Even if you have regular dog grooming appointments, your pet needs a little care between sessions. If your animal loves playing in the mud, chasing skunks, or other activities that leave them dirty or smelly, you may need to include a quick bath before heading to the groomers to clean them thoroughly. Below are some of the do’s and don’ts of at-home grooming to tide you over until your next appointment with a professional.

Do:

Brush your pet frequently.

Cats and dogs with long coats need to be brushed regularly to avoid mats and tangles. Failure to do so can leave your pet feeling uncomfortable. Once mats form, they can be difficult and painful to remove. Plus, brushing your dog regularly removes dead hair that can make them hotter than they should be.

Make sure the shampoo is completely rinsed before drying.

Shampoos can irritate a dog or cat’s skin if left for too long, so remove it all as soon as possible. While it might be tempting to do a quick rinse because you’re in a hurry, be thorough and make sure your pet’s fur is completely rinsed before you dry them off.

Don’t:

Bathe your dog without removing mats & tangles

Brush your dog before you start the bath, and never get fur wet before tangles and mats are removed. Doing so can cause the tangles to worsen, making it extremely difficult to remove them without cutting them out.

Use human shampoos or soaps.

There’s a reason shampoos are specially formulated for pets. Human shampoos disrupt the pH balance in a dog’s skin, making it vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Additionally, ingredients in human shampoo can be harmful to animals, so choose a dog grooming formula.

A professional dog grooming session can leave your pet feeling healthy and happy, and Joe, Carol, and Peggy at Robinwood Kennel in Highland Heights, KY, have the experience and skills for the job. This family-owned pet boarding center specializes in caring for cats and dogs while their owners are away. To schedule an appointment for dog grooming, bathing, or nail trimming, call (859) 781-2352 or visit them online today.