Home Pet Grooming Tips

     Grooming your pet at home is not only a great way to bond with your pet, but to save a few dollars as well.  For those pet owners who want to be frugal or are simply an avid do-it-yourself type of person, here are a few home pet grooming tips that might be helpful.

     Your pet smells a bit stinky and really needs the works - a bath, a good brushing, teeth and gum cleaning, toenail trimming, and a thorough ear cleaning.  Instead of dropping him off to your local grooming professional, you can perform all of these grooming tasks for your pet right in the comfort of your own home or back yard.
 
     It may be helpful to watch a pro do these things for your pet in order to learn the safest manner in which to groom your pet.  With that said, here are a few tips that will make the grooming experience more pleasant and perhaps even fun, for both you and your pet.

Home Pet Grooming Tips

• Play with your pet before getting into the grooming.  Give them a bit of loving before grooming.  This is especially important for those pets (like cats and rabbits) that might be a bit more skittish about being handled.
• It may be beneficial for both you and your pet if you use a muzzle (dogs) or a hood (cats) while grooming your pet.
• Keep treats on hand so your pet can be rewarded immediately for positive behavior during the grooming session.
• Choose a shampoo that is specific for your pet.  Shampoos are all formulated differently for dogs, cats, and rabbits.  Feel free to obtain a recommendation from your vet or local pet shop.
• Before beginning anything, gather all of your supplies together so you won’t have to face the possibility of leaving your soapy dog or pet unattended while you find the next tool you need.
• Brush your pet’s hair before giving them a bath.  The water and shampoo will only serve to worsen the condition of any mats that are present.  Plus, the brushing session removes any dead and loose hair prior to shampooing.  If you’re washing your pet inside, your tub or sink drain will have less of a chance of getting clogged with hair if this step is performed first.
• Once your pet is washed and dried, give them another good brushing.  Spend some time relaxing with them before moving on to teeth brushing or toenail clipping.
• Always allow your pet to see and sniff the tools you’re using.  This will make the tools less scary to your pet.
• Always handle your pet firmly, but gently.  If you find that your pet is resisting you and becoming more and more anxious, try another time.
• Check your pet’s ears for ear mites and wax buildup. 
• Brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week.  Rabbits and cats don’t necessarily require teeth brushing.

     Keep in mind that it may take some time before your pet is willing to allow you to groom him at home, especially if he is accustomed to being groomed at a shop.  However, if you’re patient, you and your pet will eventually come to enjoy your pet grooming sessions right at home.