Grooming isn't just a vanity project for our dogs; it's vital for their well-being both physically and emotionally. Regular grooming promotes a healthy coat of fur, allows for early detection of skin issues, and enhances your dog's overall hygiene. These moments also offer a unique opportunity to bond with your dog, fostering trust between you and your dog. Here are recommendations that have been reviewed by veterinarians for some extra potent tips! 

1. Select the Best Products for Your Dog

When faced with the question, "What is the best dog shampoo?" the choice is clear: quality matters. Check the ingredients to ensure that you know what you’re going to be lathering your dog up with, take special care to ensure the scent is to your liking, and last but not least be sure to keep an eye out for ingredients your dog may be allergic too. If scents are too much for you or you pet, look for an odor-free option.

2. Setting Up the Perfect Grooming Area

Creating a safe and comfortable grooming environment is vital for your sanity, but also for your pets safety. Tubs can be slippery and lead to accidental bruises on humans and dogs alike! Ensure the chosen space, be it a bathroom, bathtub, mudroom, or the lawn, is slip-proof and that all tools are within arm's reach. Prepare whatever tools and products you’re going to need, and create a calming environment. The more stressful it is to have bath time for dogs, the harder it’s going to be to give them a bath. You can use calming treats to help soothe a dog who is particularly unenthused about the idea of a bath, or you can 

Opt for a Non-Slip Surface

Safety should always be a top priority. Whether you're grooming your dog in a bathtub, a sink, or on a table, ensure the surface is non-slip. This can be achieved by using rubber mats or non-slip bath stickers. A secure footing will help your dog feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries due to slipping or sudden movements.

Keep All Tools and Products Within Arm's Reach

Before starting the grooming session, gather all the necessary tools and products you'll need, such as brushes, combs, clippers, shampoo, towels, etc. Having everything close at hand prevents you from leaving your dog unattended, ensuring their safety and reducing potential anxiety. It also allows for a smoother grooming process without interruptions.

Create a Calming Environment

Dogs can sometimes feel anxious or stressed during grooming, especially if they're not used to it. To help ease any nervousness, choose a quiet, well-lit spot away from household traffic or loud noises. Playing soft music or using calming sprays or diffusers with dog-safe essential oils like lavender can also create a more relaxed atmosphere. Ensure the area is at a comfortable temperature for your dog, and always offer positive reinforcement with treats and soothing words to make the experience pleasant for them.

3. Face Wash and Beyond

When washing your dog's face, use a soft cloth to gently cleanse, ensuring no water or shampoo enters their eyes, ears, or nose. Keeping hair around the eyes trimmed can prevent vision obstruction and eye damage. This will require you to be up close and personal in your dog’s personal space, make sure you keep your movements slow and calm. Try to avoid using loud clippers or hair trimmers until your dog has gotten used to them.

4. Brushing: The Key to a Healthy Coat

All dogs benefit from regular brushing. For longhaired breeds, brushing prevents painful matting and potential skin infections. Whereas, for shorthaired breeds, it aids in removing loose hair, dirt, and dander, extending the time between baths. Be sure to be as gentle as possible and try to not rip at your dog's fur, even if it is being particularly stubborn with that one specific knot. If a knot is too large or stubborn, use scissors to carefully trim it away and allow for your dog's hair to grow back naturally over time.

5. Trim with Care

While many dog owners may opt for professional grooming services, careful trimming at home (especially around areas like the eyes or paws), is possible. It’s essential to wait until your dog is calm, move with care, and always reward their patience. The more intense and stressful this situation seems to your dog, the less likely they are to remain calm while getting a haircut. When trimming in and around your dogs face take extra care to move slowly, anticipate your dog moving in random directions, when all else fails simply pull your hand away and let your dog move around before trying to return to careful trimming. If you prefer to use an electric trimmer, make sure it’s pet-safe and friendly. Trimmers made for humans can often be too loud or even damaging to your dogs coat if you use the incorrect attachment.

Note: If you own a dog with a doublecoat, you should speak with your vet before haircuts. Double coats can be badly damaged from haircuts. In some breeds the double coat is actually the most effective form of sunscreen, meaning a bad haircut can lead to overheating faster and more frequently.

6. Nails: The Overlooked Aspect of Grooming

Long nails can cause discomfort, property damage, and can make a lot of noise. Regularly trim your dog’s nails and make sure that you have the right tools for the job. If your dog is afraid of nail clippers, you can explore options such as nail grinders that are softer and kinder on your dog than traditional clippers (they just take a bit longer). In some cases you may want to explore a calming behavioral solution, akin to cbd dog treats. This has the potential to help improve your dog’s state of calm, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t overlook any of the important notes covered in this article either. The most effective way to give your dog a good experience is to keep everything in mind and combine it all to make the perfect dog spa visit.

7. Regular Skin Checks

Allergic skin diseases are common among dogs. While grooming, run your fingers through their coat, inspecting the skin for any irregularities such as sores, redness, bald spots, or parasites. If you find any signs or symptoms you can reach out to your vet for advice on next steps. The advice could be topical balms somewhat akin to what Honest Paws offers, or it could be something that requires more in-depth medical treatment that only your vet is best suited to advise on.

8. Establish a Positive Grooming Experience

Many dogs, particularly puppies, need positive reinforcement during grooming. Using treats and praise will make the experience enjoyable while ensuring they can’t wait for the next session. Positive experiences can be a powerful motivator that is often overlooked when working with dogs. The sad truth is: It’s easy to misunderstand what our dogs are trying to tell us. If you air on the side of compassion and understanding, you should be able to show your dog that shower, bath, pool, or any water time, is happy time!

9. Ear Checks are Crucial

Hear me out (see what I did there?), you should be examining your dog's ears during grooming. Signs like inflammation, unusual odor, or increased discharge can be early indications of infections, necessitating a vet visit. You’re already here pampering and spoiling your dog, so add in a quick ear check at the end of things to make sure your dog’s in good health.

10. Optimal Bathing Frequency

Did you know that most dogs with healthy skin only need a bath every few months? Overbathing can strip natural oils that protect and enrich your dog's coat, leading to dry skin. When bathing your dog, use a dog-specific soap-free shampoo like Honest Paws 5-in-1 Dog Wash. Unless your dog is particularly stinky, has gotten into something gross, or has clear issues with their coat, you should try to keep in mind that dog baths really should be once every few months. Your vet can provide more specific information about your specific breed’s bathing recommendations as well.

If you take and combine the above advice to create the ultimate dog spa day, you can start to show your dog that bath time is actually an enjoyable experience. It may take a few baths for your dog to truly start to understand that everything is ok, but with patience and compassion you should be able to make a great experience possible for your dog. While you’re at it, you can really pamper them with a dog spa day bundle!