Is Your Dog a Material Girl (or Boy)? They Might Love a Spa Day

March 21, 2022

Grooming needs can vary from dog to dog. However, some practices are commonplace for all; like brushing their coats and making sure their nails are trimmed. Here’s the order if you’re looking to treat your pup to an at-home overhaul for spring: brush, bath, blow-out, and nails.

Brushing

This one is pretty straightforward but we will say that brushing should happen way more often than bathing. Medium-length haired dogs like doodles or spaniels need a brush about 3 times a week at minimum and longer haired dogs like Shih-Tzus really need a brush every day.

Bathing

Wondering, “How do I know if my dog needs a bath?” The general rule of paw is most dogs need a bath about once every 4-6 weeks. A nice pre-bath ritual is to get all your supplies set up before your dog enters the space. That way, it minimizes the time they’re getting bathed and therefore minimizes their stress. Bonus points if you use a deshed brush beforehand or a deshedding shampoo. These tools help rid the undercoat of loose hairs and cools your dog down in the warmer weather. Extra bathing tips: if you know they dislike the water, try smearing some peanut butter on the wall to keep them occupied while you get to scrubbing – licking releases endorphins which helps keep them calm, make sure to avoid getting water in their eyes and ears, and of course, let them shake before towel-drying and blow-drying your pup. Interesting Dog Fact! Did you know that incorporating a fish oil/salmon oil pill or tbsp of liquid can also help significantly with shedding? The Omega-3 fatty acids help make their coat shiny but they also help with the hydration and healthy skin, making them less itchy and less likely to scratch and shed!

Blow-out

If your dog is patient enough for you to blow-dry them, we’re jealous. While it’s not 100% mandatory post-bath, it is extremely nice for your dog (and your furniture) if they are fully dry before being let loose. Invest in a cotton or terry cloth wrap to go over your puppy’s ears to muffle the blow-dryer sound and get to work drying in circular motions. If your dog has medium to long hair, keep a conditioning spray and brush nearby to help with any tangles.

Nails

A great trick for this is to actually hold your dog’s paw backwards, so it points behind them as if they’re taking a step, and from that angle, only cut the tip of the nail that is below the paw pad. This will likely not get the nails as short as absolutely possible but will ensure you don’t hit the quick and it applies to clear and black nails. Notice any dry paw pads? There are balms especially made for nose and paw hydration – consider investing in one the next time you give your pup a pawdicure. Having a well-groomed dog is essential for their comfort. Plus, who doesn’t like a fluffy, soft, wonderful-smelling pup? We know we do!