Dog Grooming At Home

Why do dogs need to be groomed?

Regular grooming is important because it helps to prevent your dog’s coat getting matted, as well as removing dead hair, dirt and dandruff. Brushing also stimulates the natural oils in the skin and fur, which helps make for a glossy, healthy coat.

When should you start grooming your dog?

Pet owners are usually advised to get their dogs used to frequent grooming as early on in their life as possible, ideally as a puppy. It’s essential that dogs are happy and comfortable while being groomed, whether at home or by a professional dog groomer so take your time to build trust by brushing them for short periods before diving into the full grooming regime. Some dogs, like humans, prefer to be groomed more than others. Take it slowly and in moderation, using dog training treats as a reward.

What grooming tools should I invest in?

It’s a good idea to invest in a good few brushes, nail clippers and a slicker brush (The Pansage Kit comes complete with all of these tools) — a standard slicker brush is suitable for most breeds, and brush your dog gently and frequently and with attention paid to the chest area, behind the ears and legs.

The benefits of dog grooming

There are quite a few good reasons to learn how to groom a dog at home. Here are the benefits of grooming:

• Keeps the dog's skin and coat healthy
• Aids in the detection of unusual lumps or scratches
• It gets the dog used to being handled, which can reduce the stress of vet visits.
• Increases dog-owner bonding
• Removes dead skin and dirt
• You’ll notice pesky ticks and be able to eradicate them with the right combs
• Reduces shedding by improving circulation
• Keeps your dog looking polished

How frequently should you groom your dog?

The breed of your dog is usually a good indicator. Long-haired dogs, such as Bergamasco or Bearded Collies, must be brushed daily to prevent painful mats from accumulating. Short-coated breeds such as Italian Greyhound or Boston Terriers can get away with only one brushing per week. Nail clipping and bathing are usually needed less often, and only done as a “when needed” activity. However, it’s important to remember that overgrown nails can cause infections and interfere with your dog's walking, so make sure you check them regularly.

What are the best brushes or combs to use at home?

There are so many different types of brushes on the market that it can be difficult to choose the right one for your dog. Pagerie’s Pansage Kit includes a Slicker brush, Pin & bristle brush, Shedding & de-matting comb and a Shedding blade - All which are a fabulous investment for years to come.

STEP 1 | Brush your dog's coat

Brush your dog's coat gently and frequently, paying special attention to sensitive areas. This will keep your dog's coat free of mats if he or she is prone to them while also getting your dog used to being handled. If you notice pollen in your dog's coat after a recent walk, use a slicker brush to help remove it.

STEP 2 | Bathing

Before you bathe your dog, make sure his coat is free of knots. Bathing your dog on a regular basis will keep their coat clean. And, whether you bathe your dog in the sink or the bathtub, place a towel or a rubber mat at the bottom to provide a surface for your dog to grip.

If your dog has sensitive skin, they may require a special sensitive dog shampoo that is gentle on their skin. Purchase a dog shampoo because human products have different pH balances. Soak the dog’s fur with lukewarm water before lathering the shampoo into it.

STEP 3 | Avoid these areas

Avoid putting shampoo on the face, mouth, and ears and instead sponge wash them with clean water. For a thorough clean, massage the shampoo in for at least five minutes.

STEP 4 | Rinse well

Ensure you rinse thoroughly as any shampoo residue can irritate your dog's skin.

Towel dry your dog or, if he or she is comfortable with a hairdryer, ensure it is put on a cool setting.

STEP 5 | Clip your dog's nails

Check your dog's claws as often as possible. Nails on dogs should ideally be cut every three to six weeks, depending on growth. An easy way to see if your dog's nails need clipping is to look at them when your dog is standing straight -their nails should not touch the floor. If they are, they may need to be trimmed. The Pansage kit comes complete with nail clippers for a precise cut and to prevent overgrown nails.

STEP 6 | Give your pup some treats

To reward your dog for their good behaviour whilst grooming, you can offer some treats as a reward.

Pansage Grooming Kit

For the pet who has almost everything … The Pansage is a dog grooming kit that turns an everyday task into a luxury experience. The handsome leather and suede case contains well-designed ergonomic tools for grooming with ease, whether at home or at a competition. After all, to look the best only the best will do.