How to Groom and Clip a Dog

A large part of keeping your pet happy and healthy is proper grooming. This is particularly the case when it comes to grooming and clipping your dog. Regular grooming can improve the quality of your dog's life. It also aids in the prevention of health problems. Though you could hire a professional to groom your dog, this can become very costly. With a few tools that can be found around your home, this project can be completed in a short period of time.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber mat
  • Scissors
  • 2 large towels
  • Dog shampoo
  • Bristle brush
  • Slicker brush
  • Dog toothpaste
  • Dog toothbrush
  • Dog nail clippers
  • Removable shower head
  • Dog hair clippers
  • Dog grooming brush
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Instructions

  1. Groom the Dog

    • 1

      Place your dog on the large towel and brush its fur to remove dead skin and loose hair. Use the slicker brush to remove all of the tangles.

    • 2

      Place the rubber mat in the bottom of the bathtub. Lower your dog into the bathtub. Use the removable shower head to completely wet the fur. Shampoo the dog and allow the soap to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off the suds.

    • 3

      Dampen a cotton ball and remove the dirt from the corners of the dog's eyes.

    • 4

      Remove the dog from the bathtub and place it on a towel on the floor. Use the other towel to dry the dog. Brush its fur.

    • 5

      Hold the dog in place while you clip its nails. Cut the nails at an angle just before it curves. Take your time to avoid harming your dog.

    • 6

      Gently pry the dog's mouth open. Press the corners of the mouth by the back teeth. Use the dog toothpaste and toothbrush to clean its teeth. Brush in circular motions at a 45-degree angle. Make sure that you move the brush clockwise, away from the dog's gums.

    Clip the Dog

    • 7

      Brush the dog's fur to remove any tangles that may have formed during the bath.

    • 8

      Plug the clippers into an outlet and turn them on. Hold the clippers against the dog's coat and move the clippers slowly in the direction that the hair grows. Start near the base of the dog's neck and move toward its hind legs. Leave the ears and tail for last.

    • 9

      Hold the ear flat against the palm of your hand and as you gently move the clippers towards the dog's head. This lessens the chance of your nicking the edge of the ear.