GROOMing YOUR PUPPY FOR THE FIRST TIME
Introducing grooming early helps puppies get used to being handled. This is crucial for vet visits and future grooming sessions. It also helps them stay calm in situations where they need to interact with strangers.
Grooming is often perceived as a mere cosmetic routine for pets, especially puppies. Certain breeds more than others require regular and consistent grooming.
A puppy’s first pet grooming session is essential for pet parents, almost similar to parents taking their kids for their first haircut. However, regular grooming is much more that just keeping your furry friend looking sharp. Grooming is part of the dog’s entire life, regardless of the dog’s size or coat. It’s an essential aspect of their overall health and wellbeing.
Here are several reasons why grooming is so important for puppies as well as 10 tips & tricks to groom your puppy for the first time.
Regular brushing and bathing helps remove dirt, debris and dead hair from your puppy’s coat. This process keeps their fur clean and stimulates natural oils in their skin, promoting a healthier, shinier coat. Neglecting grooming can lead to matting, which can be painful when your dog is being groomed as well as can lead to skin infections. Similarly, dental care, like brushing teeth, prevents bad breath and dental diseases.
Regular grooming helps in early detection and prevention of parasites like fleas and ticks. These parasites are not just uncomfortable for your puppy; they can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated.
In addition, long nails can be painful for puppies and cause walking difficulties. Regular trimming helps maintain proper paw health and posture. It also prevents potential injuries caused by overgrown nails.
Grooming sessions are excellent opportunities for bonding. They help build trust between you and your puppy. The physical contact during grooming is comforting to puppies and can help them become more social and well-adjusted.
In summary, grooming is an indispensable part of your puppy’s life! It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining good health, detecting problems early and building a strong bond with your furry friend. So ensure you incorporate regular grooming into your puppy’s routine and you’ll have a happy, healthy furry companion for years to come!
Here are some critical 10 tips & tricks to groom your puppy for the first time;
Tip #1 Groomer introduction to puppy
When your puppy first needs to be groomed, groomers should start by slowly introducing themselves to the puppy. The groomers can gain trust by cuddling the puppy and speaking in a soft voice, enabling the puppy to regard grooming as a fun and enjoyable experience.
Tip #2 Familiarize and desensitize your puppy to the grooming process
The sound of grooming tools like trimmers, nail grinders etc., can be intimidating for little puppies. If your puppy doesn’t take well to a particular grooming tool, focus on desensitizing your dog towards its sound and existence. Remember to use lots of TLC (tender love and care).
Tip #3 Keep it short and super positive
If the first grooming experience ends up including a bath, nail trim, fur trim, ear clean, and blow-dry, your puppy might end up hating the process for life. Keep the grooming process short and minimal the first time, and make sure to reward your pup with lots of treats for being calm and accepting.
Tip #4 Proper schedule planned
The general rule of grooming puppies should be over 16 weeks old, as fresher puppies are pretty easy to train new process. Follow these recommended services to first-time groom your pup:
- Puppy dental care and use soft fiber tooth brush
- Light hair brush
- Light trim the hairs around the face, be aware that eyes of your pups do not hurt
Tip #5 Don't cut the nails too short
Unlike humans, dogs have a blood vessel that runs down into the nail. It is known as a ‘quick.’ If it gets trimmed, the nail bleeds, hurting the dog. Several pups shy away from nail trimming when something like this happens. If it ends up happening with you and your pup, seek first aid treatment but don’t make a big deal out of it.
Tip #6 Introduce brushing to pups
When you come across something unique and unknown, it can be a challenge for any person, especially a puppy. Therefore, getting them used to the feel of the brush against their fur before their first time with groomers is a wonderful idea. Treats is a great way to create a positive association to brushing.
Tip #7 Massage
Massage is touching the dogs body specific points during massage process. Like brushing when your dog is comfortable with people who touch their body parts and paws, he/she is not in shock when the groomer touches his paws during nail trimming and your companion really enjoy it.
Tip #8 Water familiarized to puppy
Always keep in mind that your puppy must be used to water feelings and sounds. You can do so by giving your pup a quick bath in warm shallow water before the groomer’s appointment to help prevent fear.
Tip # 9 When in doubt, leave it to the professionals
Long coated dogs may get matted quickly. It is tricky to groom a matted coat for the first time. If you have no prior experience in it, take your puppy to the groomer’s salon for a quick trim. They will make the entire process a little less daunting for your pup.
Tip #10 Guide the owners
The better the owner knows the process, the better the grooming process will be. He must know which grooming instrument is used for his pet fur and hairs. Educate the pup parents or owners that grooming is the best chance to introduce him to his new beloved furry fellow.
Final thoughts
According to experts:
“If you provide a pleasant experience for your pet, they will see the grooming salon as their loving place away from home and will be happy to go there.”
