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In the same way that we go for haircuts, shop for clothing, and even go to a salon, dogs also benefit from grooming. And although we want the best for our furry friends, what we really want is to find affordable grooming or even some at-home dog grooming tips that will ultimately save us some money.
And yes, while it is easier to just drop little Fifi off at the pet-grooming store, the cost of this luxury adds up. So, to help you save some money, while still ensuring that your four-legged friend still looks her best, are the best dog grooming tips you’ll want to incorporate in your routine.
At-Home Bathing
A regular bath time routine is something you and your dog already have, but you can add a bath as a very easy DIY dog grooming hack by making sure that you also give her a thorough bath before you give her a haircut.
In the same way that a hairdresser will charge you extra to give you a wash before your haircut, a dog groomer will charge extra to wash your dog. Some great bathing tips include:
- Brushing before bath time
- Bathing outside in warm weather to lessen any mess
- Have all supplies at the ready to avoid leaving your dog unattended
- Ensure that water temperature is not too hot or cold, check with your wrist
- Place cotton balls in your dog’s ear canals to avoid water getting in
- Start at the back of your dog and work your way forward to help her adjust to the temperature of the water
- Follow the directions on the shampoo bottle, too much can be harmful
- Thoroughly rinse off any shampoo and other cleaning agents used
- If a hairdryer is needed, use on the cool setting
Brushing
Another dog grooming hack involves brushing your own dog. Depending on the type of dog you own will mean that this could be an easy task or a challenging one. A proper brush for your type of dog makes all the difference in the world, so talk to your dog’s groomer to find out what sort of brush is best.
Brushing your furry friend is an affordable dog grooming tip that can also be used as a bonding moment between you and your dog. Don’t be afraid snip out tangles if a brush simply won’t do, after all, you don’t want to hurt your dog in the process.
Nail Clipping
Nail clipping is probably the grooming task that owners hate the most. Many are afraid that they will cut the nail too short or are unsure of how to even approach the nails with a clipper. But I promise you, especially if you have a dog whose nails grow quickly, this will save you a lot of money.
The best way to get over your fear is to first get clippers that you feel comfortable with, there are a few variations from which to choose. Be sure to make sure that your dog is calm before you attempt this task, treats will help immensely with this, and lastly, watch online tutorials to make sure you get it right.
Hair Clippers
Another affordable dog grooming tip is to purchase your own set of hair clippers to keep up with the extra furry side of your dog. Clippers are a great DIY dog grooming task that allows you to minimize the overgrowth of fur your dog may experience.
If you are really feeling adventurous, you can even learn to cut your dog’s fur all year long. But if you do decide to go this way, make sure you have the proper tools and the proper know-how by reading up on your dog’s breed and by watching proper instructional videos.
Eyes, Ears, and Mouth
Regularly cleaning her eyes, ears, and mouth is another great way to keep grooming costs at a minimum. Trimming excess fur near the ears and eyes will help her to be more alert, but will also help you ensure that she is healthy so that you can visually see better if something is not right.
Gently clean any tears or eye gunk away from her eyes with a wet cotton ball, but avoid using any soap. Also, be sure to regularly brush her teeth with an appropriate dog toothbrush, then be sure to reward her after you are done.
All of these dog grooming hacks will help you and your dog lower any regular dog grooming costs and allow you to indulge her in other ways, like maybe a monthly dog subscription box as a reward or her favorite chew toy that she seems to destroy in less than a week.
A happy and healthy dog is a well-behaved dog, especially important if you live in a small space, such as an apartment.