Struggling to give your dog a smooth, even haircut at home? Maybe you’re tired of dealing with mats, overgrown nails, or excessive shedding all over your home.

Between keeping the small dog coat smooth, cleaning their ears, and trimming their nails, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, small dog grooming at home is not only a great way to save money, but also a bonding experience that keeps your pet healthy and comfortable.

Regular small dog haircuts help prevent matting, skin infections, and shedding issues, while also ensuring your dog looks and feels their best. If you’re new to grooming, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to groom a small dog at home with ease.

Why Grooming is Important for Small Dogs?

Small dogs, such as Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas, often have delicate skin and coats that need regular care. Grooming helps maintain their fur’s health, prevents tangles, and keeps them free of debris, dirt, and parasites. Additionally, grooming gives you a chance to check for any abnormalities, such as bumps, ticks, or rashes, ensuring your dog remains healthy between vet visits.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Small Dog Grooming

1. Brush Your Dog’s Coat

Brushing your small dog’s coat is the first step in the grooming process. It helps remove dirt, loose hair, and tangles before bathing. Start by brushing gently, especially if your dog has long or sensitive fur. Use a slicker brush for dogs with thick coats, or a soft bristle brush for short-haired breeds. Always work in the direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort.

2. Bathe Your Dog

Once the coat is tangle-free, it’s time for a soak in the tub. To thoroughly clean your dog, use lukewarm water and dog-specific shampoo. Wet the fur, then massage a small bit of shampoo throughout the coat. When bathing your dog’s face, avoid touching his or her eyes or ears. Rinse the shampoo off thoroughly to avoid skin irritation, and use conditioner as needed, particularly for dogs with long or curly fur.

Read More: How to Take Care of Dogs for Beginner Pet Parent?

3. Dry Your Dog

After the bath, use a towel for drying the furry friend. For dogs with longer fur, a blow dryer set to cool or low heat might assist speed up the drying process. Keep the dryer moving to avoid scorching your dog’s skin. Comb the fur of your pet as it dries to prevent tangles.

4. Trim the Fur

For small dogs, trimming the fur around the face, paws, and tail is essential for comfort and hygiene. Use scissors or dog clippers designed for their fur type, ensuring you work slowly and carefully to avoid cuts. If you’re unsure about trimming large portions of your dog’s fur, leave that to a professional groomer and focus on simple touch-ups around sensitive areas like the face and paws.

trimming dog fur

Is it better to cut dog hair dry or wet?

It is often safer to trim a dog’s hair while it is dry. Wet hair can stick to the scissors or clippers, making it difficult to get an even cut. Dry hair allows for more precise trimming, especially when shaping or thinning certain areas. Groomers typically bathe and dry the dog first, then cut or trim the hair to ensure accuracy and a smooth finish.

5. Clip the Nails

Nail clipping can be tricky, especially with small dogs. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect your dog’s posture. Use dog-specific nail clippers or a grinder to trim the nails. Be cautious not to cut too far, as this can hit the quick (the sensitive blood vessel inside the nail) and cause pain or bleeding. If you’re unsure, only trim a little at a time, or consult your vet for guidance.

6. Clean the Ears

Ear care is an important part of grooming, especially for small breeds that are prone to ear infections. Use a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution and a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently clean the outer ear. Avoid placing things into the ear canal, as this could end up in harm or infection. Regular ear examinations help your dog stay comfortable and infection-free.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Ears?

Your dog’s ears should be cleaned every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on breed and ear type. Dogs with floppy ears or who are prone to ear infections may require more frequent cleaning than others. Always consult your veterinarian for particular suggestions for your dog.

7. Brush the Teeth

Dental hygiene is often overlooked in home grooming, but it’s crucial for your dog’s health. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth, focusing on the gumline where plaque builds up. Regular brushing can help prevent bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.

How to Prepare Your Dog for Grooming?

To prepare your dog for grooming, start by creating a calm environment and gradually introduce them to the grooming tools, allowing them to sniff and become familiar with each one. Practice handling sensitive areas like their paws, ears, and face to help them get used to being touched.

Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise to encourage calm behavior during the process. Keep initial grooming sessions short, focusing on one step at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable.

What Supplies Do You Need for Grooming?

Before starting the grooming process, gather the following tools:

  • Dog-safe shampoo and conditioner: Human shampoos can irritate a dog’s skin.
  • Brush or comb: Choose one based on your dog’s coat type.
  • Dog clippers or scissors: For trimming the fur.
  • Nail clippers or a grinder: To keep your dog’s nails at a healthy length.
  • Ear cleaning solution: To maintain ear hygiene.
  • Toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste: For dental care.
  • Towels and a blow dryer: For drying after a bath.

dog grooming tools

Tips for a Stress-Free Grooming Session

  • Take it slow: If your dog is new to grooming, start with short, positive sessions to get them comfortable with the process.
  • Use treats and praise: Reward your dog for staying calm during grooming with treats and positive reinforcement.
  • Stay patient: Grooming takes time, and small dogs can be fidgety. Keep the environment calm and quiet to help your dog relax.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While at-home grooming is great for routine maintenance, there are times when professional grooming may be necessary. If your dog has a complicated coat type, severe matting, or specific skin conditions, a professional groomer will be better equipped to handle the situation. Additionally, if your dog is anxious or aggressive during grooming, a professional can provide a safe and stress-free experience.

How much Time does it take for pet grooming?

The time it takes for pet grooming can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and breed of the pet, the condition of their coat, and the type of grooming services being performed. Here are some general estimates:

  1. Basic Grooming (Brushing and Bathing): For a small dog with a straightforward grooming routine, it typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This includes brushing, bathing, and drying.
  2. Full Grooming (Haircut, Nail Trimming, Ear Cleaning): A complete grooming session for small to medium-sized dogs can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This includes a bath, haircut, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and any additional services.
  3. Long-Haired Dogs: Dogs with long or thick coats, like Shih Tzus or Poodles, may require 1.5 to 3 hours for a thorough grooming session, especially if their fur is matted or tangled.
  4. Nail Trimming: This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how cooperative the pet is.
  5. Regular Maintenance: Regular grooming (like brushing and spot cleaning) between full grooming sessions can take around 10 to 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Maintaining your small dog within the house can turn into a pleasurable activity that improves your bond while keeping your canine companion healthy and looking good. Following these step by step instructions will help you efficiently manage your puppy’s grooming needs, from brushing and washing to clipping their nails with a professional nail trimmer.

Remember that patience and positive reinforcement are essential for making the grooming experience enjoyable for both you and your dog. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your grooming skills, ensuring your small dog remains happy and well-groomed!