Large Dog Grooming Tips To Keep Your Large or Giant Breed Dog Groomed and Clean By Sora Wondra on February 15 @ 12:00AM

Newfoundlands may be beautiful, but how will you get and keep all that fur clean? Keeping large dogs groomed is important for their health and worth the extra work. Here are some special grooming tips hand-picked for your dog's big paws. For more information on grooming, find out how to brush your dog's teeth and find the best grooming supplies.

Overall, frequent fur brushing (several times per week) is one of the best things you can do for your dog, but a few techniques will help keep them safe while getting clean. Make sure to use a recommended brush for large dogs for daily grooming.

Big dog bath time

Bathing is a special challenge for large dogs because they may not fit in your bathtub! It's important to start bathing young so that your dog learns the process and can be trained to behave. You may need to have baths outside, and keep your dog on a leash to avoid running. Look for a collar to use during bathing which will not bleed color onto the fur when wet—you can return to the regular collar when they're dry. You can also try self-service pet washes at pet stores to access the proper tools and leave the mess behind.

Brush your dog thoroughly before a bath to remove matted fur before they get wet. Make sure that you use dog shampoo (human shampoo is too harsh for dogs) and if needed, dilute it with water before massaging into your dog's fur. Two rounds of diluted shampoo will be easier to wash out than one thick round. It's important to rinse out all the shampoo because leaving shampoo on your dog's skin can lead to irritation.

Double-coated

The added challenge for some large dogs, such as Newfoundlands and Great Pyrenees, is that they have a double coat, making bath time twice the challenge. It is difficult to get the soap into their fur and to ensure that you rinse it out completely, so use two diluted batches of shampoo instead of one big glob.

Drying on time

Some giants (especially those with double coats) may take all day to dry, and may need your help to speed up the process. You can start with a towel, but you may need to upgrade to an electric dryer. You can use a hairdryer, but make sure it is on the cool setting—you don't want to burn your friend! For double-coated dogs, like Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands, you may prefer a pet dryer to speed up the process and avoid burns.

Nail trimming

No one likes it, but every dog needs their nails trimmed to avoid damage to the toes or feet from long nails. Big dogs require special trimmers or clippers to handle their large nails, which should be cut just long enough to touch the floor as they walk, but not too short as to cut into the quick (blood vessel in the nail). This can be a tricky task, which is why it's better to take off a series of small slices and trim more frequently, ideally several times per month. Resist the dangerous urge to rush through the process by making one big cut on each toe.

To trim nails, get comfortable on the floor and have your dog lay on their side so that you can access all of their feet, or teach them to “show belly.” Before trimming day, expose your dog to foot handling by rubbing your dog's feet, so that they can become comfortable with the experience. If you do cut too far and a toe starts to bleed, use styptic pads to stop the bleeding. If you or your dog don't like using clippers, try using a grinder instead. Training will help your dog stay during this process, and a nice meaty treat at the end will show your appreciation.

DIY Dog Grooming

Grooming at home can be a fun experience for both you and your dog, but many people underestimate just how essential it is that they are regularly bathing, brushing, and grooming their pooch.

What Does Your Dog Need?

The first step to proper at-home grooming is to consider what your dog actually needs. A terrier isn’t going to need a shave and a poodle isn’t going to need coat sheen. Determining what your dog needs can be quite simple, especially if you know their breed. A quick look online will tell you what is considered essential for the health of their quote.

During the summer, for example, a Saint Bernard or other long-haired breed may need a buzz to keep them cool. Meanwhile, a curly-haired breed is going to need special grooming to ensure their coat doesn’t tangle, and they might also need a trim to help keep them cleaner and cooler for longer. A short-haired breed won’t need much in the way of razors, but they’ll still need some moisturizer applied to keep their skin and coat in good shape.

Determine what your dog needs based on their breed and coat, then come up with the right routine that will incorporate those things.

Your Grooming Checklist

Once you have the care plan figured out for your dog’s specific coat type, you also need to put these essential tasks down onto your grooming checklist. These are things all dogs need to have done at regular intervals:

• Ear cleaning. Cleaning your dog’s ears will help prevent smelly (and painful) infections from becoming an issue. Ear cleaning won’t be necessary during every session, but you should check their ears regularly for dirt, debris, and signs of infection to keep them in their best shape.

• Nail trimming. Overgrown claws will go “tip tap” when your dog walks across a wood floor. This means your dog’s nails are far too long and they need to be trimmed down. Get some sharp dog nail trimmers to do it. When you’re done, their nails should not touch the floor when they walk.

• Dental health. You probably won’t be able to brush your dog’s teeth every night, but it is still a good idea to keep a close eye on their dental health. Regularly lift their lips to check for healthy gums and any teeth that may be giving them issues. A doggy-approved tooth brushing once a month is essential to helping them fight plaque and gingivitis.

