Home > Healthy at Home > Don’t wait for the groomer to reopen to get your dog’s coat shining again
Your groomer may be closed, but that doesn’t mean that your dog doesn’t need that grooming session you were planning! The good news is that you are able to brush and bathe your dog at home yourself. Check out our advice on how.
Brushing
Brushing removes loose hairs and dead skin cells, keeps the coat free of dirt and debris and distributes natural skin oils along the hair shaft. Plus, it feels good!
Different styles of brushes work better on certain types of coats:
It is a good idea to brush your dog thoroughly before bathing to remove as much loose hair in advance. If your dog has long, silky hair, it is a good idea to get in the habit of brushing their hair on a daily basis to deal with knots before they become too matted.
Bathing
If your dog is not a fan of water, try to make the bath as positive an experience as possible with lots of treats and rewards. Filling a toy with peanut butter or even spreading peanut butter on the bathroom wall can keep your dog happy and occupied while you bathe them.
The bathtub works great for bathing your dog—just consider covering the drain to collect all the loose hair that will come off your pet. If it is a nice day, you can also bathe your dog in the yard by filling a plastic tub with warm water.
To make the experience positive, it is best not to spray water directly at your dog with a hose or shower head—this can be scary! Use a container to gently pour water over your dog.
Lastly, use only dog shampoos and conditioners, since human products can be irritating to your dog’s skin.
If your dog is just not going to hold still for a bath at home, another option is leave-in shampoos. These products can be rubbed into the skin to help cleanse and moisturize it without having to be washed out again.