At Home Dog Grooming 101: Keeping Your Pup Clean and Comfortable

At Home Dog Grooming 101: Keeping Your Pup Clean and Comfortable

Grooming, like it or not, is a big part of all dog ownership. Whether your pup is long-haired or short-haired, there's some basic maintenance you'll have to keep up with as a responsible dog owner, it's essential for their overall health and well-being.  In this post, we're breaking down some steps all small dog owners should be helping their pups with regularly.  Remember, regular grooming not only keeps your pup looking their best but also helps prevent skin issues, matting, and other discomforts saving you money in vet and professional grooming fees! So stick around to learn everything you need to know about grooming your small dog, from bathing to nail trimming, dental care, and beyond. 

We've even included some links to our favourite dog grooming products so you have all the tools you need to give your pooch the pamper day they deserve!

Bathing Your Small Dog:

 Baths are not a necessity in all dogs, some may fear the bath, and some may get dry skin if bathed too often.  I like to limit my pup's baths to only when he gets covered in mud - lucky for me, he's a princess who avoids it! But if your pup likes to bathe in puddles, or comes home smelling of Eau-du-foxpoo then this is where you're going to want to start. 

Start by gathering all the necessary supplies, including a gentle dog shampoo, towels, and a non-slip mat or old towel for the bottom of the bathtub. A nonslip bath mat isn't 100% necessary, you can put an old towel down on the bath before running the water, this will work just as well to stop your pooch from slipping and sliding about. Bonus points if you have a bathrobe or dressing gown for after your pup's bath for the ultimate Spa day experience! Use lukewarm water and avoiding your pup's face, lather your dog thoroughly, paying special attention to areas prone to getting dirty, such as the paws and belly. Rinse your dog completely to remove all traces of shampoo, and towel dry them afterward.

Gentle Small Dog Shampoo: £10.00: https://amzn.to/43iXU3z

2 Pack Microfibre Dog Towels: £14.99: https://amzn.to/3x0FWXC 

Non-slip Bath Mat: £10.00: https://amzn.to/3IEujYQ

Dog Bath Robe / Dressing Gown: £21.99: https://amzn.to/3TELgZu

 There is a high probability that bath time will very quickly turn into zoom time so be prepared! 

 

 

Brushing Your Small Dog's Coat:

Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, dirt, and tangles, keeping your dog's coat clean, healthy, and matt-free, this especially pertains to those with long-haired canine companions. Use a brush or comb specifically designed for your dog's coat type. Short-haired dog owners can get away with a universal type dog brush this has both longer and shorter flexible 'pins' which will keep your pups hair in tip top shape. Whereas our long-haired friends are going to want something that can really get through the hair like a long pinned hair brush. This will allow the brush to penetrate through even the deepest mats. Brush in the direction of hair growth, starting from the head and working your way down to the tail. Be gentle around sensitive areas like the ears and belly. If your pup has longer fur and bigger mats, work from the end of the hair shaft to the root, this will pull less and be more comfortable for your pup. 

Universal 2 in 1 dog brush £9.99 https://amzn.to/3TFNgkj 

Self Cleaning long pin dog hair brush £14.99: https://amzn.to/4aerPw7

 

 

Trimming Your Small Dog's Nails:

Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and even lead to injuries, so it's important to keep them trimmed regularly. Treats will really help you out here, along with making sure the clippers you're using are sharp enough to cut the nail quickly. Use a good pair of dog nail clippers, they don't have to be expensive, to carefully trim the tips of your dog's nails, avoiding the quick—the pink area inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. This is harder for pups with darker nails so if you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian for guidance.

Dog Nail Clipper and File Set £7.95: https://amzn.to/3PsmHN0

 

 

Dental Care for Small Dogs:

Dental hygiene is often overlooked but is crucial for your dog's overall health. If you want too, you can brush your dog's teeth regularly using a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. Though, giving your pup dental treats or toys designed to help clean your dog's teeth and freshen their breath is a great alternative depending on your pooches tolerance and your lifestyle.

Dog Toothbrush £5.99: https://amzn.to/3TG4y0L

Dog Toothbrush & Toothpaste set £11.99: https://amzn.to/3IF0OpJ

Dog Toothpaste 2 pack £12.99: https://amzn.to/43ki0dQ

56 Pack Whimzee Dental Treats £8.26: https://amzn.to/3PozXCa

 

 

Ear Cleaning:

Small dogs, especially those with floppy ears, are prone to ear infections and wax build-up. Check your dog's ears regularly for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge. Use boiled water cooled to room temperature, and cotton balls to gently clean the outer ear, avoiding the ear canal. If you notice any abnormalities, consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.

Though there are plenty of dog ear cleaning products on the market, unless your pup has a problem and your vet has told you to use them, you should avoid them.  Dogs ears, like ours, are self-cleaning! They don't need extra chemicals.  A gentle wipe of the outer ear with some cool water will do the trick! 

 

 By following these grooming tips and techniques, you can ensure that your small dog stays clean, comfortable, and healthy. Remember to approach grooming sessions with patience and positivity, making it a bonding experience for you and your furry friend.

Share your favourite grooming tips and tricks in the comments below! Don't forget to follow us on social media links for more helpful advice on caring for your small dog, tag us too! We love to see your pups <3 

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