Time-Saving Hacks for Keeping Your Dog Looking Fresh Between Grooming Sessions

As someone who owns a dog, you understand the importance of keeping your companion looking and feeling their best. Regular grooming sessions are essential for maintaining your dog’s health and wellbeing. However, life can get hectic. That means you have to make the most of your dog grooming sessions and time.

Below are some time-saving tips that can help you keep your dog looking fresh between professional grooming appointments.

Table of Contents

1 1. Regularly brush your dog’s coat
2 2. Invest in a grooming glove
3 3. Opt for a waterless shampoo to quickly refresh
4 4. Clean your dog’s paws and clip the nails, if required
5 5. Trim the hair around the ears and eyes
6 6. Brush your dog’s teeth or include dental chews into your pet care routine
7 Conclusion

1. Regularly brush your dog’s coat

Brushing your pet’s coat on a regular basis is vital. This is especially true for long-haired breeds – if you wish to prevent tangles and matting.

For medium- and long-haired dogs, brushing the coat each day–for just a few minutes–will minimize shedding as well as keep your dog looking fresh. If your dog has short hair, a weekly brushing will suffice.

When selecting a dog brush, choose a rubber curry comb or a soft bristle brush if your dog has short hair.

A slicker brush or pin brush is a good choice for a dog with medium or long fur.

Choose a bristle brush if your dog has a dense coat or double-coat like a German Shepherd or a Husky.

Investing in a high quality brush or grooming tool designed specifically for your dog’s coat type will make the process more efficient.

Naturally, you’ll spend less time on in-between grooming if your dog has shorter hair.

Plan to spend about 10 to 15 minutes each time you brush. Naturally, how much time you devote to regular brushing will also depend on the nature of the dog’s fur and the dog’s size, and temperament.

2. Invest in a grooming glove

You’ll improve the looks of your dog’s coat as well as its well-being by investing in a grooming glove. Providing a pleasant massaging experience, the tool promotes bonding between you and your furry friend.

Just put on the glove and stroke your pet’s coat gently. The soft bristles will effectively collect any hair leaving their fur neat and healthy.

3. Opt for a waterless shampoo to quickly refresh

You can also use a waterless shampoo, especially formulated for dogs, when you’re pressed for time. Shampoos of this type that are made for heavy-duty cleaning give your dog’s coat a noticeable shine, and keep long-haired coats fresh.

Rinseless products also are made to gently cleanse a dog’s fur.

You can choose from foam shampoos or mousses. Some of the dry shampoos are light, when lathered. Therefore, you only have to give your dog’s coat a quick brush. More heavy-duty products will require a fast towel dry to freshen your dog’s hair.

If you choose a shampoo with natural ingredients, you’ll usually achieve great shine and no residue. However, the product may not be up to the task if your dog’s fur needs more cleaning.

A bottle of about 8 ounces can go far. Even if your dog is larger (about 85 pounds), most waterless shampoo products are good for five shampoos.

If your dog has an undercoat, you might choose a full-body spray dry shampoo. Apply the spray to the top coat and rub in the product, making sure it penetrates the undercoat as well. Then lightly brush your fur baby.

From beginning to finish, it takes about ten to 15 minutes. The shampoo should exude a fresh scent – not overwhelming.

Preferably, the waterless, no-rinse formula you choose will be hypoallergenic and free of harsh additives. Opt for natural scents like mango or citrus. More heavy-duty shampoos usually come in a spray bottle. You’ll typically wipe off any residue with a wet washcloth.

If your dog has sensitive or dry skin, it’s best to opt for a gentle shampoo that provides hydration. This type of formula works out great in the winter months. Usually, residue is not a problem. Apply, allow to dry, and brush or rub through your dog’s coat. Gentle shampoos work well for repeated use.

If your dog is adverse to a spray, try a powder or foam.

If your dog gets muddy, from a hike, use a heavy-duty foam mousse.

Always use dog-specific shampoos, as dry shampoos for human use are not made with a pet in mind.

4. Clean your dog’s paws and clip the nails, if required

When you take your dog for a walk, it’s important to wipe its paws afterwards, removing any debris, dirt, or possible irritants from the dog’s pads. Doing so safeguards against irritations and infections.

If your dog’s nails require some trimming, use a grinder instead of a clipper. Doing so will prevent you from mistakenly cutting the quick and causing your dog undue pain.

5. Trim the hair around the ears and eyes

Trimming wayward hairs from the ears or eyes prevents the accumulation of dirt or tangles that can affect your pet over time. Use blunt scissors for the task

It takes about 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your dog’s fur and their demeanor.

When trimming hairs from the eyes, trim gently and slowly to avoid injury. Never point the scissors directly toward your dog’s eyes. Rest the scissors against the skin to stabilize the cut.

Use blunt scissors, as well, to trim hairs from the ears.

When trimming the ears, stay clear of the ear canal. You don’t necessarily need to pluck the hairs. You can trim them short and let the groomer take care of the more intricate details. Keeping the hairs short will prevent them from getting tangled in ear wax as well as open up the airflow.

6. Brush your dog’s teeth or include dental chews into your pet care routine

Bad breath can spoil a well-groomed appearance.. Tooth brushing or using tooth wipes will prevent both plaque build-up and gum disease and keep your puppy’s breath smelling clean.

While brushing or cleaning the teeth should be a daily routine, veterinarians recommend that you, at least, brush or clean your dog’s teeth with wipes at least 3 times each week.

To brush your dog’s teeth more easily, try using a finger brush made of silicone. Made with a 360 degree design, you can clean your pet’s mouth with just a few swipes. The bristles are abrasive, yet soft, allowing you to remove plaque gently. Add a few drops of water to if your fingers are larger, as it will cause the finger brush to expand..

It does not take long to brush a dog’s teeth. You only need to spend about a minute for the whole session. However, if your dog is not thrilled about the activity, it may be difficult to clean their whole mouth at once.

Conclusion

By integrating the above time saving suggestions into your pet care routine. you’ll keep your dog looking and feeling refreshed between professional grooming appointments.

Also, by taking care of your dog’s grooming needs, at home, you’ll ultimately save both time and money. So go ahead. Give these techniques a shot. Both you and your furry companion will like the outcome!