Free Dog Grooming Tips

Grooming your dog is an important part of being a pet owner. Grooming involves brushing the fur (even the short coats) as well as clipping nails, brushing teeth and cleaning the ears. A sure sign of a healthy dog is a shiny coat and a happy personality. Your dog will relish the personal attention you provide with twice weekly grooming sessions.

Brush your dog twice a week, regardless of coat length. Removing dead skin cells as well as old fur and dirt with regular brushing helps keep the skin healthy. A dog with a longer coat may require more frequent brushing, especially during shedding times. If your dog is reticent about grooming, make it into a game. Let the dog sniff the brush, have some treats handy, and encourage the dog with plenty of praise after allowing you to brush his fur. Start gently and increase the pressure of the brush as the dog becomes more comfortable with regular brushing sessions.

Baths are not a monthly necessity for a dog unless your pet happens to love rolling in cow pastures. However, some breeds have that "doggy" smell that can be offensive at times. Bathing your dog requires patience, especially for the first few times. Some animals never develop a love of baths and exhibit signs of stress when confined to a bathtub. Remember that you are the best person to soothe and calm your dog. Talk to your pet, include some treats, and hopefully, your dog will come to realize that bathing is just more special time with the people he loves. Collect your dog's brush, pet safe shampoo, a rubber bathtub mat, and a large cup or sprayer to wash the dog. Place the bathtub mat on the tub bottom to prevent slipping and fill the tub with warm water. Remember that no one (especially your dog) likes the shock of too cold or hot water. Brush your dog before bath time to make the chore easier on both of you. This will help remove extra fur that will clog the drain but more importantly, will loosen any mats in the fur that will be aggravated by your scrubbing. Be patient and expect to get splashed as your dog shakes his wet fur frequently. A typical dog dislikes having wet ears so have a rag handy to dry the dog's ears for his comfort.

Unfortunately, a dog isn't like a cat that constantly grooms his fur, paws and ears to remove every speck of dust. Your dog's ears need regular care. Some animals are prone to ear infections that can require regular antibiotic ointments or washes. It is best to teach your dog from an early age to tolerate having his ears cleaned. Use mineral oil on a cotton ball to gently clean the shell of the ear. If you notice any chapping, flaking or redness, take your dog to the vet for consultation.

Without regular visits to the groomer, your dog's nails will get dangerously long. Dog nails need to be trimmed regularly to prevent cracking and breaking. If your dog is a jumper, these long nails can also wreak havoc on his beloved owner's legs. It is best to have your vet demonstrate exactly how to trim the nails. A dog can get ingrown nails as well so it is best to trim and file your pet's nails every three to four weeks. Inside each individual nail is a blood vessel. This blood vessel, called the quick, is difficult to see even on clear nails. When trimming, make sure not to clip the quick as this will result in bleeding. Use styptic powder or baking soda to stop the bleeding. It is possible to encourage the quick to recede for trimming by filing the dog's nails regularly for two to three weeks. Regular nail care will help prevent extension of the quick.

Dental care for your pet is easy and safe to do at home with the variety of dental care products available. Choose toothpaste that will appeal to your pet the most. Dental kits come with a brush and paste that is flavored. Regular brushing of your dog's teeth encourages healthy gums and helps prevent tooth decay. Some dogs dislike the toothbrush so try putting the dog toothpaste on a wet washcloth and rubbing the teeth and gums thoroughly. You'll be preventing future dental and health problems and vet bills that can cost hundreds of dollars.