Tips on Grooming Your Dog From Home

Posted on 14. Dec, 2009 by admin in Dog Health, Top Stories

The American Kennel Club

What is the one thing dogs love most? Getting dirty! No matter how much dogs like getting down in the dirt, we need to keep them clean and well groomed. A consistently dirty dog can develop skin problems and other health issues.

Since dogs come in coats of many lengths, textures and colors — each with different grooming requirements, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) developed the following do-it-yourself grooming tips to help keep your pooch clean and healthy.

Cleanliness starts at the top: in the mouth. No dog should have bad breath. If your dog does, he may be having problems with his teeth and gums. Consult your veterinarian. Your dog may need to have his teeth professionally cleaned. To maintain your dog’s clean mouth, make sure you brush their teeth on a regular basis.

All dogs need to be bathed on a regular basis. Most breeds should get a bath about every four to six weeks but depending on the coat your dog has, you may need to wash your dog more frequently. Many breeds love water, including the H20 that’s found in the bathtub. For dogs who are not enthusiastic about bathing, wipes or dry shampoo can help you cut back on the number of baths you need to give him.

The type of brush you use depends on your dog’s coat. For short-haired dogs, all you need is a soft-bristled brush or a curry comb. For longer-haired or double-coated dogs, use a pin brush.

Your dog’s hair may tangle or tighten into a knot or mat despite your best efforts. If the knot doesn’t respond to your brushing, first try pulling it apart in sections by hand. If that fails, use a pair of scissors or a de-matting comb to separate the knot in sections – taking care to cut away from the skin.

Ears should be kept clean, too, in order to prevent ear infections. This is especially important for breeds with long, drop ears like Beagles and Basset Hounds. Moisten a cotton ball with a pet ear cleaner and massage to get the cleaner deeper into the ear canal.

Keep your dog’s nails and feet trimmed. Your pooch will have trouble walking if his nails grow too long. Make sure you don’t cut past the quick, which is the blood vessel inside the nail that runs almost to the end of the nail. It is best to use either a clipper or scissors to trim the hair between the toes. But be careful you don’t cut their toes!