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Dog Grooming Tips: Guide To Grooming at Home

Regular grooming is essential for dogs of all breeds. Grooming keeps their coat lustrous and tangle-free. Furthermore, it allows you to check for parasite infestations and skin problems. Plus, grooming can serve as a bonding opportunity for you and your pooch. 

Find an Appropriate Grooming Environment

Before grooming your dog, you must first find a safe and suitable grooming setting. This can assist in any possible unfortunate accidents that may occur. There are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • When it comes to pet grooming, good lighting is critical.
  • You’ll want to choose a peaceful and secure location. A non-slip surface should be present to prevent slipping.
  • Choose a suitable time to groom your dog. This will ensure minimal disturbance. 

Stay Calm and Patient At All Times

Your pets can sense your emotions. As a result, it is critical that you remain calm throughout the grooming process. If you are nervous, you should not try to groom your dog. 

Some dogs may become agitated, for instance, when getting their nails trimmed. If this is the case, wait until your dog has calmed down. Trim a few nails each time, try not to rush to prevent accidents. When using nail clippers, trimmers, or scissors, make sure to be extra cautious.

Make sure to praise your dog and give them additional pets and treats throughout the process. It will be easier for both of you and your dog if they see grooming as a joyful experience.

Understanding Your Canine’s Limits

Your dog may not be able to stay still and remain calm long enough for you to groom them properly. To fix this, you could chat with your veterinarian about natural therapies that can help them relax. 

If you insist on grooming your pouch at home, enlist the help of a trusted friend. This is because some pets may need a two-person grooming ritual. Additionally, it is recommended that you do not attempt to groom your dog if you do not feel comfortable doing so.

Establish a Routine

Establishing a schedule for your dog would be a good idea. Each time, use the same equipment, the same location, and the same sequence of actions. By doing so, your dog will know what to anticipate, reducing their fear. Make sure you have all of your tools before you begin so there would be no unnecessary interruptions. 

Make Sure To Use Proper Grooming Equipment

If you decide to groom your pet yourself, be sure you have the right grooming supplies. You’ll need the appropriate scissors, nail trimmers, brushes, and other tools. Proper grooming equipment may work better and last longer. It’s crucial to clean and sharpen your tools after each usage and store them properly.

Choose the Right Shampoo

There are many shampoo options out in the market. However, not every shampoo option will be suitable for your dog. Thus, you may want to choose the right one for your dog. Find the perfect shampoo for your canine at aPetMart. 

Use Correct Clippers

It is a good idea to keep a few sets of dog clipper blades on hand. Dog clipper blades have different sizes. For example, numbers 5, 7, 9, or 10 should be used for a shorter cut, while blades like numbers 8, 3 or 4 should be used for a longer cut. Use number 10 blade for delicate and hard-to-reach regions such intimate areas, around the eyes, and arm/leg pits. 

Remember to always go with the flow of their hair development while using clippers. Make sure to hold the rear of the blade at an angle and the tip against your flesh. Pull the skin tight as you glide the trimmer along to prevent cutting it. Furthermore, it will ensure safe grooming and give them a smooth and even coat. 

Preparation

Before any grooming processes, use a dog slicker brush or comb to carefully go through your dog’s coat while washing them. This is to untangle any mats and get rid of any excess loose hair so that the grooming process is quicker.

Additionally, make sure they are fully dry. This is due to the fact that their fur curls up when wet. By drying them thoroughly, it will save you from having clogged clippers.

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How To Prevent Heatstroke in Pets

Cat Under the Sun

As a responsible pet parent, it is your duty to stay vigilant when it comes to your pet’s health. As the weather is warm all year round in tropical countries, pets are more prone to develop heat stroke. 

Dogs and cats are unable to respond to heat as well as humans do. We have sweat glands all over our bodies helping us regulate temperature. However, dogs and cats only have a few in their feet and around their noses. Thus, they rely on panting and external cooling sources to lose heat. 

Since they are unable to cool themselves as quickly as us, we must take extra precautions. Provide them with a cool, well-ventilated and shaded surroundings. Additionally, giving them access to clean, fresh drinking water is crucial. Heat stroke is fairly common in pets, and it can develop much faster than you think.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a state of hyperthermia resulting in heat injury to tissues. Heatstroke occurs when heat generation exceeds the body’s ability to lose heat. 

What are the Primary Causes of Heatstroke in Pets?

  • A warm, humid environment with inadequate ventilation.
  • Inadequate shade
  • Inadequate fresh drinking water
  • Excessive exercise

Heatstroke is a serious and life-threatening condition! It can cause damage to your pet’s internal organs and sometimes to the point where they stop functioning. It can be rapidly fatal which requires immediate treatment.

Signs of Heatstroke in Pets

Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
  • Signs of mental confusion, delirium 
  • Dizziness, staggering 
  • Weakness and lethargy 
  • Muscle tremors 
  • Seizures Collapsing and lying down 
  • Little to no urine production Coma
  • Panting, which increases as heat stroke progresses
  • Drooling, salivating
  • Agitation, restlessness
  • Bright red tongue
  • Very red or pale gums
  • Increased heart rate
  • Breathing distress
  • Vomiting, diarrheas (possibly with blood)

If you see any of the symptoms in your pet or suspect heatstroke, administer Emergency First Aid at home. Then, immediately take your pet to the doctor.

Emergency First Aid

#1 Immediately remove your pet from the hot environment.

#2 Apply cool water onto their fur and skin. Then, fan them to maximise heat loss.

#3 Wetting down the area around them helps too.

#4 Take your pet to the nearest Veterinarian immediately. 

*Take note: 

  • Do not use ice-water as it may worsen the situation.
  • Heatstroke is an emergency. Always see a vet. Even if your pet looks like they may be recovering, they should still always be checked by a vet.

Watch this video by California Veterinary Specialists to learn more about Pet Emergency First Aid Heat Stroke. 

How Do Vets Help Pets with Heatstroke?

Vets are trained to diagnose the degree of heatstroke. If necessary, administer emergency medical care. They will take your pet’s temperature and vital signs before starting emergency treatment which may include:

  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Medication as required
  • Blood tests to check organ function
  • Cooling treatments e.g. cooling enemas
  • Putting your pet on a drip (intravenous fluids)
  • Ongoing monitoring and treatment as required 

Some Other Causes of Heatstroke in Pets

** IMPORTANT ** All pets are susceptible to heatstroke, owners must take proactive measures to avoid it. However, some additional known risk factors include:

  • Obesity
  • Neurological disease
  • Breathing difficulties/respiratory disease (laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea)
  • Excessive exercise
  • Thick/long hair coat (e.g. long haired breeds)
  • Dehydration
  • Brachycephalic anatomy (flat-faced breeds) such as Pugs, English bulldogs, French bulldogs, Persian and Himalayan cats, among others
  • Heart problems/Cardiovascular disease
  • Age extremes (young or old)