This was a financial gripe I couldn’t overlook: My dog’s professional grooming cost more than my own haircuts. At around $80 plus tip every three months, little Lola’s spa visits were getting pricey fast.
When lockdown hit and Lola’s coat was getting unruly (read: smelly and knotted), I knew I needed a different plan. Forget mastering sourdough — I opted to groom my dog myself.
I have an older cocker spaniel, and unless you’re aiming for a show-quality finish, you should be able to use my pointers to give your pup a simple trim that’s nearly as good as what a pro groomer would deliver. Best part: after the initial outlay for supplies (mine ran about $200), you likely won’t pay another cent for grooming.
Be sure to have lots of treats on hand to reward your pet for staying calm and still. Also, recognize that this might require two people — at least for the first few sessions while your dog adjusts. One person can soothe and steady the dog while the other handles the grooming.
Here’s what I learned about DIY dog grooming and washing at home.
What to Do and What You’ll Need
There are a handful of basic tasks in at-home dog grooming, each needing a few essential tools to achieve a neat haircut. The first few tries will take about an hour, but you’ll speed up as you gain confidence.
Nail Trims
When it comes to trimming nails, you can pick between a nail grinder or a clipper. Clippers are quieter and inexpensive — often under $10 — and they let you trim nails quickly. However, if you’re not cautious you might cut the quick, which can hurt and cause bleeding. Nail trims should be part of your dog’s monthly care.
Grinders cost a bit more and take a little longer, but they reduce the chance of injury. Since I was a total novice, I chose the grinder ($29.99 on Amazon). To use it, hold the paw steady and gently press the grinder to each nail. If your dog is anxious, have someone hold a spoonful of peanut butter for him to lick while you work. Extend the nail by pushing your thumb up and back on the pad, and don’t go past the nail’s curve. If trimming or grinding nails feels too daunting, this is the cheapest grooming step to outsource — most groomers or vets will clip nails for about $5.
Trimming the Face and Delicate Areas
For trimming around the face and other detailed spots, you’ll want a smaller clipper. I use the Turn Raise Pet Grooming Clipper ($24.99). At roughly half an inch wide, this small clipper is ideal for trimming near the eyes, ears, between toes and any areas you might be wary of. For very small dogs, you could use this for the whole body, though it will take longer depending on the breed.
My anxious dog actually seems to enjoy this clipper. It’s quiet and almost feels like a gentle massage. The technique is straightforward — carefully trim the fur. You’re unlikely to hurt your dog with this small set of clippers.
Trimming the Body Coat
For the body, you’ll need a larger clipper. Splurge on the Andis ProClip ($199), which you can often find used on Ebay for about $60 (I bought a secondhand one and it works wonderfully). It glides smoothly, doesn’t snag and is easy to use. Crucially, it’s fairly quiet, so it won’t spook your dog.
I recommend avoiding the cordless model so you don’t have to fret about recharging mid-session. You’ll also need a blade for the clipper — get an Andis blade. Blades come in different sizes; try a size 3 to avoid cutting too close to your dog’s skin.
The actual shaving is straightforward if your dog will remain still. Initially your pet may be nervous, and you may need help holding him while you clip. With an electric clipper, you can’t get extremely close to the skin, so it’s tough to seriously harm your dog. The worst outcome is an uneven cut. Note: the blade can heat up and may feel uncomfortable on your dog’s skin. Check the blade periodically — if it gets hot, spray this ($8) on the blade to cool it instantly.
Cleaning the Ears
If your dog has long, floppy ears like a cocker spaniel, you should be doing this weekly. Use one of these wipes ($13) to clean the inside of each ear. Insert the wipe fairly deep and wipe until no more dirt or buildup remains. You might need several wipes per ear.
Brushing the Teeth
I use a standard human toothbrush with a pea-sized smear of dog toothpaste ($10) to clean my dog’s teeth.
Bathing Your Dog
Use warm water to give your dog a thorough wash to remove dirt and loose hair. Technically you don’t need many tools besides a dog shampoo, but these gloves are useful for dealing with shedding, as they pull out fur while massaging your dog. Finally, brush the coat and your dog will look well-groomed — if not exactly show-ring perfect.
Alex Morgan is a contributor to Savinly.
