Puppy Power!

So, you’ve got a new puppy. Yay! All this tiny cuteness wrapped up in fur. And I’m sure you now know, everything about a puppy grows uber fast...size, furry coat and especially those teensy but crazy sharp nails. What now? 

Don’t sweat it…

The professionals at Pets On The Bay are here to help you out with some puppy grooming tips you can start at home. 

First of all, why is it important to begin grooming at home?

Regardless of age, breed or coat type, all pups need some type of grooming, even if that’s only regular bathing and trimming of their nails. Puppies especially seem to get dirtier faster than adult dogs do. They want to sniff, chew and roll in everything. Why wouldn’t they? Not to mention they can be pint sized poop machines. And their super powered hair and nails grow faster than the speed of light! 

Puppies need constant washing of feet, cleaning of ears and faces, and wiping of fannies. Just like human babies. And because their immune systems are not fully formed yet, they are more susceptible to bacteria that can lead to skin issues later on. 

First Puppy Power: Understand Their Coat Type

Are they short or long haired? Is their fur curly, wavy or straight? 

Short Hair- smooth and close to the body

Long Hair- thick and flowing

Curly- dense with curls 

Wire- course and water resistant

Most puppy breeds start out with a fluffy soft topcoat and some have another undercoat below it. Over the course of a year or so, they will gradually lose or shed their “puppy coat”. 

Here’s the time to choose if your pup needs professional grooming or not. Some pups with short terrier coats may just need baths and nail trims, while others require regular brushing, more frequent baths, de-shedding and full grooming. It’s all about the coat type and matting. The longer your puppy’s coat is, and which type it is, the more they are prone to mats. Time to consider a professional. 

PETS recommend from Sue: “If you are considering professional grooming for your pet, socialize them at home, in your neighborhood and on outings as early as you can. Bring your puppy in for grooming when they are at least three - five months old and before that first haircut is needed. On their first appointment, just book a puppy bath or mini groom to get them used to the grooming environment and process. The salon can be very social. Even with private grooming suites like at Pets On The Bay, your pup will feel, hear and smell other animals present. That should be a good thing. It's never too early to introduce them to the grooming experience.” 

Second Puppy Power: Learn Their Coat Needs 

Does their fur get dirty or oily often? Most dogs have a hair growth and shed cycle each month so they can get rid of the old, damaged hair and make room for new growth. During this time, dander also starts to build up from dead skin. Learn your puppy’s coat cycle and how often they shed and seem to need baths. Watch for the unpleasant smell they suddenly have.

Regular bathing is a must for all pups. To remove dirt, dead skin and hair and to nourish their coat. At least every couple of weeks, get your puppy used to water and the routines of bathtime at home. Rinse, shampoo, scrub, rinse again, dry. This not only keeps their puppy coat clean and healthy, but it will also get them comfortable with being handled all over their body around water. Use a gentle care, tearless shampoo and conditioner with all natural ingredients. 

PETS recommend from Tracy: “Make bathtime fun and a regular opportunity to bond with your furry baby. Bathe them with a coat specific shampoo to clean and always use conditioner to get those natural oils back into the coat. Lather, Bubble, Massage and Get Messy! Use a low frequency dryer on the lowest setting so it won’t scare them. Face the nozzle away from them as you turn it on and then gently and slowly move it across their coat. Make sure the air flow is away from their face and dry this area last if possible. If they seem agitated, don’t push it and just try again another day. If you take your time, read their body language and behavior, and reassure them...eventually your pup will love the pampering.” 

Third Puppy Power: Make The Brush Their Toy

Show them that brushing is fun and that the brush is like a toy. Pick a brush most suitable for your dog’s coat type. We recommend investing in either a good bristle, wire-pin, or slicker brush. Does their fur mat easily and need regular brushing? You may need a fine tooth comb as well. If they start to develop lots of tangles, brush and comb them more frequently. Practice introducing them to grooming tools at home.

PETS recommend from Jasmine: “Get a good brush and get them used to it. Whether short or long hair, all pups need regular brushing to either de-shed them or prevent tangles. Brushing also helps remove excessive dead hair and exfoliates the skin. Brush them all over regularly so that they learn that the brush is a normal activity to do with you. This also later helps them feel comfortable at the salon and your groomer will thank you. Brushing and teaching them that it will be a regular activity you do together is one of the best and most simple things you can do to care for your puppy.”

Fourth Puppy Power: Introduce Grooming Tools 

The warmth of a blow dryer can feel great to some dogs but the sound and vibration can be terrifying to others. The sooner they learn that the dryer won’t hurt them, the better. At random times, even when not drying them, turn it on low and gently blow the air near them, avoiding the face area. 

PETS recommend from Aleesha: “To mimic electric clippers, hold an electric toothbrush near their puppy coat to get them used to the sound and vibration. This will also familiarize them with a dremel (used to better file sharp nails.) Likewise, frequently bring the dremel out and while switched off, run it gently across their nails and paw pads. Hold it away, then turn it on and slowly and gently run it across their nails and pads again. Nail trims can be a comfortable experience for pups if they get comfortable early with the tools needed. This helps them feel safe during the trim.”

Final Puppy Power: Regular Spa Days At Home

Is there a particular grooming activity your pup loves and seems quite comfortable with? Or one that they aren’t a fan of and that you can practice more at home?  Bath, Blow Dry, Clippers, Nails? It’s beneficial in the long run of their grooming life to first practice grooming activities at home, and then later if needed, to keep practicing them at home. It also helps to reward them before, during and after the at-home-spa day. 

Overall, All of us at Pets On The Bay recommend that it's never too early to start the grooming experience at home. Never too often to keep touching your pups paws and face- that’s a great start and it’s a huge milestone! Continue to brush, brush, brush. Have lots of bathtime play and reassure them always, every moment of those spa days at home. 

Either way…we got you and your tiny cuteness wrapped up in fur.

Puppy Power!