DIY Tips for Grooming your Hound at Home
If the thought of grooming your hound leaves you wishing you had bought a goldfish instead, don't panic! While grooming is essential for your furry friend's overall health and well-being, it doesn't have to be the chaotic experience you may have previously experienced. Picture the scene, an idyllic, warm Sunday afternoon, perfect for bathing Fido as he sits patiently while you brush, snip and wash his coat and nails – aah, suburban bliss. Unfortunately for most of us, the reality is rather more daunting, dashing around the yard covered in soap suds and mud as you screech and yell for your hound to get back in the tub to no avail!
Of course, pet parents with a little more 'hound experience' might be wondering why you don't just take your dog to the groomers, and usually, the reason for this is quite simple, it's both time-consuming and expensive. Thankfully, grooming your dog at home can be a breeze with the right dog accessories and grooming techniques. In this Mountain Hound blog post, we explore some innovative DIY tips that can make grooming your hound at home easier, faster, and, most importantly, a positive experience for you and your pet!
DIY Tips and Dog Accessories for Grooming Your Dog at Home
Portable Grooming Kit
Invest in a lightweight, portable grooming kit with all the necessary tools for grooming. A portable grooming kit helps you stay organized and keep everything in one place. You can even customize it to fit your pet's specific needs. Be sure to include a quality brush, comb, pair of nail clippers, and grooming shears. Having these essential dog accessories on hand (or paw) will make grooming your dog an easy task.
Pet-Friendly Shampoo
With so many 'ideal pet products' on the market, choosing a quality dog shampoo is important. Always check the label and choose one designed specifically for your furry friend's coat type. A quality hound shampoo will help keep your pet's coat clean, healthy, and shiny.
It's also important to choose a shampoo based on your hound's skin type, as some dogs have skin sensitivities and may develop skin allergies or rashes from certain products. Don't be tempted to use human shampoo on your pooch, as these can cause dry skin and itchiness. Check out this article by Veterinarians.Org and discover why human shampoo, while not dangerous for dogs, isn't an ideal bathing choice.
DIY Dry Shampoo
One of the best-kept secrets of dog grooming is DIY dry shampoo. If you're short on time or don't want to give your dog a wet bath, dry shampoo is a lifesaver. It's easy to make with basic ingredients found in your home, such as cornstarch, baking soda, and essential oils. Simply sprinkle dry shampoo on your dog's coat, rub it in, and brush it out. Your dog will smell fresh and clean, and you can skip the wet bath altogether. Now that's a pet parenting win!
Grooming Gloves
Grooming gloves are an innovative tool that allows you to groom your dog without using a brush or comb. These gloves have small silicone nubs that massage your pet's skin while removing loose hair and dirt. They're perfect for dogs sensitive to brushes or those who struggle with dog anxiety and don't like to be groomed. Plus, they're gentle enough to use on puppies and senior dogs.
Treats and Positive Reinforcement
Finally, one of the best tips for making grooming a positive experience for your dog is to use treats and positive reinforcement. Reward your hound with treats and lots of praise every time they sit still when you are grooming them. Positive reinforcement makes grooming an enjoyable experience for your pet and strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
The Final Snip and Clip
With the right dog accessories and grooming techniques, you can turn the chaos of grooming your dog into a quick, easy, and positive experience for both you and your furry friend. Plus, your dog will love the extra attention, and you'll enjoy saving yourself time and money while bonding with your loveable hound.
Image by AmandaCullingford from Pixabay
