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Dog Grooming, Bathing, Clipping, Brushing Services, and Tips

Dog Grooming Services Offered At Riverstone Veterinary Group

For the dog who does need some extra grooming care, the veterinary grooming services we offer include:

  • Ear cleaning
  • Cleaning soiled fur to reduce odors
  • Trimming nails
  • Medical bathing treatments
  • Thorough brushing, especially for long-haired dogs, who are prone to fur matting
  • Aromatherapy services to reduce stress

Dog Bathing

From a veterinary perspective, dog bathing is recommended, and can easily be done at home. However, some dogs can become stressed by bathing so taking your dog to an experienced groomer can be helpful. You may need to bathe your dog if he or she gets into something that has to be promptly removed from the fur. If this is the case, here is what we suggest:

  • Use a mild shampoo
  • Keep the water temperature warm, not hot or cold
  • Perform the bathing in a small area, to minimize the chances for your dog to run off
  • Before you get started, know how to handle your dog properly

Of course, if dermatological conditions arise, then bathing with a prescribed cleanser may be recommended.

Dog Nail Trimming

Trimming your dog’s nails can be challenging. One of the best and safest ways to trim your dog’s nails is to be informed before you begin. Perhaps watching a video will teach you how to hold your dog comfortably while showing you step by step how to get the job done quickly, without causing stress to your dog.

Specialized dog nail clippers can be used, however, it is extremely important to understand that most of what looks like the dog’s nail actually contains the dog’s “quick” which delivers blood supply to the nail. As the dog’s nail gets longer, so does the quick. This is why trimming longer dog nails typically result in nail bleeding. However, as the tip of the nail is trimmed, the quick will recede. Therefore, proper trimming of a dog’s nails involves trimming the very tip of the nail and then waiting a few days for the quick to recede, then trimming the very tip of the nail again. This can be repeated several times on longer nails until the quick recedes enough that you are able to trim the nail to the proper length. However, even once you understand the procedure for trimming your dog’s nails little by little, the trickiest part may be simply handling the dog in a way that you will be able to trim the nail without causing undue trauma to the dog.

When in doubt, dog nail trimming is a task that is best left to professionals.

Dog Haircuts

Most veterinarians typically do not recommend shaving your dog’s fur yourself. For some long-haired breeds, whose fur becomes matted or hopelessly tangled, those tangles may need to be cut out. Also, there are a few styles such as the “kennel cut” or “teddy bear cut” which have become popular among owners of long-haired dogs. However, these cuts require trimmers that can make dogs very uneasy, startled, and unnecessarily traumatized. These are services that are best left in the hands of professionals.

Full-Service Dog Groomer

Full-service dog grooming packages include:

  • A certified dog groomer who can handle your dog properly
  • Bath and brush
  • Ear cleaning
  • Nail trim
  • Dog hair cut by a professional groomer

Tips For Bathing, Nail Clipping, Hair Cutting, and Combing At Home

  • Dogs who have long hair need to be combed more often than short-haired dogs. Try to comb your dog’s fur at least a couple of times per week.
  • Keep your dog’s nails trimmed for their comfort and to protect yourself from being scratched. It’s best to leave nail clipping to a professional.
  • If you notice your dog itching, biting, or developing skin conditions, such as bumps, rashes, fur loss, scaly dry skin, or any other dermatological condition, make a veterinary appointment right away.

Schedule A Dog Grooming Appointment Today

If your dog is not keeping up with its grooming or you notice anything unusual with his or her skin, make a veterinary appointment today. Our staff is available to take your call.

The Benefits And Importance Of Dog Grooming

While dogs do a good job with basic grooming on their own, there are a number of grooming-related items that they need help with. These include:

  • A weekly flea check
  • Noticing mats in your dog’s fur before they become unmanageable
  • Attending to any dermatologic problems by scheduling a vet appointment
  • Keeping tabs on whether your dog has gained or lost weight
  • Checking to make sure your dog’s nails are trimmed
  • Once a week while brushing, be sure to look for irregularities of the skin
  • Brushing is also a positive way to interact with your dog

If you notice irregularities or have questions we would encourage you to schedule a veterinary appointment.

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