Wash the dog. Give your dog a bath and let him dry thoroughly before you clip him. Avoid clipping a dirty dog if at all possible. The dirt will clog the clippers and make your job difficult.
Unlike people, who get haircuts with wet hair, always start with a dry, clean dog, Benesch said, and only use the tips of sharp shears to trim your dog's feet, face and tail, which will prevent you from cutting your dog if she moves suddenly.
Also, let your dog fully dry or blow dry his hair before you cut it. Like human hair, dog hair shrinks up when it dries. If you cut your pup's hair while it's wet, you could end up cutting his hair too short, which could leave him exposed to the cold or the sun (or he could end up with an uneven haircut).
The pet grooming process aims to remove excess dirt, debris, and head hair from your dog's coat. But hold on, isn't that what the bath does too? Not exactly. Grooming the dog before bath time and while their fur is completely dry helps you safely remove that debris without the process hurting your pup.
Start off by using clippers to cut your dog's hair. They're safer than scissors and will get the job done much faster. Just make sure that your clippers are kept sharp so they won't catch and pull on your dog's hair. Most clippers come with guards that can be used to cut the hair to various lengths.
Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers. Although some dogs may feel down after grooming, this quickly goes away and they truly appreciate the benefits of grooming.
A damp coat can lead to matting and will provide an ideal environment for skin infections and other conditions such as hot spots.
Cutting your hair wet can help you get clean lines without worrying about the natural movement of the hair adding a level of risk. It's easier to do than dry cutting (which is why it's the more popular method of hair cutting) because it restricts movement of the hair and allows for straight lines.
Generally, a groomer will use a small or portable air dryer on the dog. Air dryers are especially beneficial when it comes to dogs with thick fur or an undercoat. Sometimes, a groomer will use a kennel attached to a blow dryer.
Because of this feeling of powerlessness, it is okay for your pup to feel slightly confused for the rest of the day or even a few days after his grooming session.
They also need to be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks and have their hair cut every 8 to 12 weeks. You can strike a balance by visiting the professional groomer after every 6 weeks. Nevertheless, you may have to visit the groomer more often to keep your dog's skin healthy.
Wet hair cutting makes it easier to section the hair and offers better control. Your natural curls or waves can be seen clearly in dry hair cutting. Dry cutting is more suitable for uneven hair cuts like a shaggy cut or an asymmetrical bob, but wet cutting is preferable if you want your hair cut in one length.
'When hair is wet, strands group together, making it easier to cut. Cutting hair when wet is also faster than cutting dry hair, without sacrificing quality. You can sit back and relax in your salon chair knowing you will have a precise haircut.
Dogs such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies and any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (part of its undercoat) should never be shaved. It is a misconception that shaving will help keep a dog cool on hot days.
Trazodone can both sedate a dog and relieve anxiety. This is a good dog sedative for grooming, veterinary visits, thunderstorms/fireworks, and other short-term stressful events. Side effects include low blood pressure, so trazodone may be used cautiously or avoided in patients with certain health conditions.
Slowly start introducing brushing his coat in the more difficult areas first. These include around his face and ears, his paws, and his tail. Give him plenty of praise and treats to reward him for getting it right. Turn the clippers on if you are using them and let your pup get used to the noise.
Many dogs experience high anxiety levels when taken to a dog groomer because they aren't used to being handled by other people. The best way for owners to help their dogs relax during grooming is to handle them regularly.