What's the middle path? The middle path is the grey area that falls between sending your dog to professional groomers frequently and going totally DIY. If one can't find themselves comfortable with either of the options, the middle path is their answer. Here, one will need to take their dog to the groomer's once every 2-3 months (according to the dog's particular grooming requirements) for hair cuts and dematting, while they can take care of other aspects of grooming such as nails, paws, eyes, hair trims, by themselves. The latter can be done in between Groomer's sessions. The reason this is an efficient way is that it both saves money and makes you rely on a professional to take care of things you aren't very comfortable venturing into. A totally win-win situation.
In this blog, we will provide you a complete paw-care guide for your paw-child. Just so you can easily take care of paw-care at home and go to the professional groomers' only to get help with things that are too difficult for you. You will also be getting an additional bonus at the end of the blog where we will give you quick tips on handling fussy dogs during a paw-care session. So stick along!
You will be needing 4 things before you can begin your dog’s paw grooming session.
4.And lots of patience
1.Watch For Chewing And Licking
Grooming sessions give us a chance to medically examining your dogs. Say, if during a grooming session one notices hair growing out from one's dog's paw pads, a vet must be contacted at the earliest. This hair growth might most probably be an indication of Hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis is not necessarily serious, but it can lead to severe pain for your dog if not treated in time.
2.Nail Trimming
When your dog's nails begin to touch the ground and create lots of clicking sounds, that's when you know you need to give them a li'l clip-clip. Too long nails or nails that touch the ground and create the clicking sound can get curved inwards into the paws and cause a lot of pain to your dog. They can cause your dog to limb and become uncomfortable. Although the frequency of a clip-clip session varies from breed to breed and between ages too, the clicking sound is a good indication for a nail trim session. You will need dog clippers DO NOT use nail clippers made for humans. A dog's nails are very different from a human's. These are curved in shape. Another thing to keep in mind is the 'quick'. The ‘quick’ in dog anatomy is the end of the toe’s blood vessel. Be particularly careful of not cutting into your dog's quick when trimming its nails. Be gentle throughout and finish off with a reward.
3.Moisturizing
Moisturizing is probably the most vital component of paw grooming. If left to crack, your dog's paws can bleed. You will need your vet's recommendation for a moisturizing lotion suitable for your dog. Besides this, you will need a few unscented dry pet wipes. Do NOT use lotions or moisturizers meant for humans on your dog. Use lotions designed for dogs. Use the lotion on your dog's paw as directed. Don't forget to be gentle.
4.Winter Paw Protection
Winter is definitely something we all look forward to. However, the cold winds and damp atmosphere can be harsh on your dog’s paws. You will need to use a good, smooth paw butter and apply it on your dog’s paws after cleaning them with paw wipes. You can find Mr n Mrs’ both of these and more in Winter Combo for Dogs. It contains 1 Capt. Zack Paw Butter, a 2 in 1 Comb Brush, and a packet of Hug n Wag Pet Wipes. Mr n Mrs Pet another Winter Combo option in the store. This one contains 1 Capt. Zack Paw Butter, a Fresh for Paws Peanut Butter, and a Paw Cleaner.
5.Summer Paw Protection
Just as winter can dry and crack up your dog’s paw skin, similarly summers with its scorching heat can cause burns.. Use semi-moist cotton pads and from time to time clean and soothe your dog’s paws. Be mindful of not letting your dog walk on hot asphalt and concrete surfaces.
Fussy Dog? These tips can help:
1) Give your dog occasional treats while in the middle of a paw grooming session. This will prevent them from bailing out on you. Also, it won't be before too long that your dog should start looking forward to grooming sessions.
2) If your dog has been cooperating with you during a grooming session, acknowledge that cooperation by petting them. This is just another positive reinforcement technique that can help you in future grooming sessions.
3) If you are new to dog grooming, or if your dog is new to grooming, let it take a break in between sessions. If it shows a lot of resistance, stop the session. We can anytime do it later. What matters the most is your dog's comfort.
Our Resources to-Your-Rescue (*Buzz lightyear zooming*)
At Mr n Mrs Pet, India’s first online pet adoption platform that connects prospective paw-parents with ethical breeders, we help you not just with pet sourcing but also partner with you on your paw-parent journey. You can place an order on our website www.mrnmrspet.com for pet food, pet grooming, pet care services, and other pet supplies. All the tools you require to paw groom your dog are available at Mr n Mrs Pet's online pet store.