Dog grooming is one of your dog's basic health needs and an important part of dog ownership. It is especially important to begin brushing a new puppy to get them used to the experience so they will grow up enjoying it rather then being frightened of grooming. Just like people, dogs need physical maintenance to look and feel their best. If your dog has a skin, ear or nail condition, follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding grooming your dog. It is also important to use the appropriate grooming tools. Here are some dog grooming basics to remember.
1. Brushing
Most dogs enjoy being brushed, and sessions will strengthen the bond with your dog while maintaining a healthy coat. A dog’s minimum brushing needs depend on hair type. Choose the right tools and follow these guidelines.
Long-haired dogs Dogs, like people usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hair. Imagine what your hair would look like if you didn't brush your hair every day!
Medium-haired dogs may be prone to matting and tangles as well and should be brushed at least weekly.
Short-haired dogs can typically go up to a month in-between brushing. However this is not recommended if they are breed that typically sheds.
Regardless of hair type, you can brush your dog daily - especially if he enjoys it. More frequent brushing during shedding season can help prevent hair build-up and excess shedding. Consider products like the FURminator de-Shedding tool or rubber zoom groom brush.
2. Nail Trimming
Nail trims are often detested by dogs and owners alike. Most dogs dislike even having their paws handled and know how much it hurts when nails are cut too short. Dog owners are often uncomfortable with the process for fear of hurting their dogs. Just like brushing, it is important to begin handling and touching your dogs paws as soon as you get them. Giving them treats while doing this can also encourage positive reinforcement. "Hey, I like having my paws touched, this is awesome!" -puppy
Dogs will develop an aversion to nail trimming once they experience pain from it. The best way to avoid this is to have a professional trim them. Ideally, a veterinary technician, vet, or groomer should teach you how to trim your dog's nails if you choose to do it yourself. Most dogs need monthly nail trims, but your dog may need more or less depending on the rate of growth.
An alternative to nail trimming is the use of a rotary tool or nail grinder to file down nails. Not only does this get the nails shorter but it files the sharp ends off which means less scratches on your hardwood floors, leather furniture or you and your family
3. Bathing
Bath time does not mean fun to most dogs and owners. It may bring forth an image of a wet dog running from the tub, dripping all over the house. Bathing does not have to be this way if your dog can get used to it at a young age. He may not like the bath, but he’ll be easier to manage. Even dogs who typically love the water can object to bath time.
Most dogs should be bathed monthly, but bathing as often as once a week is not considered harmful. I recommend using a mild shampoo or oatmeal shampoo if you would like to bathe them this often. Always use shampoo's formulated for dogs only, human hair products have a different PH balance that can potentially cause skin problems on a dog. Depending on the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, your veterinarian may recommend a specific shampoo. In this case, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions about bathing.
4. Ear Care
Your dog's ears can be a haven for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Some dogs can go their whole lives without ear problems, and the only routine ear cleaning needed is during the monthly bath. Other dogs have chronic ear disease and require multiple cleanings a day.
Ear problems can often be traced back to genetics. Dogs with floppy ears or long hair tend to be predisposed to ear problems because the ear canal simply does not have as much air exposure and the dogs ears can not air out. Many ear problems are a sign of allergies. If your dog has excess debris or foul odor in his ears, your veterinarian will likely prescribe special ear cleaners and medications. If your dog's ears are relatively healthy, you can help keep them that way with proper ear care.
5. Haircuts
Dogs with continuously growing hair, such as the Poodle, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier and many other breeds typically need their hair cut every 2-4 weeks depending on the breed of the dog and the style of the cut. I recommend a maximum of 6 weeks in between haircuts and anything over this may require an extra fee. This task is often best left to professional groomers, though many dog owners are able to learn some basic maintenance in between grooms. If you are interested in learning professional dog grooming skills yourself I suggest going to grooming school. Although, grooming school can be relatively expensive at about $ 5,000 - $15,000
1. Brushing
Most dogs enjoy being brushed, and sessions will strengthen the bond with your dog while maintaining a healthy coat. A dog’s minimum brushing needs depend on hair type. Choose the right tools and follow these guidelines.
Long-haired dogs Dogs, like people usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hair. Imagine what your hair would look like if you didn't brush your hair every day!
Medium-haired dogs may be prone to matting and tangles as well and should be brushed at least weekly.
Short-haired dogs can typically go up to a month in-between brushing. However this is not recommended if they are breed that typically sheds.
Regardless of hair type, you can brush your dog daily - especially if he enjoys it. More frequent brushing during shedding season can help prevent hair build-up and excess shedding. Consider products like the FURminator de-Shedding tool or rubber zoom groom brush.
2. Nail Trimming
Nail trims are often detested by dogs and owners alike. Most dogs dislike even having their paws handled and know how much it hurts when nails are cut too short. Dog owners are often uncomfortable with the process for fear of hurting their dogs. Just like brushing, it is important to begin handling and touching your dogs paws as soon as you get them. Giving them treats while doing this can also encourage positive reinforcement. "Hey, I like having my paws touched, this is awesome!" -puppy
Dogs will develop an aversion to nail trimming once they experience pain from it. The best way to avoid this is to have a professional trim them. Ideally, a veterinary technician, vet, or groomer should teach you how to trim your dog's nails if you choose to do it yourself. Most dogs need monthly nail trims, but your dog may need more or less depending on the rate of growth.
An alternative to nail trimming is the use of a rotary tool or nail grinder to file down nails. Not only does this get the nails shorter but it files the sharp ends off which means less scratches on your hardwood floors, leather furniture or you and your family
3. Bathing
Bath time does not mean fun to most dogs and owners. It may bring forth an image of a wet dog running from the tub, dripping all over the house. Bathing does not have to be this way if your dog can get used to it at a young age. He may not like the bath, but he’ll be easier to manage. Even dogs who typically love the water can object to bath time.
Most dogs should be bathed monthly, but bathing as often as once a week is not considered harmful. I recommend using a mild shampoo or oatmeal shampoo if you would like to bathe them this often. Always use shampoo's formulated for dogs only, human hair products have a different PH balance that can potentially cause skin problems on a dog. Depending on the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, your veterinarian may recommend a specific shampoo. In this case, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions about bathing.
4. Ear Care
Your dog's ears can be a haven for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Some dogs can go their whole lives without ear problems, and the only routine ear cleaning needed is during the monthly bath. Other dogs have chronic ear disease and require multiple cleanings a day.
Ear problems can often be traced back to genetics. Dogs with floppy ears or long hair tend to be predisposed to ear problems because the ear canal simply does not have as much air exposure and the dogs ears can not air out. Many ear problems are a sign of allergies. If your dog has excess debris or foul odor in his ears, your veterinarian will likely prescribe special ear cleaners and medications. If your dog's ears are relatively healthy, you can help keep them that way with proper ear care.
5. Haircuts
Dogs with continuously growing hair, such as the Poodle, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier and many other breeds typically need their hair cut every 2-4 weeks depending on the breed of the dog and the style of the cut. I recommend a maximum of 6 weeks in between haircuts and anything over this may require an extra fee. This task is often best left to professional groomers, though many dog owners are able to learn some basic maintenance in between grooms. If you are interested in learning professional dog grooming skills yourself I suggest going to grooming school. Although, grooming school can be relatively expensive at about $ 5,000 - $15,000
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