Dog grooming tips can provide helpful advice to keep your dog looking his best. Proper grooming is not only important for a dog’s appearance but for his health as well. Some important supplies for do-it-yourself dog grooming include brushes, combs, clippers, shampoo, and nail clippers.

A very basic dog grooming tip is that a good quality dog brush is an essential grooming tool. Most dogs should be brushed about either daily or at least once a week. This is an extremely general guideline, since dogs with very short coats will not need as frequent grooming, and dogs with long, thick, or fluffy coats may need to be brushed daily. Regular brushing removes dead hair, stimulates the dog’s skin, and redistributes natural oils. The type of dog brush that will work best depends on your dog’s coat. Slicker brushes are fine for short coats. For dogs with longer coats, natural bristle brushes maybe most effective. For dogs with very wiry or fluffy hair, a comb may be needed in addition to a brush.

A dog grooming tip for long haired breeds is that clippers can be used to trim your dog’s hair if it grows long. Be sure to introduce the clippers to the dog slowly and gradually, as many dogs are frightened by them at first. Let the dog sniff them and get used to the clippers being used near her body before you ever turn them on. Your dog should also be placed on a slip-free surface and held well while being clipped, to ease her anxiety.

Dog grooming tips about bathing are always helpful! Keep in mind that dog shampoos include a wide array of products and can do much more than just wash the dog. If your dog has skin problems or very dry hair, find a shampoo that will not only wash but also condition the fur and even skin. Some shampoos have built-in detanglers, which can be a big time-saver for long-haired or curly breeds. There are waterless shampoos for dogs who truly hate baths, and damp, shampoo-treated mitts for easy cleanings between baths. These are real time savers when you need a quick cleanup!

An important dog grooming tip about nail clipping is that your nail clippers should always be designed specifically for use on dogs. As with other grooming supplies, allow your dog time to sniff the clippers and become accustomed to them. Most dogs respond better to having their paws lifted up and toward their backs for nail clipping, rather than pulling the paws forward. If you are inexperienced at handling canine nail clippers or your dog is very anxious and likely to pull away, you may want to have a styptic pencil on hand. This can be used to stop the bleeding if you inadvertently cut too close to the “quick” of the nail.

Of course, a truly simple dog grooming tip is to select a qualified dog groomer to do the work for you. Dog groomers may belong to groups such as the International Association of Canine Professionals and the National Dog Groomers Association of America. Look for a groomer with a clean work area who works quickly but carefully. Some dogs are fearful of going to the groomer. A good groomer will work with the dog to settle him down before beginning the grooming.