How to Groom Your Dogs

Grooming your dog regularly is an important part of keeping him or her healthy.

Dogs vary widely in the amount of grooming that their coat requires, but all canines require some basic care.

Taking care of these needs can help prevent future problems.

Brushing

Brushing is important for your dog's skin and coat health, as well as for their comfort.

The type of brush that should be used depends on the type of coat your dog has. Combs may also be more appropriate for certain breeds.

It is important that you teach your dog to like brushing so that regular grooming doesn't become a battle.

When just starting out, introduce the brush gently and praise your dog softly for allowing the process.

Be careful never to hurt your dog accidentally with tools like slicker brushes and de-shedding rakes.

If your dog already doesn't like grooming, try giving a treat after every few brush strokes.

The number of brush strokes depends on how much your dog dislikes being groomed.

Hopefully, after a while you will be able to just give one treat when the grooming is over.

Bathing

Some dogs go their whole lives on only one or two baths. Some dogs are bathed every day. What is the best practice?

Generally, moderate bathing, something like once a month or four times a year is considered best. However, gentle shampoos can be used more often.

Always use a shampoo formulated especially for pets. Their skin has a different pH than ours, and using the wrong shampoo can dry out their skin and hair.

Pet stores usually have many options.

Dogs can be bathed outdoors if it is warm enough, in the bathtub, or in the sink.

Just like people, dogs tend to like slightly warm water best. Don't use hot or very cold water to bathe your dog.

A handheld shower head can be very useful for bathing your dog indoors.

Nails

All dogs need to have their nails clipped. If they overgrow, they can cause the dog pain by putting the feet at an unnatural angle.

Some dogs are easy to do, but a lot of dogs hate having this done. Positive reinforcement training can help these dogs get over their fears.

Teeth

Teeth are a neglected part of the body for most canines.

Because of this most canines will have some degree of oral disease by the time they are three years old. However, this is largely preventable.

The two main ways that your dog's teeth can be kept clean are through brushing and chewing.

You can brush your dog's teeth with toothpaste from the pet store, and this will help keep his or her mouth in good shape.

It needs to be done regularly and at least once a week.

Chewing is sometimes referred to as "Nature's toothbrush."

Dogs that chew regularly keep their teeth cleaner. Special chews are made for this purpose, but they don't need to be used.

Anything that is safe for your dog to chew and that he or she likes chewing will usually help.

Ears

Some people clean their dog's ears regularly. Others don't think it is necessary.

At the very least, you should take a look and a sniff in your dog's ears when you groom him or her.

This will help detect problems such as infections or mites.

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