Comments on: How do I groom my dog?

By: Tambra the great

Tambra the great — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 02:55:56 +0000

I am a groomer. Please try to see if there is a mobile groomer in your area. This would be the best option if you are concerned about his nervousness. I never advise a client to groom their own dog. Remember, groomers handle dogs for eight to ten hours a day, five days a week, if not more. We know how to handle geriatric pets as well as hard to handle pets. If you can’t find a mobile groomer, contact some local kennels, groom shops etc… If one will let you acclimate the dog to the environment, you might bring it in for some very positive social interactions before you actually have him groomed. I can’t stress enough how bad an idea I think it is for you to start grooming a geriatric pet the first time you ever cut hair. I hope this has helped.

By: Jasmine

Jasmine — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 02:31:29 +0000

I dont think learning to groom on an elderly dog with moles and skin formalities is a very good idea.
I understand that you mean well and want to care for your dog, yourself… BUT it doesnt sound like he is the right canidate for you to try grooming since you are not even sure what tools you need, or how to start.
Please reconsider having a groomer take care of your dog… perhaps one thats in a vets office?
I think its great for owners to learn to groom their own dogs, but it should be done when the dog is younger and there are less health risks involved.
It takes a few times to get the hang of it, and your dog may not be in the best shape to wait patiently for you to practice, and try to learn on him.

By: bassetnut

bassetnut — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 02:14:36 +0000

I suggest paying a groomer to show you how to do this safely.

Don’t worry about making him pretty, just get the hair as short as you can to make him comfortable and so he doesn’t have to do this too often.

By: Alfheim

Alfheim — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 01:53:53 +0000

Some vet clinics have groomers on site.
You may want to try there. You certainly don’t want to hurt your dog or make him more nervous. If you are inexperienced, you can harm your dog using clippers.
At your vet’s office they may be able to give him a mild sedative to make things easier on him and so their groomer can take care of him. At the very least if a local vet doesn’t have a staff groomer, they may be able to recommend someone who is good with senior dogs.

By: Goldengal

Goldengal — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 01:29:54 +0000

I have been doing all the grooming on my Goldens for years. They dont require much clipping though. Just their feet and sometimes their chest mane. If your not experienced with the clippers I’d start with a deep attachment first then go down from there. If your dog is double coated then going with a deep attachment first will help alot not to have the clippers bind up. If you want to go with a shorter attachment then do it in steps to get the fur down to the level you want for your dog. You may have to do this over a few days not to stress him out too much.
Clean your clippers frequently and always add some clipper oil for a smooth cut.
Good luck!

By: gonnella1205

gonnella1205 — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 01:19:13 +0000

If you want a fancy cut you are going to need a groomer. You can do a good buzz cut yourself though. You will need to buy a set of clippers and a number 10 blade. Ask a clerk at the pet store they can help you with this. Do not use scissors. We occasionally see injuries at the vet hospital I work at where owners have accidentally cut the skin. In my area there are also mobile groomers that come to your house. You may want to consider this if you have a dog that requires a more specialized cut. Try looking in the phone book.

By: Zoey The jack russel terrier 1

Zoey The jack russel terrier 1 — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:46:04 +0000

Go to the VET and ask

By: lexy loves zac efron

lexy loves zac efron — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 23:52:01 +0000

Don’t go to Walmart to get a grooming kit. Go to your local pet store and get a good set. Petsmart has some nice sets.

By: three of nine

three of nine — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 22:57:59 +0000

My sister’s dog had alot of lumps all over before he died of old age at 17. She groomed him at home using a clipper set she got at Walmart. She gave him a bath first and then slowly started clipping on the legs and moving up. Finished with the face.

By: ncgrl

ncgrl — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 22:40:00 +0000

You can get a dog grooming kit at Walmart. You do not really need expertise as long as you can keep your dog calm, you might need an extra person to hold him while you do the clipping. Toenails need to be clipped at either the groomer or the vets office.