How to Groom Your Pug
Introduction: How to Groom Your Pug
Hi pug owners and everyone alike, today I'm going to show you how to groom your pug properly. When it comes to pugs, they need a little extra special care, especially when it comes to the summer time heat. Pugs can be prone to getting yeast infection between the skin folds or hot spots if not washed properly. So without further ado, lets dive into learning how to care for our pug.
Supplies
You'll need a few supplies including but not limited to:
a drying towel
a washcloth
dog shampoo
gentle cleaning wipes
scrub brush
dog grooming brush
Step 1: Gathering Supplies
There's not many supplies you'll need for grooming your pug but they each serve a purpose. With these few supplies, you'll be able to leave your pug well groomed if not slightly mad at you for cleaning him. I like to use a shampoo with aloe vera to help combat skin fold pyoderma (hot spots) which can leave your pug chewing and scratching at his skin. I also recommend a gentle cleaning wipe that we will use to target specific high risk areas of your pugs skin, such as face and ears, later in this guide.
Step 2: Setting Up the Bath
Once you've gotten your supplies (and also trapped your pug into the bathroom so he can't run) we now have to set up your bath. Ensure that your water is at a comfortable lukewarm temperature. Too cold can make the bath uncomfortable and your pug may be unwilling in future baths. Too hot can burn your pugs skin or overheat them. A removable showerhead nozzle can make bathing your pug much easier. It isn’t essential but is highly recommended.
Step 3: Soak Your Pug
You'll want to ensure that you soak your pug thoroughly. Some pugs can have double coats and you'll need extra time to ensure the undercoat has been washed thoroughly. Don't forget to soak under the chest and the body. Avoid spraying the head especially around the eyes, nose, or mouth. Most pugs have breathing difficulties and can panic when sprayed with water. You don’t want to make this a negative experience for your pug. Later in the bath we will get to washing the face but it will require an extra step.
Step 4: Using Shampoo
Now that your pug has been soaked. The next step is to apply soap and massage deep into the coat. Apply a liberal amount of soap and scrub. If your pug is unfamiliar with bathing you can apply soap to your palm and work it into his coat. 770
I use a dog shampoo brush to ensure adequate scrubbing but this is absolutely not necessary. Scrubbing with your hands is more than enough and should be just fine.
Step 5: Lather Up
Make sure to scrub your pug well. You want a foamy layer built all over the body. It will help wash out excess loose hair and dirt. This lowers the amount of shedding your pug will do. Your furniture will thank you.
Step 6: Lower Body Too
Continue scrubbing your pug. Don't forget to also wash the chest, legs and paws. If yours is anything like mine, this is his least favorite step. You may be tempted to skip this step but it will greatly reduce his itching. This gives my pug relief from his grass allergy and lowers the amount of chewing on his legs that he does during the spring/summer days.
Step 7: Face Washing
Caution must be used when washing your pug’s face. Apply a small amount of soap to a wet washcloth and gently scrub your pug’s face. Take extra care to avoid the nose, eyes and mouth. Be gentle since your pug may struggle against or try to avoid the washcloth. To remove the soap DO NOT RINSE with the shower head. Rinse off the washcloth and wipe the soap off your pugs face. Multiple rinses of the washcloth may be needed.
Step 8: Rinsing
Rinsing your pug off is a lot like the soaking step. Give yourself extra time rinsing to ensure that the soap is off your pug completely. Especially with double coat or thick fur pugs. Any left over soap will irritate your pug’s skin and may cause him to scratch frequently. What I recommend to do is to run your hand along your pug’s coat to feel any soap residue left from inefficient washing.
Tip: having a second person to lift your pug makes it much easier to rinse off the chest and lower body.
Step 9: Drying Off
Using a small soft towel, wrap it around your pug and towel dry your pug. You can also use a vet approved dog dryers. 770