You know who really loves quarantine? Dogs. Pennie and Goldie are so excited that all of their humans are home all day, every day. And they’re getting massive amounts of attention from everyone.
They’re gonna be so bummed when this thing is over!
But I’m loving this time together as much as they are. Say what you want about dogs but I think they make us better humans! And I don’t know about you but having something soft, furry, and non-judgemental sit next to you when you’re feeling a little bit of stress or anxiety over this whole Covid-19 epidemic.
And I’ve been excited to watch so many of you add furry members to your family during this time and it’s more important than ever to have the proper tools at home to groom your new pups! Take it from me and our groomer who has to deal with matted dogs all the time!
Getting To Know Your Dog
Just a head’s up, every dog is different and things like if they have hair or fur will make a big difference in how you groom and take care of them. Get to know about your new pup by researching their breed, talking to the breeder (if you purchased from one), and then get the proper tools to care of them!
Goldie and Pennie are both golden doodles and those come with a good amount of maintenance. I learned the hard way that if you aren’t brushing them daily, they can get matted very quickly.
Washing Your Dogs
I count us lucky – we have two dogs that LOVE to bathe. I have to be careful not to leave the shower door unattended because both Goldie and Pennie will jump right in there with me!
We switched the shampoo and conditioner early last year that we use on the dogs. I looked for something more natural that would help moisturize and hydrate their skin. Goldie likes to get wet so often that I was worried about her coat and skin drying out! Make sure you watch how your dog’s skin does after washing – some dogs can tolerate being washed more frequently than others.
You can keep your dog(s) fresh between washes with a dry shampoo that’s made just for dogs – I’ve linked to ones specifically made for dogs.
This is the dryer that I purchased. We had been using a normal hairdryer up until this came and that’s totally fine! I found this much more convenient and effective. I can control the temperature and the hose comes with a bunch of different nozzles. It’s made specifically for grooming dogs! HERE is a much less expensive model and it has a ton of 5-star reviews!
It’s really important to dry your dogs completely after you bathe them and comb them out at the same time.
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SHOP GOLDIE & PENNIE’S GROOMING ESSENTIALS
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We use both a comb and a brush to work out the dog’s tangles and matting. I love this comb – it’s stainless steel and can be found a lot of places. This brush is also handy when blowing the dogs dry. I find that if we bathe them and dry them right away and continue to brush them daily, we typically don’t have any issues in between grooming appointments.
And if you need a little help with the matting, this ICE ICE dematting spray works wonders!
Toenail Clipping
I shared this previously in my puppy post but it’s definitely worth mentioning in this grooming post. Unless your dog runs around on hard surfaces like cement or paved roads that help keep toenails short, you have to cut or clip them regularly — if you hear them clicking on a hard surface, it’s time for a trim.
Like most dogs, my 2 aren’t fans! But getting your dog used to this ritual at an early stage helps you both weather the process without life-long scarring. Try giving your dog a yummy treat after the trimming session and a big tummy scratch so they look forward to it.
If you’re unsure of how to do it (this was me) just follow these steps:
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Check with your vet so they can show you the proper length your dog’s nails should be.
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Hold the foot steady, but hold it gently.
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Snip off a small bit of the end of each toenail. I love these clippers. Place a tiny bit of the nail in the nail clipper and snip. If the nail feels spongy while you’re trying to cut it, stop immediately — you’re cutting the quick!
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Stop any bleeding immediately.
If you cut the quick (often called quicking), you’ll have an unhappy dog and a bloody mess. That’s why you should go SLOWLY and only cut off small pieces at a time. If you’re unsure, clip to where you feel comfortable and then file to smooth out any rough edges. Quicking hurts a lot, and most dogs remember the experience long afterward.
Brushing your dog’s teeth
One thing I think is overlooked by a TON of dog owners is the tooth health of your dogs. I lived through my own abscess last year and that is something I don’t want the pups to go through! + it can be really expensive down the road for dog dentistry. They need to be put to sleep just so the work can be done and if you have extractions, the price skyrockets from there.
They have really great dog-safe toothpaste and the brushes are designed really well – they cover a lot of ground and get the job done! This specific toothpaste helps control plaque and fights bad breath with regular use. It has a tasty poultry flavor to ensure your dog loves it!
BULLY STICKS | SLIPPERS | JEANS | DOG BED | RUG
Bully sticks (even though I hate them) really help with keeping their teeth clean as well!
It really doesn’t get any cuter than this! These pups are always happier when they’re cleaner! I do trim around their eyes when they need it but other than that, keeping them brushed and clean during our extended quarantine is priority. I hope this helps set good habits with your own new pups!
Xx Tara
