All about dog grooming

Proper dog grooming is an important part of pet care. It not only makes a dog look better, but contributes to his or her physiological and psychological health. Ensuring you have the proper dog grooming supplies will make your dog healthier and your job easier

Dog grooming basics

Coat
Brush your pet thoroughly every day. This is the most basic of dog grooming steps. It helps keep his or her hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading the natural oils throughout the coat, preventing tangles from forming and keeping the skin clean and free from irritation.

It is best to start brushing your pet at an early age, but do not despair if he or she is an older animal. It is possible to train one to enjoy dog grooming. Proceed slowly, and be sure to use treats and plenty of praise to make the experience fun!

Nails
Trim your pet's nails about once per month. You'll need a clipper designed specifically for the kind of companion animal you have. Either a scissor- or guillotine-style clipper can be used. You should also purchase a small bottle of blood-clotting powder.

How to Cut Your Pet's Nails

• Have your dog sit beside you. Then place one of his or her paws in your hand and gently pull it forward. If your pet dislikes dog grooming, slowly accustom him or her to it by offering treats and praise.

• Gradually shorten one nail. Be sure to stop before you reach the quick, which is the part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. If you cannot see the quick clearly, stop cutting just behind the point at which the nail begins to curve downward.

• If you cut into the quick, do not panic. Put some clotting powder on a moist cotton swab and press it firmly against the nail for several seconds.

• Repeat the process until all of your dog's nails have been trimmed.

• Do not forget to trim the dewclaw, which is located on the inside of each front leg just above the paw. (Some dogs do not have dewclaws.)

Ears
Ear care is an important part of dog grooming. Ear infections can not only be painful, but lead to permanent hearing loss. The signs of a problem with a dog's ears include redness, constant scratching, head shaking and odor.

How to Clean Your Pet's Ears

• Check your dogs's ears twice per month as part of your dog grooming routine. The skin inside and on the flaps should be pale pink. If there is a foul odor and/or any red, brown or black skin, have a veterinarian examine your pet's ears.

• Moisten a cotton ball with warm water or a little mineral oil and use it to clean the opening into the canal and the flaps. Do not probe too deeply into the canal.

Teeth
Dogs can get cavities and develop periodontal disease, so their teeth should be cleaned as part of their dog grooming routine.

Here your pet can do his own dog grooming! Give your chews on once or twice a week will go a long way to keeping his teeth clean and healthy.

Otherwise you should clean your dogs teeth with a pet toothpaste regularly. It is best to use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles. Cleanings performed by a veterinarian may also be required.

Bathing
Ensure that bathing forms a regular part of your dog grooming routine. Bathe your dog once every two months or as often as needed. Be sure to brush him or her before each bath in order to get all of the mats out of his or her coat.

How to Bathe Your Pet

• Place a rubber mat in your bathtub, or a towel in your sink, for secure footing. Then place a cotton ball in each of your companion animal's ears to prevent water from entering.

• Rinse your pet with warm water. Use a spray hose if one is available, but be sure to keep the nozzle very close to your companion animal's body. Never spray him or her in the face.

• Apply a shampoo designed especially for pets in small amounts, working from the head to the tail. Be sure to clean the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Try to avoid getting shampoo in your companion animal's eyes.

• Thoroughly rinse your pet with warm water. 

• Dry your dog with a towel and/or hair dryer.

Grooming Supplies
Recommended products to look after your dog's coat, teeth, ears and claws.

See also: [Dog Accessories]  [Dog Coats] [Dog Sweaters] [Dog Boots] [Pet Supplies] Pet Stores]