If your dog runs under the couch the moment you open the cabinet door where their nail clippers are stored, you’re not alone. When you’re trying to figure it out by yourself, grooming can be frustrating and discouraging, but it’s essential to keep your dog not only looking good, but also happy and healthy. 

A regularly groomed dog experiences less pain and discomfort compared to a rarely-groomed dog. The following tips will help you prioritize your grooming efforts to be more efficient and effective, help you know what to buy for your dog, and help to make grooming less of a chore.

Brushing

Just like us, dogs are losing and growing more hair all day, every day. Regularly brushing your dog removes that loose fur that doesn’t completely leave the coat on its own and prevents mats in long-coated dogs. 

Short coats

Short coated dogs are definitely the easiest when it comes to brushing since there aren’t any mats to worry about. They (and you!) will still benefit from a weekly brushing to minimize shedding around the house and to help distribute their natural skin oils for a shinier and healthier coat. 

To de-shed a short coated dog, use a rubber brush like the Kong ZoomGroom or put on some grooming gloves to remove hair while you’re petting your dog. To keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy, use a natural boar bristle brush. Boar brushes are also excellent for puppies of any coat length to get used to getting brushed because they are so soft and gentle.

Long coats

Even dogs who are brushed every day sometimes end up needing to be shaved down because of matting when they go to the groomers. To prevent this, start with having the right combs and brushes on hand for your long-coated dog: a metal comb, a pin brush and/or a slicker brush, and an undercoat rake. Due to differing coat types and personal preference this will vary, but in general, a comb is used for fine detangling, a pin brush is used for general detangling and deshedding, a slicker brush is used for detangling and more serious deshedding, and an undercoat rake is used for serious deshedding. 

Typically, the areas that are most likely to mat are those that are a little more tricky or out-of-the-way to brush. That is, behind the ears, under the arms, longer hair on the legs, and the longer and often rougher hair on the dog’s rump. Brushing these areas daily and larger areas like the dog’s back and sides every couple of days is the best way to keep mats at bay. 

Nails

If dogs created haunted houses, they would definitely be filled with nail clippers. Trimming nails is close to impossible for many pup parents, but long nails can have serious effects on your dog’s health. Long nails are more likely to tear, split, or break, and long nails that touch the ground when a dog stands can contribute to arthritis as well, since stress is put on different joints. Dogs who already have arthritis or muscle weakness depend on the traction that their paw pads provide to walk around, but it’s much harder to get that traction with long nails.

Just like with brushes, the right equipment makes all the difference. Make sure you’re using quality clippers, and that they’re replaced a couple times per year so you aren’t trying to cut your dog’s nails with dull clippers. You can also use a nail grinder, or teach your dog to file their own nails by making or buying a scratch board and teaching your dog how to use it! If you’re clipping or grinding your dog’s nails, giving a calming support supplement 45 minutes prior to grooming and providing a distraction like a lick mat can be a huge help.

If you have thrown in the towel on cutting your dog’s nails, that’s okay too! Professional groomers and vet’s offices typically have appointments available for just nail trimming. However you do it, make sure your dog’s nails are managed!

Teeth

Studies show that 80-90% of dogs over the age of 3 have some form of periodontal disease. Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth - the excess bacteria in your dog’s mouth can enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and disease in other organs of the body. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart, liver, and kidney disease as well as behavioral issues like aggression. 

Daily brushing (ideally 2x/day) and yearly dental cleanings is the best way to prevent and treat periodontal disease. But if doing your dog’s nails is a challenge, brushing your dog’s teeth could be a complete nonstarter. Luckily, dental treats can do the job for us! Chews like Ark Naturals Brushless Toothpaste have ridges and a toothpaste center that help clean and polish teeth, reducing both plaque and tartar. Dogs who already have pearly whites would benefit from the ability of Protection+ to help prevent plaque and tartar from sticking to their teeth in the first place!

Beyond Health

Grooming no doubt helps dogs look and feel their best, but it can be a powerful way to bond with your dog as well. Using positive reinforcement like treats, toys, or touch makes grooming go from a stressful chore to a collaborative experience. No need to go all-out at first, just start incorporating small grooming tasks into your everyday routine, like clipping one nail before your pup gets his nightly dental chew. These small changes build to create a happier, healthier, and more cooperative dog.