Pet Health And Care >>  Dog Grooming  
 
Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of caring for a dog-follow the dog grooming tips given below if you wish to keep your pet clean and healthy:

  • Hair brushing: This depends on the hair type.



    Long-haired dogs require daily brushing, medium-haired weekly brushing and short haired dogs can go up to a month between brushing. Do brush your dog daily if he enjoys it. Frequent brushing when dogs are shedding can prevent excess shedding.
  • Nail trimming: Dogs generally need monthly trimmings but this can differ depending on how fast the nails grow. A vet or groomer can teach you how to trim your pet’s nails - if done incorrectly your dog will develop an aversion to it.



  • For dog ear care; clean the ears during the baths if your dog does have any ear problems. Dogs that have ear diseases will need several cleanings throughout the day.
  • Baths: Most dogs can be bathed monthly but even once a week is not really harmful. Different dogs need different periods for bathing.



    Be sure to use a soap free shampoo specifically made for dogs. Rinse well as residue will irritate the dog’s skin. Cut nails, clean ears and brush teeth before starting the bath.
  • Hair cuts: Certain breeds like Shih Tzu or Poodle require hair cuts every two weeks. The coats of several breeds require cutting or trimming. This job is best left to trained groomers.
  • Keep talking to your dog while grooming - this will help relax him.
  • Contact your vet if you observe any fleas/ticks, skin irritation or foul odors.

Dog grooming training involves lessons on habits, character and coat characteristics of different dogs. It also teaches one the appearance and style of different breeds. Professional trainers need to be animal psychologists and should be able to understand different personality types. They also have to educate dog owners and tell them how to look after their dogs. In a nutshell, this training encompasses grooming for all breeds.

It is best to introduce grooming when your pet is young so that it gets used to this aspect. Dogs need physical maintenance to look and feel good. Regular grooming ensures that your pet stays clean, decreases the chances of it getting sick and improves its overall appearance. By following the instructions given above you will see why grooming is an important part of dog care. It also helps forge a bond between the dog and owner.

 
  Submitted on July 13, 2010  
 
 
 

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