Properly grooming your pet goes beyond mere aesthetics and good looks; routine grooming care also affects your dog's health and personal behavior. Ongoing health issues can stem from dirt or matted hair tangles, while general grooming makes your dog feel better and healthier and helps to develop a bond with you, its owner.

When to Start Grooming

It's best to start grooming your dog at an early age. You want him to become accustomed to the routine and all the activity that goes along with grooming. The younger you start, the more accepting he will be of the brush, comb, bath, and nail clippers. If you plan to use a professional, try to find one whom you like, and stick with him or her as long as is practical. You want your dog to know, trust, and be comfortable with the grooming professional you choose.

Daily Grooming

There's usually no need to groom your dog on a daily basis, but it is a good idea to at least give him a daily inspection. Give your dog a "once over" every day, checking for bumps, sores, irritation, and nasty fleas or ticks. Ticks can be squeezed off with tweezers and fleas can be scraped out using a fine-toothed comb.

Check your dog's ears for any potential infections or dirt that can cause infection. Also, examine their paws for dirt, pebbles, splinters, or chemicals that can cause irritations or sores. Finally, clean out their eyes tenderly and gently with a soft, warm washcloth. Your dog may initially resist you washing around his eyes and face, so you will need to hold him steady until there is a general comfort with the process.

Weekly Grooming

It's a good idea to brush your dog at least once a week. Brushing will not only work out tangles and mats, but also remove dead hair and reduce shedding around the house. If you're sick of seeing dog hair everywhere, try brushing your dog on a regular basis with a wet brush. When you encounter a difficult tangle or mat, be gentle with your dog and try to be as soothing as possible. Just like in humans, tangled hair pulled with a brush can be painful.

Don't forget to also brush your dog's teeth. Dog toothpaste and special toothbrushes are available at most pet stores. Though this step may seem trivial for a dog, dental health is very important and dental issues are one of the most common veterinarian procedures, so keep your dog's teeth healthy.

Monthly Grooming

Your dog's nails should be trimmed roughly every month or every other month. If you're not comfortable doing this, consider bringing your dog to a professional. Avoid cutting the nails too low as dogs have blood vessels in their nails; cutting them too close to the paw can hurt the dog and cause it to bleed.

When it comes to overall cleanliness, the basic formula for bathing your dog is to do so as the need arises. Use a gentle soap or special dog shampoo and bathe your furry friend on an as-needed basis. If you dog smells bad, don't blame him - he's only being a dog. Give him a bath.