It goes without saying that caring for your dog's hygiene is essential for their overall health and well-being. By incorporating a regular grooming routine into your pup’s everyday care, you can ensure that your furry friend stays clean, comfortable, healthy and happy.
But not every dog feels comfortable with being taken to a dog groomer, whether that’s due to bad experiences in their past or they’re a rescue and have never experienced that kind of care and attention.
Which is why in this guide, we’ve gathered together our top tips on caring for your dog’s hygiene at home. We’ll be focusing on the following four key areas: brushing their fur, brushing their teeth, cutting their nails, and cleaning their ears.
So, ready to get started?
Regularly brushing your dog's fur is crucial to keep it clean, in good condition, and free from tangles and matting. Brushing not only helps to remove loose hair and debris from the fur but also stimulates the skin and distributes natural oils, promoting a healthy coat.
Depending on your dog's breed and coat type, you may need different types of brushes or combs. For example, long-haired breeds (like an Afghan Hound or a Rough Collie) may require a slicker brush, while short-haired breeds (like a Boxer or a Weimaraner) may benefit from a bristle brush.
We’d recommend checking out It's Bath Time Deep Cleanse Natural 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner 500ml for supporting your pup’s coat condition during bath time.
Our top picks for dog brushes also include the JW Gripsoft Double Row Undercoat Rake Regular Teeth and the Wahl De-Shedding Glove For Dogs.
Caring for your dog’s oral hygiene may be less straightforward than looking after their coat hygiene, but it still plays a crucial role in your dog's overall health. Regular tooth brushing helps prevent dental diseases such as gum inflammation, tooth decay and bad breath.
Remember, it’s vital to use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your dog's teeth. Never use human toothpaste.
You’ll want to aim to brush your dog's teeth at least 2-3 times a week, or as regularly as your veterinarian recommends.
You may also want to check out our Simply Seaweed Natural Dental Health Care to support your dog’s oral health. This nutritional supplement is all-natural and also helps to remove stains/improve teeth whiteness, whilst also suitable for dogs and cats alike!
Next comes cutting your dog’s nails. Trimming your dog's nails is essential for their comfort and to prevent painful conditions like ingrown nails or splaying of the toes.
You’ll want to choose a high-quality nail clipper suitable for your dog's size, such as our Artero Nail Clipper for small to medium dogs.
For some handy diagrams of painlessly cutting a dog’s nails, we’d recommend checking out this article from the American Kennel Club.
If you are unsure about trimming your dog's nails, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian for guidance. Remember, regular nail maintenance can help your dog become accustomed to the process and make it easier for you to trim their nails safely at home.
If you do want to try clipping your dog’s nails at home, we’d recommend checking out our Wahl 2 in 1 E-Z Nail Clipper and Filer or our Wahl Power Grip Nail Clipper too.
Like everything else covered in this guide so far, dog ear hygiene is equally vital to keep on top of too - as it can help prevent infections and discomfort for your pup.
Make sure to inspect your dog's ears regularly for redness, swelling, or a foul odour. If you notice any signs of infection, consult your veterinarian.
For additional information regarding deep cleaning a dog’s ears with a cleaning solution, we’d suggest checking out this article from VCA Animal Hospitals. It’s full of great tips and education on dog ear care.
Maintaining your dog's hygiene at home is vital for any responsible pet parent. By following a regular grooming routine that includes brushing your dog's fur, brushing their teeth, cutting their nails and cleaning their ears, you can ensure that your furry friend stays clean, comfortable, and healthy.
With proper attention and care, you can help your beloved canine companion thrive and enjoy a happy, healthy life. So don’t forget to check out our recommended products to help you on this journey.
Here’s to pampering our pups and helping them both look and feel like a million bucks!