It brings joy to pet parents to do the things that help their dogs thrive, such as taking walks, playtime, training, the hugs and cuddles, and their grooming. Dogs love the feeling of being clean and fresh following grooming; not all are fond of the process but wallow in contentment and confidence when it’s done.

Clipping nails and trimming a pup’s hair is intimidating for many people who look to one of the many qualified dog groomers in Pittsburgh for their professional skills. Still, you could get the knack with the right guidance. Visit  Dog Grooming Tips | ASPCA – for tips on dog grooming.

It’s good to learn, even if you do end up using grooming services so you can do touchups between appointments. With puppies playing outside, rolling in the mud, and romping with furry friends, dogs can get messy, making it necessary to bathe and clean them up on the spot.

You’ll also need to keep up with regular brushing and pay attention to nail length. Grooming is the best way to show your puppy love and establish a strong, healthy bond.

Essential Tips for Dog Grooming

Some pet parents and their pups enjoy bathtime, brushings, and basic grooming, while other parents feel more secure using professional groomers. Either way, it’s vital to keep up with your dog’s personal hygiene as part of his overall wellness.

Despite choosing a qualified groomer, you want to learn how to perform the essentials of pet care to maintain your pup between sessions adequately.

You never know when you may need to take over, particularly if you’re unable to get to the salon for a scheduled appointment. Go here for a guide on the best groomers and kennels in Pittsburgh. Here are expert tips on managing your dog’s grooming.

The routine

Dogs thrive with structure and routine. When your pup is young, it’s important to develop a schedule for maintaining his hygiene so it becomes second nature for him. That will involve following the same process with products he recognizes in a setting where he feels comfortable.

Your puppy will know what to expect and follow your lead, making the experience less stressful for each of you. You want to be thorough in cleaning his skin, face, and coat, and rinse all the shampoo from his coat. Speak with the vet about the frequency of bathing your dog breed. You want to avoid bathing too much.

This will determine the grooming schedule, whether making appointments with a professional or handling it yourself.

The shampoo

There’s an array of shampoos to choose from, with oatmeal-based solutions being recommended. It’s good to use conditioner for dogs with sensitive or dry skin and damaged hair; this can help reduce the likelihood of matting.

If your puppy has skin irritations, hot spots, or dandruff, medicated shampoos or hypoallergenic options for sensitive skin. While you’ll try to avoid getting suds in their eyes, it’s inevitable as they squirm and wiggle, so finding a shampoo that doesn’t sting, tearless products are recommended.

If you decide to use a professional groomer for bathing and grooming, you’ll want to find out the products they use so you can have this on hand if you’re unable to make your scheduled appointment and need to bathe your pup at home.

It’s important to stick with the same shampoo to maintain consistency for your dog and avoid irritation.

The equipment

Quality and reputable dog groomers have specialized tools and equipment for an adequate and efficient result and optimum safety. When grooming from home, you’ll need a well-lit and comfortable space and an area where you can close the door to avoid your puppy scrambling off.

Having someone to help out is always a good idea especially if your dog tends to fight baths. Some of the supplies to invest in include:

• Scissors: Qualified dog groomers use industry-grade scissors for a precise cut. Dulled scissors can damage the hair and produce an uneven cut. Pet parents using industry-grade scissors must be cautious since these are incredibly sharp.
• Haircut: The quickest way to trim a coat is with clippers. You need to keep these sharpened to avoid tugging on your pup’s hair while trimming.
• Nails: Special nail clippers are important when trimming a dog’s nails; some people use nail grinders. Stabilizing your pup will prevent injuries, perhaps with someone holding him during the process.
• Brushes: Dog brushes vary by breed, so if your pup has short, fine hair, a comb will be more efficient. For long-hared dogs, a rounded-tip brush will reduce pain when working through tangles. You can also find brushes to help minimize shedding.

Hiring A Professional Groomer

Sometimes, a qualified groomer is needed when pet parents feel intimidated by the process. A professional groomer does more than clean up your dog, their years of experience give them a keen eye for cysts, rashes, and bleeding that you may overlook.

Because they see your dog frequently, their detection of potential health concerns allows you to take your dog for a vet exam to prevent major problems from developing.

In a similar vein, groomers are skilled in expressing the liquid from anal glands to offer dogs greater comfortability and prevent infection. This liquid passes through during defecation and doesn’t always empty as it should.

Groomers with years in the industry are experienced with all breeds and follow breed standards with haircuts and styling. They also take safe measures to ensure the puppy remains still to avoid accidents or incidents resulting in injury to the dog or the groomer.

Final Thought

Training goes hand in hand with grooming. You want your pup to have a grasp on basic obedience so he responds to verbal cues while being groomed. You can find full details here on qualified and quality dog trainers in Pittsburgh specializing in obedience training.

The biggest challenge with grooming is to keep your puppy still. With essential cues such as stay or sit, you can protect your dog’s safety and have efficient grooming results. You will also learn positive reinforcement techniques, such as praising your dog for his awesome behavior, this will encourage him for the next session.