Home Dog Grooming During COVID: Part I
Dog Tips, May 13, 2021
By Pilar Garrido
As a professional dog groomer for 20 years, I have worked with many different types of breeds. There is no one solution when it comes to grooming. Our dogs need to have their monthly grooming as well as daily hair and skin maintenance at home. Caring for each dog is unique depending on the breed, and type of hair and skin. With COVID-19, we need to apply extra protections because our pets are susceptible to the virus as well.
Depending on which part of the world we are in, whether that’s the U.S., Spain or elsewhere, dog groomers have been forced to close their businesses due to COVID. However, if they are open, we want to ensure groomers are using the correct measures to protect our dogs from getting infected. Keep in mind that your dog is one of many dogs a groomer works with.
In Part I of the article, we will learn the important elements in maintaining a healthy, good-looking dog at home (nails, eyes, ears and skin — the works!).
In Part II of the article, we will cover some basic hair maintenance including materials needed for different types of dogs (Mexican Xoloitzcuintle, Chihuahua, Shar Pie, Malinois and etc). We will also discuss what we need to know when bringing our dogs to a professional groomer in the age of COVID.
PART I
First and foremost, education is crucial when it comes to working with animals. We need to ensure we do not harm nor scare our pets. We have to create a positive environment so our dogs can associate grooming with something good and fun. If we have not done this before, now is the time to start. If we observed the majority of the dogs in the grooming parlor, they love to take a bath. They may also like having their teeth brushed.
General grooming
(1) First of all, we need to have the proper attire for grooming our pet. Apparel that is bleach-resistant and water repellent is effective; it’s less of a hassle because it will protect our clothes. Also, protective safety googles are recommended. The use of a mask for people with allergy problems is also recommended.
(2) It’s always easier to groom our dogs at a younger age because they are easier to handle. They have not yet had any negative association with the process. Adopted dogs from shelters, on the other hand, are already used to this since they have had exposure to grooming from workers or volunteers in the center.
(3) The dog should associate daily grooming as a relaxing massage with pleasant smells, and lots of love and rewards. If there is a knot in the dog’s hair, do not untangle it forcefully. It could be painful for her and could result in a bad experience. It is better to cut it or wait to bring your dog to the hairdresser.
(4) Use natural calming essences such as lavender, chamomile, valerian or rosemary in the room where the dog will be groomed. The natural smells will help calm the dog. Some professional groomers use natural or hormone essences in the air to calm the dog. If calming is a problem, consult the nearest veterinarian clinic and they can recommend a natural medication that can help the dog feel more at ease.
(5) In the worse case scenario, a dog may need a muzzle. It’s for our safety and the dog’s safety as well. Never force the muzzle. Apply it slowly, little by little, using praise or treats. We can take the muzzle off once our dog is accustomed to being groomed. Do not apply a muzzle if a dog is calm and behaving correctly.
Cutting a dog’s nails
It is very painful and uncomfortable when our dogs run with long nails. In addition, walking with long nails can affect a dog’s sense of balance and posture. The moment we hear the sound of her nails as she moves around the house, it is a sign that it’s time for a trimming. If you have not had any experience cutting nails before as a professional groomer or having learned alongside one, you should go to your nearest vet so they can do it professionally and safely. Do not try this at home for the first time.
General maintenance for eyes (tears), and ears and skin (folds).
It’s important to make a habit of checking your dog’s eyes and ears. To prevent infection and fungi, our dogs’ eyes and ear should be cleaned at least once a week. There are a lot of cleaning solutions for dogs that we can buy at the veterinarian clinic or at the nearest pet store. Please remember the following:
(a) To start, dampen cotton balls (not cloth) or a piece of gauze with the solution and clean the area in a delicate manner.
(b) Do not apply pressure, as the ears and eyes are very sensitive. Keep cleaning until the cotton or gauze comes out white with no dirt. Once cleaned, dry the area with a fresh cotton ball.
(c) Never use water as a cleaning solution. It does not dry easily. Also, don’t use Q-tips to clean the ears because it cam damage the eardrum.
(d) If we are dealing with short-hair dogs such as bulldogs, we should not only clean the ears and eyes, but also the skin fold of the animal using the same process. Dirt accumulates under the skin folds and needs to be cleaned to prevent infection. Once dry, we can apply talcum powder under the skin. We can use talcum baby powder or similar dog products available at pet stores.