You’ve just come home from the groomer, and your pup smells amazing, looks adorable, and has a cute new bandana. All is right with the world! Fast forward a couple of weeks, and that freshness is long gone, replaced by that distinctive dog smell. With tangles and dirt in fur from romps outdoors – how can you refresh your pup’s look (and scent) between grooming sessions?
Fortunately, just a few simple practices will keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy and beautiful! Tangled fur can get matted, painfully pulling the skin; burrs or other debris can bury themselves in a thick coat and irritate your pup. Luckily, keeping up with normal dirt and tangles is a straightforward task. Follow these tips to keep your pup looking fresh every day.
Brush Daily
Every dog can benefit from a good brushing every evening! For a short hair dog, choose a curry comb and soft wire brush. These won’t irritate the skin, in fact, they provide a gentle massage! Long-haired pups will require a pin brush, dematter brush, deshedder brush to keep that fur tidy and untangled.
Have Towels at the Ready
Prepare for muddy paws or wet muzzles by having a towel at all entrances to your home. Wiping your pup’s paws every time they come in helps prevent the buildup of muck and grime. In addition, cleaner paws mean an easier bath at the groomer and less staining of white fur.
Wipe Eyes and Mouth
Eyes are prone to infection, and some breeds tend to get tear stains or saliva staining on their chins. Wiping them regularly with a soft cloth and warm water can help prevent both infection and unsightly staining. In addition, touching your pup’s face regularly is a wonderful tool for preparing your dog for grooming, and trips to the vet, and allows you to build their trust over time.
Give Them a Bath
If your dog has gotten unusually dirty or smelly, a bath is probably the solution! Not every dog can be bathed at home, but most dogs enjoy water to some extent and may find that baths at home are a lot of fun! Consider the size of your dog when planning a bath – a very small breed may be bathed comfortably in a sink, while a large dog may require a kiddie pool and hose!
Be sure to use shampoo and conditioner (if needed) that is specifically made for dogs – never use your own products on your pup! Their fur and skin have different needs than ours, and human shampoos are quite painful if they get into your dog’s eyes. Ask your groomer or veterinarian for recommendations that are best suited to your puppy’s needs.
Always thoroughly rinse and dry your dog, even using a blow dryer if your dog has especially long or thick fur. This helps them avoid having damp fur close to the skin for an extended period of time, which can be very uncomfortable.
Ask your Groomer!
Groomers are trained to care for a huge variety of breeds, so asking them for specific tips on care between grooming sessions is an excellent way to get advice specific to your dog. They may be able to suggest specific products for at-home care as well as suggestions for how to manage a bath at home. Your groomer can be your best friend, both at your regular visits and for helping your dog look its best between appointments.
Caring for your pup’s fur at home is a wonderful way to care for your dog. Not only are you helping them stay healthy, but your bond will also grow as you spend quality time together. And to top it all off, the days of a messy and matted pup will be behind you with just these simple practices!