• Seasonal care. During the summer, a short-haired dog especially is going to start turning pink on their belly and nose if allowed too much time out in the sun. Doggy sunscreen is in order for their snout and other exposed areas of skin. During the winter, moisturizing balm may be necessary for your dog’s nose and paw pads.

• Health check. Just like a certified groomer, when you have finished with your grooming routine, it’s important you do a quick once-over to make sure your dog looks to be in good health. Are they gaining weight? Losing some? Do they have any bumps or wounds that need to be addressed? Your weekly grooming session is a good chance to screen your dog and make sure they’re in good health between vet visits.

Once you have written up your grooming checklist, the next step is to figure out how often your dog needs to be groomed. Depending on how much time they spend outdoors, and how tolerant you are of dirt and debris, some dog owners bathe and groom once per week. At minimum, you should groom your dog once a month and do everything on your checklist.

Grooming Tips

One thing that stops many people from grooming their dog at home is that some dogs just don’t like to sit still. If you find that your dog doesn’t like baths or doesn’t like being brushed, work with them so that you can get to the point where you can groom them yourself.

You may see it as a hassle, but grooming is very important to your dog’s health and happiness. Not only will you be keeping their coat clean and beautiful, you will be checking for important things too that will have a big impact on their comfort and health.

Most dogs won’t enjoy having their paws held to be trimmed or their lips lifted so their teeth can be inspected, but these are things you’ll simply have to get your dog used to with time. Be patient, have a friend step in to hold them for you, and be sure that lots of treats and “Good dog!” compliments are involved in the process.

If you make grooming an enjoyable experience, it’ll just be a matter of time before your dog begins looking forward to the process.

How Often?

If you have a long-haired dog or one that gets particularly dirty, grooming will be required more often in order to keep their coat in good health. Look up your dog’s breed so you can get a better idea of how often their coat needs to be groomed.

Generally, your health and dental check along with an ear cleaning and nail trim can be done 1-2 times per month, but their coat type is going to determine how often you need to pull out the hose.

Depending on the season, environment, and your dog’s breed, you might also need to give them supplements to support a healthy coat and, on occasion, topical ointments for any skin or coat conditions they may be experiencing. This will soon become a normal part of their grooming routine as you get in the habit of thoroughly checking them each time you work with them.

Happy grooming!

Small Dog Grooming

You might think that owning a small breed dog means less grooming, but in reality there are a wide range of small breeds from extra-tiny to medium, and their grooming requirements vary as much as their size. It’s true that some small breed dogs -- such as Chihuahuas, Beagles, and Italian Greyhounds -- are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but other breeds -- like Toy Poodles and Shih Tzus -- require a lot of upkeep. Here we’ll look at some grooming considerations that apply to small breed dogs in general.

Train for Grooming

Many small breed dogs have big energy, and this can translate to impatience and fidgeting during grooming. This type of behavior is not only frustrating, it can also be dangerous when performing delicate procedures such as nail trimming or cleaning around the eyes. Train your dog from an early age to be comfortable sitting still. You can make the grooming area more pleasant for your dog by using a towel, blanket, or skid-free mat. Your dog should also learn to be comfortable having different parts of their body touched. In quiet moments with your dog, pick up a paw, rub their ear, gently slip a finger into their mouth, and touch their face. This way your dog won’t be so surprised when you reach for a paw or open their mouth during grooming.

Tiny Tools

In many cases grooming your small breed dog at home is completely doable, but you’ll need the right tools. One of the trickiest parts of grooming is nail clipping, and for this very sensitive procedure you’ll need a nail clipper that is sized appropriately for your dog. For many small breed dogs a pair of small pet nail clippers will work -- this is the same size used on cats. Always check the packaging of the product before using it on your dog. If you have a medium sized dog, you may need to go up a size or two. For fussy dogs who just can’t stand the sight of those clippers, you can try using a dremel to sand down the nails instead.

Another tool that you need to get right is the toothbrush. Small breed dogs are more susceptible to dental problems because of their small mouths, so daily teeth brushing is a must. Never use a human toothbrush or toothpaste on your dog. For small breeds, you can find a small angled handheld brush or a soft brush that fits over your finger. Dog toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors including poultry and peanut butter. Your dog may end up liking this necessary grooming step.

Low-Maintenance Small Breed Dogs

All dogs need to have their nails clipped, teeth brushed, and get regular checks for fleas and ticks, but beyond that, many small breed dogs require little grooming. The following breeds have easy to care for coats and less grooming needs than other small dogs: Affenpinscher, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Chihuahua (short haired), Dachshund (smooth and wirehaired), English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Hairless Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Papillon, Pug, Rat Terrier, and Toy Fox Terrier.

