Puppy Grooming - grooming at home, puppy cosmetics and more
Introducing your new puppy to short grooming sessions from the first few months of life is one of the keys to making them feel comfortable in the groomer's salon as an adult. It's also very important to use a good grooming kit that fits their coat type.
We must not forget the importance of the correct handling of the puppy to get them used to the bathing, brushing, drying and grooming sessions.
It is important that the dog wants to go up to the table to be groomed and pampered - to avoid it becoming a traumatic experience.
PUPPY COSMETICS
Many cosmetics manufacturers offer, within their ranges, "the special puppy shampoo" for all puppies.
This does not make any professional sense, since the coat of some puppies has nothing to do with that of others.
The cosmetics to be used on a puppy will depend mainly on its type of coat.
We should also keep in mind that most puppies' coat is not the same as the coat they will have as adults.
Therefore, the cosmetic treatment we use on puppies may vary as they change their coat.
When we use good cosmetics we expect them to be non-aggressive to the skin.
It is not necessary to use a shampoo made specially for puppies, adult shampoos are equally recommendable for puppies and in amny cases, better.
TYPES OF DOGS COSMETICS
The classification of the type of shampoo and conditioner to use on a puppy depends mainly on the type of coat it has.
For example:
If it is short haired: Dalmatian, Bulldog type, use a shampoo with many nutrients that leaves the skin well hydrated and the coat shiny.
With straight and fine hair: Yorkshire, Maltese, Shih-Tzu type, choose the same type of shampoo as above, but also apply an intense conditioner that will facilitate their hairstyle. Between baths it is advisable to spray a moisturizer that does not require rinsing so that the brushing is softer and the coat is continuously well nourished.
If it is a coat with volume: Pomeranian type, use a shampoo with nutrients that moisturize the skin and protect the coat without leaving it too limp - light moisturizing or volumizing shampoos. Then apply a mask that leaves the coat manageable for brushing, a spongy finish with maximum volume. Also, with this type of coat, it is advisable to spray a moisturizer that does not require rinsing between baths so that the brushing is softer and the coat is continuously well nourished.
Harsh-coated dogs: Westy, Schnauzer.
As a puppy they have a much softer coat so at first they are bathed in shampoos with nutrients that keep the coat and skin well hydrated and manageable. As they are trimmed, they begin to grow their harsh coat. It is from then on that we move on to special shampoos for harsh hair.
GETTING THE PUPPY USED TO THEIR BEAUTY ROUTINE
There are two issues that, if addressed from the start, will ensure that the puppy will enjoy both their monthly visits to the groomer and daily grooming at home throughout their life.
1. How to proceed at home?
Both the good and bad grooming experiences in the first twelve weeks of the puppy's life are crucial to their future grooming.
It is essential to help them feel that grooming is a good and pleasant experience.
At home, start with short sessions that increase over time as the puppy relaxes the more they get used to grooming.
Whenever they need something doing, do it on their table.
The best time for the session is when they return from their daily walk, especially the first few times.
After the walk and once they have a drink, they should be completely happy and relaxed.
It is the ideal moment to call them, a quick cuddle and... ¡Up! To the table!...
Calmly spray moisturizer on the coat before brushing, brush carefully in layers.
Clean the eyes.
Check the paw pads and ears. Is there anything more I should do at home?
Brush, brush, brush! It doesn't matter if you have a long-haired or short-haired pup, they all need brushing. Long-haired puppies tend to matt very easily, especially when their fur is super fine and soft. Matting can be very painful for them so frequent brushing is a must. Don’t forget to brush in those matt-proned areas behind the ears, on their backside and in the armpits. Talk to your groomer about what brush will be best for your puppy, or check Our Recommendations below . :-)
Short-haired dogs don’t seem like they need brushing, but they do! Just less often.
It’s recommended to brush short-haired puppies weekly to help keep dead hair from clogging the pores and to keep the natural oils evenly spreadthroughout the coat to promote shine and healthy fur.
Handling becomes part of his routine, and without realizing it, we're making this the best reward we can give our puppy because it feels it as part of our love.
This way we get them to like being on the table. This is their moment of relaxation and pampering.
2. What is the ideal moment for the first visit to the groomer?
The earlier the better! Getting your puppy started early is key to getting them used to the grooming process which makes it much easier on them.
Puppy grooming should start when they are still at the breeder's house and when they are less then 8 weeks old, depending on the breed. It is important to know that an 8 week old puppy needs to have their nails trimmed, needs brushing, needs to have the area around the eyes and ears cleaned. All of this is extremely important to start as early as possible to maintain the good health of your new friend.
1. TropiClean SPA Tear Stain Remover for Pets
For sure I cannot survive in my salon without this product! Last 6 years with me! - perfect for cleaning dog face, beautiful smell. This lightly foaming facial cleanser soothes and balances the skin. This mild, concentrated formula has natural exfoliating activity and gently hydrates. The refreshing blend of vanilla and blueberry effectively removes dirt and tear stains, and will not irritate eyes. SPA by TropiClean Tear Stain Remover is great for all skin types.
An eye-care solution which helps eliminates stains formed as a cause of over-active tear ducts.
Pretty Eyes does not clean stains from old hair, but protects the new hair from becoming stained.
Contains extracts of Thyme, Rosemary and Camomile.
A very gentle solution to be applied to the contours of the eye with a cotton bud/ball
TWO-STEP SYSTEM: Tear Stain Solution cleans the affected area and helps fight bacteria, apply with included Applicator Pads. Tear Stain Powder absorbs excess moisture and helps repel new tears. It is NOT a chalk or cover up, but a natural silk-like powder that safely keeps your pet’s eye dry, stain-free and full of luster. Apply Powder safely with the ProPowder Brush.
