Grooming your dog is an essential part of keeping them healthy and happy, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. While most dog owners are familiar with the basics, there are a few grooming tips that aren’t as widely known. Sometimes, even the most diligent dog owners can struggle with certain grooming challenges that seem to resist the usual solutions.
Studies have shown that 11.2 million dogs in America live in under-resourced homes. And dog grooming can be surprisingly resource-intensive as well. Studies also showed that dog owners, on average, spent $445 on grooming-related products and services in a given year. That’s out of reach for many pet owners.
Thankfully, not all grooming aids have to be expensive. You can address several problems with simple measures at home. In this article, let us look at three of them!
1. Say Goodbye to Worrying about Tangled or Matted Fur
This is a common challenge for dog owners, particularly for those with breeds that have long or curly coats. While regular brushing and grooming are essential, sometimes fur can become tangled despite your best efforts.
According to Ani Corless, founder of dog grooming service Luxury Groomer, the problem with matted hair is that the skin doesn’t get to breathe. This can cause sores, trap flies, and ticks. Corless explains that if you give a dog with matted fur a bath, there may also be partial drying, which can lead to mold growth.
One of the most helpful yet lesser-known tools in combating tangled and matted fur is cornstarch. This simple kitchen staple can work wonders on knots and mats. Before attempting to brush out a tangle, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch onto the matted area.
The cornstarch helps to loosen the fur and reduces friction, making it easier to work through the tangles without pulling on your dog’s skin. Additionally, it absorbs excess oil and moisture, which can contribute to the formation of mats.
2. On Removing Tear Stains Around the Eye
Tear stains around a dog’s eyes can be a persistent issue, particularly for breeds with lighter fur. One of the most important aspects of preventing and removing tear stains is regular cleaning of the eye area. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, this symptom of an overflow of tears from the eyes is termed “epiphora.” It’s important to find out if there’s an underlying cause for it.
Dr. Rhiannon Koehler, DVM at PetMD, states that one possible cause is a blocked nasolacrimal duct. It is usually treated via eye flushing by a trained veterinarian or anti-inflammatory medication. Thankfully, a blocked duct isn’t the causal factor for most dogs with tear stains.
If you are wondering how to remove dog tear stains naturally, and without hurting your pet, that’s a valid concern. Essentially, you want to use wipes that are non-toxic and hopefully come with boric acid to help deal with dermatitis near the eye. Some wipes also contain colloidal silver as well, which is even better.
According to Jax&Cali, tear stains contain the compound porphyrin, which has iron. Your dog naturally produces tears to clear irritants, but sometimes these tears get stuck on the fur. It’s the iron content that causes the distinct rust-colored residue around the eyes.
3. Nail Clipping Is Much Easier After Baths!
Nail clipping is a necessary part of dog grooming, but for many pet owners, it can be a challenging and stressful task. Dogs often resist having their nails trimmed, and if not done correctly, it can lead to discomfort or even injury. However, one simple adjustment to your routine can make this process much easier: clipping your dog’s nails after a bath.
First and foremost, the moisture from the bath softens your dog’s nails, making them easier to cut. Just as human nails become more pliable after a shower, a dog’s nails are less likely to splinter or crack when trimmed after a bath. This reduces the risk of causing any pain or discomfort to your dog.
Another benefit of clipping nails after a bath is that it allows you to clean and inspect your dog’s paws more thoroughly. This is a good time to check for any signs of irritation, cuts, or infections that might need attention before you proceed with the nail trim.
That said, there may be a chance that you have a little accident that causes bleeding. According to Dr. Sandra Mitchel, DVM, if this happens, styptic powder is the answer. Dr. Mitchel prefers the cotton swabs with styptic powder pre-applied because you can stop the bleeding faster. If you don’t have any styptic powder, flour or cornstarch also works, she explains.
To wrap up, incorporating these lesser-known grooming tips into your routine can make a world of difference for both you and your dog. Just remember that each dog is different and can react differently. For instance, while nail clipping is certainly easier after baths, many dogs love to get excited, run around, and don’t sit still.
This can make it trickier to get a precise cut or increase the risk of bleeding. Thus, use your own judgment as well when applying any tips you read online.
