It is never too early to start grooming your puppy! Learn these 6 simple tips for grooming your new dog below.
Grooming Your Puppy: The Basics
Regular grooming your puppy is essential for their best hygiene, overall health and comfort! Grooming includes the following 6 essentials:
- Brushing.
- Bathing & Drying.
- Nail Trimming.
- Cleaning Ears.
- Brushing Teeth.
- Eye Cleaning.
(Depending on your dog, you may need to include express your dog’s anal glands.)
1. Brushing Your Puppy
This is one of the most frequent grooming tasks (daily or at least 3 to 4 times a week). Brushing between bathing can help keep your puppy clean, free of dandruff, dead hair and skin as well as painful matting. Brushing is also a wonderful way to establish a deep bond between you and your young K9. Always brush your dog before bathing to remove as much dirt, loose fur, mats and tangles first.
2. Bathing & Drying
Bathing and grooming your puppy should be done on a regular basis, but not too frequently to avoid drying out his skin and fur. Each breed has different needs so check with your veterinarian for the best bathing schedule for your new bundle of fur. Also, always use gentle dog shampoo and conditioner with natural, non-irritating ingredients. Never use human shampoo to clean your dog! Get as much of the water as possible from their fur with dry towels in a warm environment. (Be prepared for lots of shaking by your wet dog!)
3. Nail Trimming
This is often one of the most difficult tasks when grooming your puppy because many dogs naturally avoid having their paws handled. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Begin early with your puppy with lots of patience, praise and treats. Never force your dog to submit if they are nervous or fearful. Once your puppy has learned to relax, slowly introduce the clippers and snip off a tiny piece of nail to help them adjust to having their nails trimmed. Make it FUN with lots of praise and rewards and your pup will soon learn to relax with this grooming basic!
4. Cleaning Ears
It is important to regularly keep your dog’s ears clean to avoid ear inflammation and infections, bad smells, debris, yeast, bacteria, fungus, ear mites and even hearing loss! Use cotton balls lightly with a dog-friendly solution – or natural grooming wipes – to gently clean outside the ear canal and the ear flap. Never pour anything into your dog’s ear!
5. Brushing Teeth
Again, use lots of patience for the best result! Use a size-appropriate toothbrush or finger brush for your dog and dog toothpaste (never use human toothpaste as it contains toxic ingredients bad for dogs!). Dog-friendly kinds of toothpaste are flavored; find the flavor your dog loves for the best experience! If you decide to use a dental liquid, ensure there is no alcohol in the product to protect your puppy and dog!
6. Cleaning Eyes
Some breeds require more attention to their eyes, even daily. Never try to remove any discharge build-up with scissors. Instead, use a moist cotton ball – or natural grooming wipes – to gently remove any discharge (in a downwards motion). Some dogs will also need attention to tear stains around their eyes.
Always have plenty of time and confidence when grooming your puppy so they feel comfortable and relaxed. If you are uncomfortable, nervous or stressed with grooming your dog yourself, use professional services instead.
ARKANSAS BEAR CREEK GOLDENS AND DOODLES
We are a small family breeder located in the heart of the Ozarks in Northern Arkansas. We strive to raise healthy, happy, well-socialized, quality Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Mini Labradoodle, and Aussiedoodle puppies.
All our puppies come with a health guarantee for their first 12 months of age.
Please text or call us at 870-404-0127 or 870-404-1189 or use our Contact Form here for more information about upcoming litters.
