Whether you鈥檙e the owner of a prize-winning breed with a high-maintenance coat or a regular bundle of fluff, dog grooming is an essential activity.
Beyond them looking their best and most beautiful selves, there鈥檚 a whole range of other benefits to grooming your dog. Read on for more information and advice on how to groom a dog.
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The benefits of dog grooming
Grooming your dog will help to keep their coat in the best possible condition. Dog grooming can remove dead hairs, help to distribute natural oils, and keep skin healthy. Brushing your dog鈥檚 hair has even been proven to reduce stress in your pet. Once used to the process, they鈥檒l find it really relaxing! That doesn鈥檛 just go for your dog, it has also been scientifically shown that dog grooming can reduce stress and lower blood pressure in owners as well. Feeling anxious? Pick up a brush!
Regular dog grooming is a great opportunity to increase the bond between owner and animal. Grooming will also give you the chance to health check your dog. Look out for any unusual lumps, bumps, scratches or sores on their skin.
You can also check the condition of their coat and run your hands along their body to check for weight gain.
Being familiar with your dog through regular grooming will really help you to identify when anything might be wrong.
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How to groom a dog with short hair
Grooming short-haired dogs doesn鈥檛 need to be a long and complex process. If you aren鈥檛 bathing them, there are only a few simple stages. But don鈥檛 forget: if your dog isn鈥檛 familiar with being groomed, they may initially find the process stressful, confusing, or even frightening.
If you鈥檙e starting to groom a puppy, new dog, or rescue dog, proceed gradually and gently. Don鈥檛 start with the ears, face or tail; begin by concentrating your grooming on the body. Reinforce the practice with plenty of praise, cuddles, and even dog treats.
Follow these simple steps show for how to groom a dog:
Read our guide to puppy grooming for more advice on getting puppies used to the process.
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How to groom a dog with long hair
Grooming long-haired dogs can take a little more time and patience, but to get those lovely locks, follow these easy steps on how to groom your dog:
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Never cut out matted hair with scissors as you might catch the skin by accident. Use a small brush to tease out the matted hairs starting with the edges. If things have become too matted it鈥檚 probably best to visit your vet or a professional dog groomer.
Dog grooming: Top tips!
For more dog grooming guides, read our guide on how to clean a dog鈥檚 ears, next.