There are some tricks of the pet grooming trade that will assist you in making your at home grooming endeavors look like the professionals. Unless you are very experienced with grooming, grooming your pet at home is not the same as having your pet groomed at the groomer’s salon. The good news is that you can learn some strategies that will help to improve your grooming techniques and to help your pet look as though it has just stepped out of the salon.

Although you may have to modify some of the tips below for some breeds, the following will help you to become a better groomer:

Never use human products.

Many pet owners believe that you can use any type of shampoo or conditioner on a dog or cat, including those made for people. Hair products for people have higher PH levels than those made for pets. Shampoos and conditioners made for people are not beneficial to use on a dog or cat, because they can strip and dry out the pets’ hair by eliminating the natural oils that are needed for a healthy looking coat. You can find quality dog or cat hair products, which are available in most pet stores. You can also order these products at Pet Grooming Supplies.

Always detangle your dog’s hair before you give your dog a wash.

Washing your dog before detangling its matted hair is one of the biggest mistakes that dog owners make. Doing this will exacerbate the situation by making a bigger tangled mess. It is advisable to always detangle your dog’s hair prior to washing it. Use a heavy coarse toothed comb and some detangling spray beforehand. Begin with the outermost part of the tangle and work in towards the body, holding the hair tight in your hands above the dog’s skin, so that you will not harm the dog or pull its skin.

Avoid rubbing the hair in circles.

Rubbing the hair in circles is asking for a problem, particularly with dogs that have long hair. Put the shampoo on your dog’s hair in the direction that the hair is growing. This will normally be from the backbone down the body. Gently massage your dog’s skin with the shampoo, but avoid using the palm of your hand to rub the shampoo.

Rinse, rinse, rinse and then rinse some more.

It is better to rinse too much than not enough as not rinsing enough will leave soap residue on your dog, which can lead to dull, dry brittle hair, skin rashes and allergies.

Avoid over bathing your dog.

Most dog breeds do not like or do well with constant wet bathes. Only wet bathe your dog if absolutely necessary. Instead, use a commercial dry grooming powder that is excellent to use in between baths. These powders freshen up the dog’s coat and removes dirt.

Canada Pet Store- Our store has everything required for dog washing and cleaning. Professional dog tools, tables, and accessories such as brushes, rakes and combs. Biodegradable and organic shampoos are featured along with odor remover and dog cleaning products.

Petacular offers professional grooming services 7 days per week within the Pet store at 57 York Street at Ridout St. (In the Yorkville Plaza where the LCBO is located).

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