How to Groom a Toy Dog
Easy
15 - 30 Minutes
1 Week
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Introduction
Your tiny little purse pup is pretty simple to groom simply because of his size. However, you will need to get him to sit still long enough for a proper grooming and bath.
Despite their size, toy dogs can create quite a mess. Your little guy may have short hair that sheds often or long hair that requires trimming and cutting and daily brushing. Grooming a toy dog who is high maintenance might require a little bit of extra time and some motivation in the form of tasty treats, but most toy breeds are fairly low maintenance.
Dog's Perspective
Getting your small dog to slow down long enough to go through several grooming tasks can be quite the challenge, but when you decide to groom at home know that it’s much easier with a small dog than with the larger dog. Your little guy might not be really eager but the process should be fairly quick.
The Hygiene Method
Most Recommended
9 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Clipper
Toothbrush
Step
1
Teeth
Use a small amunt of doggy toothpaste on a toothbrush and scrub those pearly whites once a week. Angle the toothbrush a bit to get the gum line clean and free of plaque and tartar.
Step
2
Ears
Check your tiny toy pup’s ears on a regular basis. They can easily be cleaned out with water and apple cider vinegar on a soft cloth. Wet the cloth and wipe inside the ear for bacteria-fighting clean.
Step
3
Eyes
Always use a clean cloth to wipe each eye. Start from the inside corner and wipe toward the outer corner. Be sure to work out tear stains with warm water.
Step
4
Claws
Don’t forget to clip your little guy's claws. Avoid cutting the quick by looking carefully at the nail and cutting at an angle close to the tip. White and clear nails show the quick much better than darker nails.
Step
5
Bottom
Even tiny breeds can have huge messes on their bottoms. Use scissors or clippers to keep long fur off your dog’s bottom. With shorter fur in this area, you’ll need to wipe the bottom less.
Step
6
Haircuts
If your toy dog has long fur, he’ll need a haircut every so often. Clippers and scissors can get him looking beautiful. Remember to brush his fur before doing any cutting and only trim to your liking.
Recommend grooming method?
The Quick Grooming Method
Effective
4 Votes
Slicker Brush
Shampoo
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Comb
Clipper
Step
1
Prepare
Gather all the tools you’ll need and place them near your workspace. Place your toy pup on your lap or on a table in front of you. Be sure not to leave him alone on the table unattended.
Step
2
Brush
Always start your grooming tasks out with a good head to tail brushing. Work out any tangles before you trim or clip the fur.
Step
3
Clip and cut
If your toy breed has long hair, he will need to be trimmed every now and then to maintain a tidy clean look and to keep fur out of his eyes. Clippers and scissors can be used to trim long fur and clip into a cute toy breed cuts.
Step
4
Nails and paws
Be sure to use nail cutters to keep those tiny nails clipped and smoothed. Nails too long can curl under, causing pain. Unkempt nails can also snag and break. Always be aware of the nail’s quick and avoid cutting it.
Step
5
Bathing
When your toy pup gets dirty, he can bath in a large mixing bowl or a sink. Do not leave him unattended while bathing to avoid injuries. Use a small amount of a gentle dog wash and be sure to rinse the suds out with clean water.
Step
6
Comb
After baths, run a comb through his fur to work out knots and give him a tidy appearance.
Recommend grooming method?
Caution & Considerations
- Toy dogs are inherently easier to handle than large or even medium breed dogs.
- Many grooming tasks for your toy breed can be done with your dog sitting right in your lap or on the table in front of you.
- Spending time grooming your toy breed increases the bond you and your little guy have together.
- Anytime your pop is anxious or nervous or overly excited while in the bathtub, use treats or smear peanut butter along the edge of the tub to keep him occupied while you give him a quick bath.
- Because of your dog's size, never leave him unattended in the bathtub or in a sink.
- Be sure before bathtime starts to prepare all of your supplies well in advance of bringing your dog in for bathing.
- Because he’ll chill rather easily, always have a warm towel to wrap your little guy up in after bathtime.
- Whether your toy breed has long hair or short hair, daily brushing will help minimize tangles.
- Be sure you include all grooming tasks throughout the week or month so your little pup is maintained in all areas.
- Nails, ears, eyes, and teeth don’t need to be cleaned or groomed each time you bathe your tiny dog, but be sure to fit those tasks in at some point.
Conclusion
Your little pup might be able to fit in your purse, but you can always count on him to make a large mess. He will need to be bathed on a regular basis. To keep his whole body looking good, smelling clean, and healthy overall, you'll need to maintain his teeth, ears, and keep those toy nails trimmed. His size will make all these tasks fairly easy and quick, so keep him beautiful with some general grooming.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Bella
Cutting side of face to long how to do
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