For fur parents, the love and fondness they have for their pets go beyond their cute looks and distinct smell. That is why, aside from spoiling them with treats and teaching them new tricks, owners practice responsible pet parenting by keeping their furry friends safe and cared for.

One of the ways they prioritize their pets’ welfare is by ensuring they are always well-groomed. Although certain limitations are barring people from visiting pet grooming salons, there are ways in which they can keep their pets looking sharp and smelling great, even just by themselves, at home.

Here are some tips dog owners can check out to help keep their furry friends well-groomed:

Determine their breed

TopBreed ambassador Doctor Nielsen Donato with his furry pals

It is important to understand the level of grooming pets would need to help them feel better. According to TopBreed ambassador Dr. Nielsen Donato there are long-haired breeds that need more frequent grooming. There are also dogs with long ears that need more frequent ear cleaning compared to those with erect ears.

To know more about details like these, pet owners can get in touch with a vet.

 Practice these dog bathing habits from Dr. Nielsen

TopBreed ambassador Doctor Nielsen Donato

Since the Philippines is a tropical country, the heat can sometimes get really harsh. This can lead to dogs’ glands secreting too much oil, which causes them to feel icky and uncomfortable. To check up on this, one can stroke their dog’s fur and see if there is dust clinging onto it. If such is the case, bathing them once a week with warm water can do the trick. If your dog is of a bigger breed and is prone to heatstroke, bathe them with cooler water instead

For Dr. Nielsen Donato, the ideal time to bathe your dogs is during the morning at around 9-10 AM. Regular baths should last for about 15-20 minutes — starting from the shoulders, then slowly moving on to the back. For the head, it is good to use a wet towel or a sponge. Dogs with erect ears may feel irritated when water gets inside their ears.

Apply dog shampoo with slow, gentle strokes, making sure to keep shampoo from getting into pets’ eyes

Let pets get used to their owners grooming them

When fur parents start doing the grooming by their own, pets may somehow find it unusual. But similar to any methods of pet training, owners can practice positive reinforcement on their furry friends before their regular grooming session.

They can try giving them treats when they follow through the bathing area, but if the nervousness of pets persists, it is best to consult with a veterinarian or a trusted pet groomer.

Choose the right shampooThere are multiple ways owners can keep their dog’s furs shiny and healthy. This can be achieved by keeping them stress-free, maintaining their good hygiene, giving them fish oil for essential fatty acids, and using a shampoo suitable for them.

One important tip when choosing a pet shampoo is to veer away from those with strong scents.

Make TopBreed’s ShamPooch your trusted pet grooming companion

TopBreed’s ShamPooch has a mild citrus lavender scent that pets will surely love. Made from organic ingredients friendly for dogs, ShamPooch has Madre de Cacao and Neem Extracts, which have antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, and Organic Glycerin that helps moisturize and nourish their skin. It also has Organic Keratin, which revives and protects the smoothness of the dog coat.

Let the experts handle 

While it can be exciting to unlock a new skill and learn how to groom a pet on their own, pet owners might find some parts of the grooming routine daunting. When in doubt, it is best to entrust more complex tasks such as nail trimming and oral grooming to the experts to ensure safety.

A pet’s physical well-being can affect their emotional stability. So, fur parents, ensure that your fur babies stay well-groomed and happy!

TopBreed is a pet care brand from Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Robina Agri Partners. Aside from ShamPooch, TopBreed also offers dog and puppy meals.

To learn more about URC and TopBreed, visit its Facebook pages, @URCPhilippines and @TopBreedDogMeal.