Dog Grooming Tips

Proper dog grooming is an important part of pet care. Not only does it make your companion look better, but contributes to your dog’s physiological and psychological health. Therefore, to your dog, grooming process means much more than a quick cleaning. You can use this time to bond and strengthen the relationship with your dog and cement what hopefully will be a lifelong friendship.

Brushing
No matter what kind of dog you have, you should invest in a good comb. Look for a stainless steel comb that does not have any sharp points. Brush your dog thoroughly every day. This helps keep your dog in good condition by removing dirt, loose hair, mats, and spreading the natural oils throughout the coat, preventing tangles from forming and keeping the skin clean and free from irritation. Dogs that are brushed regularly tend to stay clean longer.

It is best to start brushing your dog at an early age. Begin with a rub down massage, using your fingertips in a circular or back and forth motion all around the dog's skin. Sometimes this step may be enough for short hair dogs that do not need a daily combing. The massage improves skin circulation and helps to distribute natural oils throughout your dog's coat.

Bathing
Every dog is different and bathing frequency depends on a variety of factors such as age, skin condition, living environment and climate. Dogs that are very active in the outdoors should be washed more frequently than indoor dogs. They roll in dirt and come in contact with all sorts of toxins and chemicals in the air, not to mention the things that they sniff around in.

The frequency can vary from once a week to at least once every two months. When it’s ‘bath day,’ exercise your dog beforehand because a tired dog will be easier to work with. A small dog can be bathed in the sink, or use your bathtub for a larger breed. Be sure to secure him and have everything you need within reach before you start.

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 dog’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 his body. If you have a large dog, wash one area at a time, instead of wetting the whole dog at once. Never use a human shampoo. Apply a specifically formulated natural dog shampoo in small amounts, working from the head to the tail.
Leave your dog’s head until last. Most dogs don’t like water near their face. Rest your hand above your dog’s eyes so the water falls on your hand, and not in his eyes. Follow up with a specifically designed Natural Dog Conditioner to help detangle knots, control static electricity and add extra body or sheen.
It’s important to rinse all the product out of the coat as it may irritate your dog’s skin.
Once he’s rinsed, let him have a good shake and dry him with a damp microfiber cloth, followed by terry towels. It’s a good idea to confine your dog until your pet is dry. In the winter, keep him in a warm, draft-free area until he’s completely dry.

Clipping Nails
Trim your pet's nails about once per month. You'll need a specifically designed dog clipper : either a scissor, or guillotine-style clipper. Gradually shorten one nail at a time. Be sure to stop before you reach the quick, a 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, put some clotting powder on a moist cotton swab and press it firmly against the nail for several seconds.

Cleaning Ears
Ear care is essential to dog grooming. Ear infections can not only be painful, but lead to permanent hearing loss. The signs of a problem with a companion animal's ears include redness, constant scratching, head shaking and odor. Check your pet’s ears twice per month. 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 vet examine your pet's ears. To clean, 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.

Brushing Teeth
Dogs can get cavities and develop periodontal disease, so their teeth should be cleaned with specifically designed canine toothpaste at least twice per week. It is best to use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles. Cleanings performed by a veterinarian may also be required.