Dog Grooming - 5 Things You Should NEVER Do

Dog Grooming - 5 Things You Should NEVER Do

Every dog has a unique personality which can be reflected in its appearance. Whether your dog sports an untamed mop of fur or a sleek and shiny coat, it's essential to care for that coat properly. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common things owners get wrong when grooming their dogs; all too often, people make mistakes that can lead to severe consequences for their pet's health. If you're not sure what you should and shouldn't be doing when it comes to grooming your dog, read on for our top five tips!

Every dog has a unique personality which can be reflected in its appearance. Whether your dog sports an untamed mop of fur or a sleek and shiny coat, it's essential to care for that coat properly.Unfortunately, this is one of the most common things owners get wrong when grooming their dogs; all too often, people make mistakes that can lead to severe consequences for their pet's health. If you're not sure what you should and shouldn't be doing when it comes to grooming your dog, read on for our top five tips!

1. Washing the Inside of Your Dog's Ears

Depending on the race, your dog's ears may be more or less prone to infection. As your dog goes about their day, tiny particles of dirt and other debris can work their way into the ear canal, and if not removed, can lead to a build-up of wax and cause infection.

Many owners make the mistake of trying to clean their dog's ears at home, using cotton balls or Q-tips.

However, this can do more harm than good; you can easily damage your dog's ear canal by applying too much pressure, and the cotton balls themselves can harbor bacteria! This is the worst-case scenario because you'll have to get your dog to a vet immediately to treat the infection.

Other inexperienced dog owners might try to clean their dog's ears with water, which is also a bad idea. Water can exacerbate the problem, as it will wash away the protective wax and make the ear canal more susceptible to infection.

How to do it right: Instead of trying to clean your dog's ears at home, take them to a professional groomer who has experience cleaning ears. They will remove any debris safely and effectively without causing any damage.

The frequency depends on the dog. Some only need their ears cleaned once a month, while other breeds like Newfoundlands and Cocker Spaniels may need this done every few weeks. You'll know when it's necessary, as your dog's ears will start to smell bad, or you'll see evidence of wax build-up.

2. Giving Your Dog a Quick Rinse

When your dog goes out for a walk, its coat will inevitably get dirty. However, many owners make the mistake of giving their dogs a quick rinse before bringing them inside, thinking this will be enough to clean them off.

But a quick rinse is not nearly enough to get all the dirt and mud out of your dog's fur, as it can do more harm than good! First, rinsing your dog's coat too often can result in dry skin. If your pet's coat is already on the dry side, this will exacerbate the problem and lead to flaking or itching.

When you wash your dog(once every few months,) a quick rinse is not enough to clean your pet thoroughly. Most dog shampoos are made to remove dirt, grime, and odor, but they need to be completely rinsed out to be safe.

An incomplete rinse will leave bits of soap in your dog's fur, which is terrible for two reasons. It can lead to skin problems, either from the soap being left on the skin or from a reaction between the residue and your pet's coat. Second, it can attract dirt and debris that will stick to your dog's wet coat!

How to do it right: Leave the bathing to the professionals! Find a groomer who offers mobile services and have them come to your home. This way, you can be assured that your dog will be bathed thoroughly and adequately, and you won't have to worry about making your dog uncomfortable.

3. Brushing a Wet Coat

Another common mistake that owners make is brushing their dog's coat when it's wet.

This might seem like a logical thing to do, as the fur will be wet and soapy and therefore easier to brush. However, this is counterproductive. When the coat is wet, the individual hairs are more likely to become tangled together, and brushing them while they're wet will only make matters worse.

This practice can also cause pain and discomfort for your dog, as the brush's bristles will irritate the skin. In extreme cases, it can even lead to hair loss.

How to do it right: Wait until your dog's coat has dried completely before brushing it. This might take a little longer, but it's worth it to avoid the hassle and pain of brushing a wet coat. You can also use a comb instead of a brush to detangle your dog's hair.

4. Giving Your Dog Daily Baths

You might think that bathing your dog every day will help eliminate the odor and grime caused by rolling in the dirt and playing outside, but that's not the case.

Your pet's skin is naturally oily, and it requires a certain amount of oil to maintain healthy skin and fur. Washing away too much of this oil can lead to skin problems, such as dryness, flaking, and itching. In extreme cases, it can even cause hair loss.

Dogs should only be washed thoroughly by a professional groomer once every few months or as necessary. The groomer will remove any debris safely and effectively without causing any damage.

How to do it right: Instead of giving your dog a daily bath, try using an odor-eliminating shampoo or spray. Many homemade remedies can help get rid of bad dog smells, such as vinegar solutions or citrus sprays.

5. Shaving Your Dog in Summer

Perhaps the most counterintuitive grooming mistake is shaving your dog in the summer. Even though it looks nice and cool, shaving the coat short will actually make your dog hotter! When a dog's thick winter coat is shaved in the summer, they become uncomfortable and hot. This extra fur acts as insulation to protect them from the elements and regulate their temperature. Without it, dogs can quickly get sunburns or heat stroke. Shaving a dog in summer also interferes with its natural cooling system, as the fur helps to evaporate sweat and keep the dog cool.

Most owners don't know the difference between an undercoat and an outer coat and shave their pet to the skin. An undercoat is a thin, downy coat of hair that lies close to the skin. This layer helps to insulate the dog and protect them from the cold. An outer coat is longer and coarser and helps protect the dog from the elements.

You can safely remove hair from the undercoat via brushing, as long as you are careful not to remove too much.

How to do it right: Don't shave your dog unless you have a legitimate medical reason to do so. If you want them to be cooler, there are other alternatives that you can try, like using a cooling bandana or keeping them indoors and hydrated as much as possible during the summer months.

Benefits Of Mobile Grooming Services

As you can see, grooming your dog at home can be a tricky business. If you're not experienced in the art of dog grooming, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Doing so will result in:

Fast and Effective Service

Since the dog groomer comes to you at your convenience, there's no need to block out time for a lengthy appointment or to leave your dog at a kennel. You also avoid worrying about traffic, finding a parking spot, or dealing with noisy dogs in the grooming salon. 

Safe and Sanitary Conditions

Your pet is groomed in the safety and comfort of your own home, with all the necessary tools and equipment on hand. There are many mistakes when you don't have the required knowledge, so it's best to leave the tasks to professionals.

Also, your dog will never contact other dogs who may be ill or have parasites.

Affordable Rates

Professional grooming services don't have to be expensive. In fact, mobile groomers often charge less than traditional pet groomers simply because they have fewer overhead costs.

Where To Find A Mobile Dog Groomer Near Me?

If you're looking for a qualified and experienced groomer to take care of all your dog's grooming needs, Pawsh is here to help. We act as a matchmaking service that connects dog owners with professional pet groomers in their local area.

To find a mobile dog groomer near you, simply enter your zip code into our search bar. You'll be able to see a list of qualified and reputable groomers in your area, along with their pricing and customer ratings.

If you're not sure which groomer is right for your dog, don't worry! Our team of experts can help you make the right decision. We'll ask you a few questions about your dog's breed, coat, and temperament to find the perfect groomer for them.

You can then use our easy-to-use platform to book an appointment and make cashless payments.

Final Thoughts

Grooming your dog can be a daunting task, especially if not experienced. For the best possible results, it's best to leave all of your grooming needs to trained professionals. Even though this will require an investment of time and money upfront, it will save you headaches(and possibly a vet visit) down the road.

Downloading the Pawsh app is a great way to find mobile dog groomers near you, so don't hesitate to give us a try! If you still have questions, please visit our website or contact us.



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