangling the coat of your pet. It features aloe vera that moisturizes dry skin.
Note: Never use human shampoo on your dog. It will make their coat dull and can also cause rashes.
Brushing
When shopping for a brush, choosing the right one is very important. Although there are so many different brushes to look on, the right brush depends on your dog’s needs. Consider your pet’s coat and then make your choice.
Below are the few kinds of brushes that you should consider before buying:
- Bristle brush: These brushes depend on the length of bristles. The longer the coat, widely spaced the brush will be.
- Wire-pin brushes: These brushes have rubber-tipped ends and are best suited for the dogs with wooly or curly coats.
- Sticker brush: They have fine wire bristles that are very helpful in removing tangles and mats.
Here are our top 5 brushes that can be a perfect pick for your dog
- Slicker Brush:
If your dog’s hair is of medium or long length, or have curly coat, you can pick this one. They have fine wire bristles that easily sit on your pet’s skin thereby removing all tangles easily.
- Flea comb:
Due to its fine teeth, Flea comb is very handy and easy to use on soft, smooth and silky skin of your pet. It helps in removing fleas, flea dirt and eggs naturally. It can be used for all dogs. But make sure to clean the brush after each stroke. Simply pass it from the hot soapy water and you’re done.
- Undercoat Rake:
Undercoat rake are best for the dogs that have double or thick coats. They are also used for the pets that shed in clumps. Its wide teeth easily pass through the heavy coat and pull out the dead skin easily.
- Double-sided brush:
A double-sided brush will serve both purposes. The pin side will remove tangles and mats, while the soft side i.e. the bristle side is perfect for adding shine and smoothing the coat. It is more suitable for the dogs that have medium to long hairs.
- De-shedding tool
If you have your dog’s furry tumbleweeds rolling all around, the de-shedding tools can be your pick. It helps you remove a huge chunk of loose hair from your dog’s coat in one stroke. It is designed to remove dead undercoat hair. They are best suitable for the pets that have double, thick or heavy coats.
Note: Take your time while brushing especially while removing mats and tangles. Be gentle and soft.
Brushing is a great bonding session that can run smoothly only when you have a right brush for your pooch. There are so many available in the market. Understand your dog’s needs properly and find the right products to suit them.
A glossy fur, clean skin, clipped nails and clean teeth, is what makes your pet comfortable and healthy. Remember, a clean dog is a happy dog!