16 things you need to groom your dog at home, according to professional groomers

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Wag N' Wash, Lakeville, Minnesota

• The most important dog grooming tasks to focus on at home include brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and cleaning the ears and around the eyes, paws, and rear.
• We consulted three professional groomers for advice on the best supplies and tips for how to groom your dog at home.
• See also: the best nail clippers for dogs, how to trim your dog's nails, and best dog toothpaste and toothbrush

Now that most of the country's professional groomers are closed for business due to the coronavirus pandemic, even the most well-manicured canines are beginning to look a bit haggard. Thick undercoats are matting up, nails are turning into talons, and cute fluffy butts from California to New York have grown out just enough to make potty breaks a mess.

Most of us will never pull off the feats of artistry that professional groomers accomplish daily. But keeping up with basic grooming tasks at home will not only prevent any discomfort for your dog, it will also help your professional groomer from having to work overtime just to get your pup back to their pre-pandemic state when salons reopen.

We consulted with three professional groomers to come up with a list of the best grooming gear and tips on how to effectively care for your dog at home: Halle Pirk, a groomer at Wag N' Wash in Castle Rock, Colorado, with five years of experience, Vicki Ronchette, a dog trainer and groomer with 30 years of experience currently working with Fluff Dog Grooming in San Leandro, California, and Tara Short, a groomer at We Love Dogs Mobile Pet Grooming in the San Francisco Bay Area with a decade of experience.

Short said that, right now, one of the most important grooming tasks for dog owners to focus on is brushing out long beards, chests, armpits, bellies, ears, and tails. This is especially true for long-haired, double-coated, and drop-coated breeds. In addition, she recommends clipping or filing the nails and wiping out the ears, especially if your dog is prone to ear infections. Keeping up with regular walks may help to gradually grind nails down as well.

Above all, it's important for those who are new to grooming to go slowly. "Take your time and don't try to rush through it. Make sure you do it safely and your dog is comfortable," Pirk said.

Short wholeheartedly agrees, adding that the more positive you make the experience for your dog, and for yourself, the more smoothly things will go. "Use high-value treats, speak to your dog in a reassuring voice, and if either of you starts to feel overwhelmed, take a break," said Short.

Here are the best dog grooming supplies and how to use them, according to professional groomers:Read the original article on Insider