The amount and kind of grooming of your dogs coat is determined by the dogs fur type, length, and the animals life style. Short coats will need less brushing or combing than those with longer fur. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors will need more frequent grooming than dogs that live indoors. Grooming your dogs coat will prevent skin problems by keeping it free from fleas and ticks. Dogs also need regular ear inspections and cleaning, toenail trimming, tooth inspections and cleaning, and bathing.
A common misconception is that a dog should be bathed as seldom as possible, you may wash your dog as often as necessary. However you must use a special shampoo, one that will not strip the natural oils from your dogs coat. When bathing your dog you may choose to shampoo the dogs body, legs, and feet first followed by the head. Be sure to use warm water when giving your dog a bath, apply a gentle shampoo and lather well, be very careful not to get any shampoo in your dogs eyes. Rinse your dog throughly and dry with a course towel. Any soap left on the dogs skin may cause itching so be sure to rinse throughly. As recommended by your veterinarian apply a flea dip, spray or a powder.
Your dogs ears should be cleaned approximately every two weeks. Folded or hairy ears need to be cleaned more frequently than erect or basically bare ears. Check your dogs ears for any unusual discharge or odor. If you suspect possible ear infection bring this to the attention of your veterinarian. Use only a damp towel or soft cloth around your finger to clean the outer most visible parts of the ear. You may also use a cotton swab with mineral oil for cleaning. Small bits of ear wax need not be removed, this will help to protect the ear canal. Do not clean out an ear that looks infected, leave this up to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend plucking or using tweezers to gently remove hairs that tend to block air circulation and contribute to infection within your dogs ear.
Plaque and tarter can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. To prevent oral disease regular brushing every 2-3 days is highly recommended for your dog. You may use canine tooth paste in moderate amounts or a mixture of baking soda and water (scrub the teeth from crown to gum.). You may substitute a gauze pad rapped around your finger for a tooth brush. Dry food and hard chew toys may reduce the formation of tarter. However this does not eliminate the need for brushing.
Although bone chewing is natural for a dog it may cause splinters of bone to be ingested. This may cause digestive upsets or internal injuries and also may result in broken teeth. Supplement a rawhide strip or special chew toy in place of bones. If yours dogs gums are bleeding, appear reddened or recede from the surface of the teeth check with your veterinarian.
When trimming your dogs nails cut only the transparent part of the nail. Close clipping can cut into the "quick" the portion of the nail that has nerves and blood vessels and hurt the animal. There are special clippers that can be purchased for trimming your dogs nails.
Grooming your dog will build on the pride of ownership. Remember, your dogs appearance may very will be a reflection of your own. Strive to bring your dog the very best in quality care.
Dog grooming provides dogs with shinier and healthier lifestyle plus the opportunity to spend some time with your dog. It is essential that you train your pet with dog grooming in his earlier years with mild approach. Some dogs may view the routine as another way of petting him. Combing and brushing will care for your dog's coat but it is equally important that you attend to his other body parts, like the ears, toes, eyes and the mouth.
Additionally, dog grooming will significantly contribute to your dog's over well-being, both in physiological and psychological aspects.
Dog grooming applies differently for the many varieties of dog breeds thus it is essential that you know the different treatments for each dog. But listed below is the general dog grooming methods that you may use as your basis.
Bathing
Bathing is an substantial part of dog grooming. It is wise to bathe your pet once in two months are as frequently as needed. Brush you pet's coat before each bathe as to eliminate the mats out of his coat.
To bathe your dog: ? For secure footing, provide a rubber mat or a bath towel to be placed in your bath tub or sink. Then secure the dog's ears and with cotton balls as to prevent the water from entering these openings. ? Use warm water to rinse your dog. If a spray hose is available it is best to use it but make use the nozzle of the hose is kept close to your pet's body. Never spray the animal directly on his face, this may irritate or scare him. ? Use shampoos that are only made for dogs. With small amounts, start from head to tail but avoid getting the shampoo on your dog's eyes. Be sure to clear from dirt the dog's rectum, and other body parts like those under the chin, behind the ears and between the dog's toes. ? Then rinse your dog with warm water, make sure that no shampoo is left on his coat. ? Lastly, pat your animal dry with a bath towel or a hair dryer.
Coat It is essential that your dog's coat is kept clean. Assure that with your dog's daily dog grooming routine, his coat is thoroughly brushed. This assures that his coat is kept from dirt. also, a dog grooming procedure like that of brushing may spread the dog's natural skin oils all through the coat. This may also keep the dog's skin form irritation and may further prevent his coat from tangling. This does not only apply with dogs having long coats but with short-haired dogs as well.
Nail trimming
For once a month, your dog's nails must be trimmed. Use a specially designed nail trimmer or clipper for your dog breed, also provide a blood-clotting powder in case his skin tissue is cut. You may also use scissors for this form of dog grooming.
Ear care
Is an important aspect of dog grooming. If not properly address, your pet may develop an ear infection, which in turn may result to permanent hearing loss. The symptoms for an ear infection are constant scratching, ear redness and head shaking. You dog grooming specialist or veterinarian must address sever cases of dog infections.
Both Alex Gwen Thomson & Sandra Stammberger are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alex Gwen Thomson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Income Tax Return and Wrinkles. A. Licata, freelance artist/writer of quality content and information for all who have an enthusiasm and love for dogs.