4. Super Hydration Shampoo - Professional grade dog shampoo. This shampoo is specially formulated to provide the greatest level of Hydration for your dog's coat and skin. This shampoo helps skin from becoming too dry therefore is suitable for dogs with very short coats or no hair dogs. It may be able to help dry and flaky skin. Super Hydration gives some weight to the coat. Therefore for dogs with long coats like maltese, yorkshire terriers, shih-tzuit gives hydration to help to make the coat straighter or helps control fly away coats. Keeps your dog cleaner for longer. 5. Super Hydration Conditioner This is for use in combination with the shampoo for ultimate hydration results and gives a great shine on the coat. Enriched with Moroccan Oil and Jojoba Oil for an Extra Smooth Coat, with Super Hydrating Ingredients. 30g (2 spoons) per 1 litre of water. Please ensure this is the maximum thickness otherwise the coat may look and feel too wet. 6. Beauty Set - Dog Shampoo + Conditioner + Nano Mist The products have a calming effect on sensitive skin and scalps and do not irritate. K9 formula adds the active ingredients in perfect harmony in order to give nourishment, moisture balance and optimized coat quality. It is suitable for all kinds of pets, coats, breeds and puppies. MIST is a leave in conditioner with; quick anti static and powerful de-tangling effects. It is gently nourishing, strengthens the coat, gives it a natural luster and increased moisture balance with lasting effects MIST makes the coat easier to brush and gives great volume and structure. It counter acts tangles and wears and makes the coat more manageable and is suitable for all coat types and animals. 7. Petuxe 100 % Vegan Shampoo for Dogs and Pets, Sensitive Skin Vegan first line that takes care of the hair and the skin of your pet With neutral ph adapted to your skin Not tested on animals; Yes tested on humans, according to European standards With registration number zoosanitario Manufacturer registered on the Ministry of Agriculture
8. Petuxe 100% Vegan Dog and Pet Shampoo, Volume
Luxury volumising care. We love these shampoos; because all the formulas from the Petuxe range are Vegan, not tested on animals and environmentally friendly, but still luxurious and offer amazing show worthy results. This shampoo is suitable for all pet hair types, it volumises, hydrates and revives the coats natural texture. The shampoo uses essential vitamins to nourish and protect the skin of your pet. They’ve sought out the very best care for your pets skin that still respects the skin’s pH, whilst offering strong, silky and shiny results and leaving a relaxing scent. You need to try it to see the winning finish for yourself. 9. Petuxe 100% Vegan Pet Shampoo, Long & Straight Hair This shampoo is suitable for all long haired breeds, it gently cleanses and revives dry and damaged coats. The shampoo uses essential vitamins and organic Olive oil to nourish and protect the skin of your pet. They’ve sought out the very best care for your pets skin that still respects the skin’s pH, whilst offering strong, silky and shiny results and leaving a delicate scent. 10. Petuxe 100% Vegan Dog Mask Conditioner, All Hair Types Mask for all breeds of any size and colour and for all hair types. Its innovative formula, enriched with olive leaf extract, nourishes the hair deeply, moisturizing it and recovering its natural texture, giving silk effect and shine, respecting the pH of the skin. 11. Petuxe 100% Vegan Leave in Conditioner Spray, All Hair Anti-tangle, Coat shine, Conditioners, Contains vitamins, Dematting, Knotty coats, Leave in treatments. This conditioner is suitable for all types of hair, it makes brushing easier without breaking the hair and revives dry and damaged coats. The conditioner spray uses essential vitamins to nourish and protect the skin of your pet. They’ve sought out the very best care for your pets skin that still respects the skin’s pH, whilst offering strong, silky and shiny results and leaving a delicate scent. 12. Pet Professional Mixing Shampoos Bottle Mixing shampoo / conditioner bottle with the biggest scale. 13. Artero Small Double Sided Slicker Brush Very soft, double-sided & flexible slicker Black side is for d-matting & gray side is for brushing Can help reduce wrist injuries caused by repetitive motion while brushing & d-mattin 14. Chris Christensen 005 Long Tooth Fine/Coarse Buttercomb For all breeds except extremely short coats. Chris Christensen Systems Buttercombs are "quite simply, the most amazing collection of combs in the world." You'll get more out of them because we've put more into them. Handcrafted to the smallest detail, each Buttercombs has a flat spine and rounded core top, allowing it to glide through the coat flawlessly. Stainless steel teeth are solidly embedded in a solid brass core creating an ultra-strong, long lasting tool that is more comfortable to use. The unique design of the Buttercombs is seamless & smooth so it won't catch hair and is comfortable to use. Try a Buttercombs. You won't use another comb again.
15. Andis 2-Speeds Cord/Cordless Animal Nail Grinder 16. JW Pet Company Small dog, Puppy Nail Clippers 17 .The Paw Brothers Small Nail Scissor Books: 1. Itchy Dogs - A Natural Health Guide for Dogs with Skin Problems 2. Weight Loss Diet For Dog Cookbook: Your book guide to weight loss for your dog includes tested guidelines, recipes, meal plans, and how to get start 3. Healthy Ears for Your Dog: A Guide to Ear Care 4. Cutting Your Dog's Nails and Pad Hair 5. How To Give Your Dog A Quick Checkup, Or A Home Health Examination 6. Pawpedia: An Extensive Study of Dog Training, Dog House Training, Dog Diet, Dog Grooming 7. Think Dog: The bestselling guide to canine psychology 8. Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love 9. Train Your Dog Positively: Understand Your Dog and Solve Common Behavior Problems Including Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Aggression, Housetraining, Leash Pulling, and More! 10. Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques 11. Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet