When Can You Begin Grooming Your Puppy?

Puppies are adorable. They’re just so small and cute and cuddly, and we often wish they could just stay as cute as they are as puppies forever. Unfortunately, that puppy will eventually grow up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep them looking their best as the grow by taking them for regular grooming appointments.

You may be wondering when to start puppy grooming. How early is too early? In general, puppies can be ready for their first grooming appointment when they are 10 to 16 weeks old. This will be after they have finished their second round of vaccines, and it will give you plenty of time to socialize them and get them used to being touched, brushed and bathed. Here are some more dog grooming tips to get your puppy ready for their first professional grooming.

Why grooming is important

Regular grooming is important for all dogs. It’s more than just about making their coat look nice—it also ensures they get regular baths, nail trims, ear cleaning and sensitive areas of their coat trimmed. Some dogs can be groomed easily at home, while others really need the help of a professional groomer to keep them looking and feeling their best.

Your puppy’s first grooming appointment

When it comes to puppy grooming, there are some things you should know before heading into your first grooming appointment. To get them ready for the experience, it’s important to get your puppy used to being touched the way they will be at the groomer’s. This includes stroking the legs, massaging the ears and paws and holding the head gently in place.

You may also want to gently brush your puppy to get them used to how it feels before a stranger does it to them. Exposing them to a hair dryer beforehand may help ease any agitation caused by the loud noise and blowing air. You may also consider tapping their nails gently with a spoon or other small piece of metal to get them used to having their paws held and their nails touched.

Your puppy’s first appointment will likely be a light grooming treatment. This often includes a nail trim, bathing and maybe some light trimming around the face and ears. This shorter appointment will help ease your puppy into the idea of being groomed and keep them feeling comfortable and safe. Have patience, as it may take upwards of three grooming sessions before your puppy feels totally comfortable.

How to choose a groomer

A good way to find a groomer is to ask for recommendations from your vet or friends who are dog owners. Once you have narrowed down your list, you can call and ask the groomer some questions about their services and how they handle puppies, in particular. You can also bring a photo of the grooming style you envision for your dog, just like you would for yourself at the people salon!

Contact The Soggy Dog today for all your puppy (and non-puppy!) grooming needs. We offer professional dog grooming services as well as self-wash stations to cater to the needs of every pet.

Categorised in: Dog Grooming in Henderson

This post was written by Writer