How to Groom Your Pets at Home

It’s summer and that means our pets are often spending more time outside doing more outdoor activities. Which also means they may be getting a little dirtier than usual.

While more visits to the groomers is a good idea during the summer, having an at-home grooming routine is essential right now.

In today’s blogpost I want to give you some practical tips about how to groom both dogs and cats at home. These have been tried and tested with my pets over the many years of learning how to groom them at home.

I’ll also give you my list of Home Grooming Essentials so you can have everything you need at your fingertips.

1. It’s a safe place that your pet knows and loves
2. It can be less stressful for your dog or cat
3. It builds a stronger bond between you and your pet
4. Routine grooming sessions also allow you to examine your pet’s coat, teeth, eyes, ears, and nails for signs of problems
5. It’s a way you can show your pet love by keeping them clean

Before we dive into those tips and tricks- let’s start with the tools and products you need to have on hand.

Here’s what I suggest:

Tip #1:

My first tip for you is to have everything you need there at your fingertips, ready to use. The last thing you want to do is prolong the process by having to run and get the shampoo or towel because you forgot to grab it before you started.

Tip #2:

Not all pets like to be groomed. Many, in fact, do not like water or getting wet. If that is the case for your dog or cat, my next tip for you is to test out different places in your home or even outside and find where it is your pet feels the most comfortable being bathed.

In my experience, a bathtub or a shower with doors is my go to. The smaller the area, the less likely for them to escape. I would also suggest shutting the doors to the bathroom just in case they do.

Tip #3:

Now, bath time can be enjoyable for some pets or it can be terrifying. My next tip is to make sure you are constantly talking to your pet in a calm and loving manner. This reassures them throughout the whole process. You can respond to their wines or dislikes by acknowledging and letting them know that it’s ok and it will be over soon.

Tip #4:

Before the bath- you can put cotton balls in their ears. This trick will prevent water from entering their ears. Note: This may be difficult to do with a cat, so if you can’t, try to steer clear of water around their ears.

Wet your pet with warm not hot water and apply shampoo from the neck back. After lathering and scrubbing, rinse your pet thoroughly with warm water. After they have been rinsed thoroughly, you can apply the conditioner and repeat the process.

After bath time is over, grab your towel and rub them gently (they may even help you with vigorously shaking!)

If your pet likes the blow-dryer, this can be your next step or you can let them air dry. Once a little dry, you can comb or brush them as needed.

Tip #5:

My final tip for you is after all is done- allow your pet to recalibrate. What does this mean? Well, some dogs will run around crazy or do zoomies after bath time or cats may find a hiding place to “lick their wounds”, so to speak.

However your dog or cat reacts after an at-home grooming session, allow them to do it so they can return to their normal. And if they ignore you because they may be upset with you- that’s ok too. Just let them know you are there for them when they are ready.

Bonus Tip: Zoomies with your dog after bath time can be a really fun way to play with them- so remember to try and have fun with the whole process!

If you need any supplies for your at-home grooming kit, I have a great collection filled with all you need. Be sure to visit the shop here to check it out today.

If you have any questions or comments about grooming your pet at home, please feel to email me at info@chloecole.com

I wish you and your pet a happy, healthy and clean rest of your summer. Enjoy!