High-Maintenance Small Breed Dogs

Some small breed dogs need a lot of grooming to keep their coats healthy, clean, and free of mats. These breeds aren’t for the owners who just can’t put in the time, as in many cases daily brushing and care is needed. The following small breeds need some extra pampering: Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, Lhasa Apso, Havanese, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Pekingese, Powderpuff Chinese Crested, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Skye Terrier, Toy Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier.

How do you groom a big dog?

The appropriate preparation, patience, and grooming methods are essential when caring for a large dog's coat and general cleanliness. First and foremost, you must set a regular grooming schedule to maintain their fur tidy and untangled. Start by giving their coat a good brushing with a slicker brush or grooming rake, paying special attention to mat-prone areas like the back of the ears and the region between the legs. This will aid in removing stray hair and avoiding tangles. Then, if required, trim their nails with a grinder or dog nail clippers, taking care not to nick the quick. For your dog's comfort and safety, it's best to introduce the clipping procedure to them gradually. Additionally, thoroughly remove any dirt or extra wax from their ears using cotton balls and an ear cleaner made specifically for dogs. To prevent harm, take care not to place anything too deeply inside the ear canal. Depending on the size, bathing a huge dog can necessitate a large tub or perhaps an outside area. Lather their coat completely with a mild dog shampoo, paying special care to vulnerable regions like the belly and paws. Give them a thorough rinse to ensure there is no shampoo residue remaining. When drying them off after a bath, use a towel and, if required, a hairdryer on low heat while keeping a safe distance to avoid overheating. Finally, give them a dental cleaning with toothpaste made especially for dogs and a dog toothbrush. Their dental health will be preserved, and plaque formation will be avoided. But when you groom your large dog, give him goodies, compliments, and assurance to help him associate grooming favorably and strengthen his connection with you.

What are the 7 steps of grooming a dog?

In order to properly maintain your dog's hair, nails, ears, and general cleanliness, the grooming procedure normally entails multiple stages. The first step in getting rid of tangles and loose hair is to brush your dog's coat. Use a brush or grooming tool appropriate for your dog's coat type.

If your dog requires a wash, thoroughly wet their coat with warm water and bathe them with a shampoo made specifically for dogs. To get rid of any shampoo residue, give them a thorough rinse. Avoid getting water or shampoo in their ears or eyes. After washing, pat your dog dry with a towel. If necessary, use a cold or low setting on your hairdryer. To avoid overheating, keep the dryer away from your dog and make sure they are at ease with the procedure. Trim your dog's nails on a regular basis to keep them from becoming too long and causing discomfort. Use a grinder or dog nail clippers, but be careful to avoid cutting into the quick, delicate region that houses blood vessels. To gently clean your dog's ears, use cotton balls and an ear cleaner manufactured especially for dogs. Wipe away any dirt, debris, or additional wax. Avoid inserting anything deep within the ear canal to prevent harm. To brush your dog's teeth, use a dog toothbrush and canine-specific toothpaste. By doing this, their dental health is maintained, and issues like plaque development are prevented. Once the primary grooming steps are completed, you can consider additional grooming tasks such as trimming excess hair, shaping the coat, or applying a dog-friendly conditioner or deodorizer if desired.

How can I improve my dog grooming?

To improve your dog grooming skills, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, educate yourself by studying different grooming techniques and understanding your dog's specific coat type and grooming needs. Attend grooming workshops or seek guidance from professional groomers. Invest in high-quality grooming tools and products that suit your dog's needs. Practice regularly to build your confidence and familiarity with different grooming tasks. Take your time, be patient, and maintain a calm and positive attitude during grooming sessions. Lastly, observe your dog's reactions and adjust your approach accordingly, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout the grooming process.

How do I keep my big dog still while grooming?

It might be difficult to keep a large dog still while being groomed, but there are techniques that can be used. Firstly, ensure your dog is well-exercised and mentally stimulated before grooming to reduce restlessness. Use strategies for positive reinforcement, rewarding them with treats or praise for cooperation and good behavior. Begin with brief grooming sessions and lengthen them gradually as your dog gets more at ease. Use gentle restraint techniques like a grooming table or a non-slip mat to provide stability. Additionally, enlist the help of a second person to assist in holding and calming your dog during grooming. 

How do you cut a big dog's hair?

It takes careful planning and the appropriate tools to trim a large dog's hair. To begin, thoroughly brush their coat to get rid of any mats or tangles. To cut their hair to the required length in the direction of hair growth, use electric clippers with the proper blade attachments. Take your time and trim the hair evenly by working in small areas while keeping the clippers parallel to the body. Use grooming scissors to cut precisely around delicate parts, including the face, ears, and paws. To keep your dog calm and cooperative throughout the grooming procedure, take breaks as necessary, provide treats, and use positive reinforcement.

More on Dog Grooming

How to Groom a Dog: A Step by Step Guide
How to Trim Australian Shepherds
How to Clip a Golden Retriever for Less Shedding

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.