As the weather warms, humans aren’t the only ones eager to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. After all, they aren’t called the “dog days” of summer for nothing. But, with an increase of outside play comes the challenge of keeping dirt at bay. The thought of balancing a dirty dog with a happy owner can seem daunting, but with a few simple dog grooming tips, we’ll help you tackle the outdoors—and any dirty dog—in no time.
Don’t Over Bathe
Our pets tend to throw caution to the wind when it comes to keeping clean, especially when outdoor activities involve exciting new things to roll in, like dirt, water or sand. While it may seem intuitive to always bathe your pup after a long day outside, it’s important not to overdo it. According to Tracey Ditto, professional dog groomer and host of DIY puppy grooming classes at Dogtopia Daycare, Dog Boarding, Grooming and Spa in Waco, TX, “Be sure to rinse your dog off after…water activities [like] the pool or lake to remove…chemicals or bacteria that [may irritate] your dog’s skin [and]…lead to itchy hot spots.” Although a bath may certainly be useful after an active and messy day, use proper judgment to gauge what your pup needs. Too many baths can strip your pooch’s coat of the natural oils he needs to stay healthy and glowing. The Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath is a natural, dry dog shampoo and an easy solution for keeping your pet’s coat clean and moisturized at times when a simple “touch up” is all he needs.
Focus on the ‘Do
Hairdo, that is. Although your pooch may not worry about what he looks like, a new haircut can make a world of a difference for his personal hygiene and have him feeling like a new dog. During the summer months, a dog’s haircut can have a great impact on his comfort level and ability to move about, while a shorter coat can also help track less dirt inside and can make bugs easier to detect. “It’s important to inspect your dog’s coat for any unwanted pests or plants after outdoor activities,” says Ditto. “Ticks can sometimes hide in paws, so be thorough.” In addition to keeping your pup’s coat “high and tight,” try adding dog wipes to the mix. Nature’s Miracle Pet Bath Wipes are easy, convenient and effective in getting rid of allergy-causing dander while keeping your dog’s coat shiny, healthy and smelling fresh all season long.
Provide Coat Care
A dog’s coat can serve as a shining asset or problem area, depending on his particular hair type and the care it’s given. Different dog breeds have various coats, ranging from short and bristly to long and smooth, a single or double coat, and everything in between. Depending on your pooch, it’s best to keep his hair trimmed and brushed, especially during the hotter months when fleas and ticks are at an all-time high. “In order to ensure your dog is cool and comfortable during the summer, be sure to brush [his] coat often to remove excess undercoat or tangles,” says Ditto. The FURminator DeShedding Waterless Spray For Dogs is a great dog grooming tool that helps keep your pup’s coat well-conditioned and feeling fresh while simultaneously reducing shedding.
Portable Tools
An active dog is a healthy dog, and there’s no exception when it comes to summer. Dogs love getting out and experiencing all the sights and smells the world has to offer, even when it means getting a little dirty. For all those times when a dirty dog seems like the happiest dog, be sure you are equipped with the right products to ease cleanup when out and about. “A variety of products are available for on-the-go grooming, such as dog wipes,” says Ditto. “I keep a pack of pet wipes in the car to clean dirty paws after the park.” Nature’s Miracle Spring Waters Deodorizing Dog Bath Wipes are perfect for quick and gentle cleansing after being outside. Easy to store and safe for everyday use, these deodorizing bath wipes help keep your car clean while leaving your dog’s skin and coat healthy and dirt-free.
Finding a happy medium between an outdoors-loving pooch and his cleanliness can sometimes seem like an uphill battle. These quick and easy dog grooming tips will help put your mind at ease and make cleanup easy for any outdoor activity.
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