Expert Dog Grooming Tips & Pet Care Advice from Littleton's Trusted Groomers

The Complete Guide to Brushing Your Dog at Home

Posted by Master Groomer Sarah | Pinkie's Pooch Parlour, Littleton CO

Regular brushing is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's coat health. Here at our Littleton grooming salon, we see countless dogs whose coat problems could have been prevented with proper home brushing. Let's break down everything you need to know.

Why Brushing Matters

Brushing isn't just about appearance - it's essential for your dog's health and comfort:

• Prevents Mats and Tangles: Mats pull on skin, cause pain, and can lead to skin infections. Regular brushing prevents this completely.
• Distributes Natural Oils: Brushing spreads your dog's natural oils throughout the coat, creating a healthy shine and protecting the skin.
• Reduces Shedding: Removing loose fur before it falls out means less hair on your furniture, clothes, and floors.
• Early Health Detection: Regular brushing lets you spot lumps, bumps, skin issues, or parasites early.
• Bonding Time: Most dogs love being brushed once they're accustomed to it. It's quality time together.
• Easier Professional Grooming: Well-brushed dogs make our job easier and faster, which can save you money on grooming costs.

Choosing the Right Brush for Your Dog's Coat

Not all brushes work for all dogs. Here's what we recommend for different coat types:

Professional Brushing Technique Step-by-Step

Here's the exact method we use at Pinkie's Pooch Parlour in Littleton:

1. Prepare Your Space: Choose a comfortable location with good lighting. Use a non-slip mat so your dog feels secure. Have all tools within reach.
2. Start Calm: Don't chase your dog! Make brushing time predictable and positive. Offer treats before you begin.
3. Check for Mats: Before brushing, run your fingers through the coat to locate any mats or tangles. Pay special attention to behind ears, armpits, groin, and where collar sits.
4. Work in Sections: Divide your dog mentally into sections (left side, right side, back, chest, legs, tail). Complete one section before moving to the next.
5. Brush from Skin Out: Many people just brush the surface. You must brush all the way to the skin to prevent hidden mats underneath.
6. Use Proper Pressure: Brush firmly enough to be effective but gently enough not to cause brush burn. Watch your dog's body language.
7. Work Methodically: Use systematic strokes rather than random brushing. For long coats, use the "line brushing" technique.
8. Pay Attention to Problem Areas: Behind ears, armpits, groin, belly, rear legs, and paws mat fastest. Spend extra time here.
9. Check Your Work: After brushing, run a steel comb through the coat. If it snags, you missed tangles. Brush those areas again.
10. End Positively: Always finish on a good note with praise and treats, even if the session was challenging.

Common Brushing Mistakes to Avoid

After 13 years grooming in Littleton, we've seen these mistakes repeatedly:

• ❌ Only brushing the surface: This creates a fluffy top layer with severe matting underneath. Always brush to the skin.
• ❌ Brushing too hard: Causes brush burn - red, irritated skin. Use gentle, firm strokes.
• ❌ Brushing a dirty coat: Dirt acts like sandpaper, damaging hair. Always brush clean, dry coats (or slightly damp with detangler).
• ❌ Using the wrong brush: Using a slicker brush on a short coat is ineffective. Using a bristle brush on a poodle won't prevent mats.
• ❌ Rushing the process: Brushing takes time. Plan for 15-30 minutes depending on coat type and dog size.
• ❌ Forcing the issue: If your dog is truly stressed, stop and try again later. Consider professional help for brush-aggressive dogs.

How to Trim Your Dog's Nails Safely at Home

Posted by Certified Groomer Mike | Littleton, CO

Nail trimming is one of the most important - and most feared - aspects of dog grooming. Many Littleton pet owners bring their dogs to our salon just for nail trims because they're nervous about cutting the quick. While we're always happy to help, learning to trim nails at home can save money and keep your dog's nails at a healthy length between professional grooming visits.

Why Regular Nail Trimming is Essential

• Prevents Pain and Injury: Overgrown nails force toes to splay unnaturally, causing pain when walking. They can also crack or tear, which is very painful.
• Protects Joint Health: Long nails change your dog's gait, putting abnormal pressure on joints. Over years, this can contribute to arthritis.
• Makes Walking Easier: Proper nail length allows full paw pad contact with the ground, providing better traction and comfort.
• Reduces Scratching Damage: Shorter nails mean less damage to your skin, furniture, and floors when your dog scratches.
• Prevents the Quick from Growing: The quick (blood vessel inside the nail) grows longer when nails are left too long, making future trimming harder.

Tools You'll Need

Nail Clippers:

• Guillotine-style: Good for small to medium dogs with thin nails
• Scissor-style: Better for large dogs with thick nails
• Grinder/Dremel: Our favorite tool! Smoother finish, less chance of hitting quick, though many dogs dislike the sound initially

Additional Supplies:

• Styptic powder or cornstarch (stops bleeding if you hit the quick)
• Treats for positive reinforcement
• Good lighting
• Towel (for restraint if needed)
• Nail file (to smooth edges after clipping)

Step-by-Step Nail Trimming Process

1. Create Positive Associations (Days 1-7):

Before attempting to trim, spend a week getting your dog comfortable with paw handling:

• Day 1-2: Touch paws for a second, give treat. Repeat 10 times.
• Day 3-4: Hold paw for 3 seconds, give treat. Repeat.
• Day 5-6: Press on nail beds gently, give treat.
• Day 7: Hold clippers near paws (don't cut), give treat.

2. Position Your Dog:

Small dogs can sit on your lap or a table. Large dogs can stand or lie down. Whatever position you choose, your dog should be comfortable and you should have good access to paws.

3. Identify Where to Cut:

• White/Clear Nails: You can see the pink quick inside. Cut 2-3mm before the quick.
• Black Nails: Much harder! Look at the underside of the nail. Cut where the nail starts to curve downward. Take tiny amounts at a time.
• The "Safe Zone": If you look at the cut surface after each small cut, you'll see an outer white ring and inner oval. When you see a dark spot in the center of that oval, STOP - you're near the quick.

4. Make the Cut:

• Hold paw firmly but gently
• Position clippers at a 45-degree angle (cutting diagonally prevents sharp edges)
• Make a quick, confident cut - hesitation causes crushing rather than clean cuts
• Only remove small amounts with each cut on black nails
• Trim all nails to the same length for balanced walking
• Don't forget dewclaws (the "thumb" nail higher on the leg)!

5. File Smooth:

After cutting, file each nail to remove sharp edges. This step is often skipped but makes a huge difference in preventing snagging and scratching.

What If You Hit the Quick?

Don't panic! It happens to professional groomers too, especially with black nails. Here's what to do:

1. Apply styptic powder or cornstarch directly to the bleeding nail
2. Apply pressure for 30-60 seconds
3. Distract with treats
4. The bleeding should stop within 5 minutes
5. Avoid letting your dog lick the nail for 30 minutes (can restart bleeding)
6. Take a break and try again another day

How Often to Trim:

• Active dogs on pavement: Every 3-4 weeks
• Less active or indoor dogs: Every 2-3 weeks
• Listen for clicking on hard floors - if you hear it, they're too long
• Visual check: Nails shouldn't touch the ground when standing

Remember, if you're uncomfortable trimming nails at home, we offer quick nail trim services at our Littleton salon for just $15. Many Highlands Ranch and Ken Caryl clients pop in every 3 weeks just for nails - no appointment needed!