How To Groom Your Pet During Quarantine

Dog laying on sofa near woman
A woman with his Golden Labradoodle dog at home

As the results of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are now in quarantine and practicing safe social distancing. In addition to this, there are now restrictions on normal activities, one of which is dog grooming, especially if the state or country you lived in is strict when it comes to following health protocols. As a result, some of us are unable to take our dogs in for grooming.

Still, our dogs require grooming despite the circumstances. This means, as a pet owner, you have to take on this responsibility regularly.

If you’re in quarantine, here are ways to groom your dog in the comforts of your home.

  1. Fur Brushing

Particles and insects need to be regularly checked and removed by the process of brushing. If you see your dog constantly scratching and appearing uncomfortable, brushing the fur may help as they might be experiencing discomfort from particles in the fur. Thus, dogs with regularly brushed coats don’t run the risk of dirt build-up in the fur, allowing them to stay comfortable.

Neglecting to brush your dog for long periods can lead to tangled fur. The process of untangling the fur can be uncomfortable for your dog and a lengthy process, which may lead to shaving off of the fur.

If you notice that your dog is shedding chunks of fur when brushing, you must take them to a trusted vet, such as Danville Family Vet. Excessive shedding may be an indication of underlying health problems, which need to be diagnosed and treated by experts.

Currently, some vets are offering free boarding services for families that have been affected by COVID. If you are unwell and unable to cater to your dog, they’ll still be under expert care.

  1. Dog Baths

It’s important to decide how frequently your dog will get a bath during the quarantine. The frequency of dog baths varies depending on several factors, such as dog lifestyle, breed, the time you have as the pet owner, and the skills available to carry out home baths.

Having decided on the frequency, you have to make sure that you can thoroughly commit and mindfully bathe your dog. This means carefully checking for ticks and fleas as well as any indicators of health issues, such as bumps and discoloration. Also, be patient and guide your dog to be still while you’re bathing them.

  1. Nail Trimming

During quarantine, you may be wondering how to groom the nails if you cannot access a vet. If you’re not comfortable trimming the nails, you can try filing them down. Filing doesn’t have any risks of cutting your dog, provided you file gently.

Here’s how you can file your dog manually:

  • Hold the file in your dominant hand. Have your dog sit or lie comfortably. If necessary, drape your body over your dog for them to stay still.
  • Firmly hold your dog’s paw with your other hand. Then, spread the toes, and if your dog has a long coat, hold back their fur so you can see and access their nails.
  • As you start rubbing the tip of their nail with the file, allow 10 to 15 passes in the same direction. Doing so will allow you to gradually shorten your dog’s nails. It’s advisable to work on one or two nails per session so your dog won’t get too uncomfortable.
  1. Brushing Teeth

If your dog doesn’t enjoy having their teeth brushed, take note this is a task that needs to be done so you can ensure your dog’s dental health. By doing so, you can ensure that your dog’s dental

selective focus of golden retriever dog playing with rubber ball on green lawn

health doesn’t go downhill at a young age. Hence, brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week. As a tip, find ways to make this a game for you and your dog, rather than a chore.

For example, you can get your dog to bite on a toy ring while you simultaneously interact and brush their teeth. You can also make your dog enjoy the toothpaste as a kind of treat by trying out different pastes.

  1. Haircuts

A haircut can keep your dog feeling cool during the heat. You can get creative regarding the type of hairstyle, depending on the breed. Some may opt to trim all the hair and re-start the process of growth.

When cutting the hair, make sure that your dog is relaxed and occupied as you want to avoid accidental injuries from the dog shears.

For your dog to enjoy lustful fur, here are the different types of dog combs you can check:

  • Bristle brushes
  • Slicker brushes
  • Rakes and mat breakers
  • Flea combs
  • Curry brushes or combs
  • Wire pin brushes

Conclusion

Covid-19 has forced us to adapt to a new lifestyle. This includes at-home grooming during the quarantine. If this is your first time grooming your dog, don’t despair if you don’t get it right the first time. With practice, you’ll get the hang of it.

Make sure to brush your dog, give baths, trim their nails, brush their teeth, and give them haircuts. If you’re unwell and can’t care or provide for your dog as a result of COVID-19, you can be assured that your dog will be taken care of in vet spaces. Your health, as well as your dog’s, should be a priority that needs to be catered to in the best way possible during the pandemic. Hence, if you have any questions regarding your dog’s grooming, don’t hesitate to call a family vet!

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