Dog Grooming Basics

Neglected dogs with a tangled, dirty coat and long nails do not look appealing to anyone, and are living proof that regular dog grooming has many benefits, including helping keep a dog stay healthy.

Basic dog grooming includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming and ear cleaning. These have to be performed at regular intervals, with the time frame regulated by the dog’s breed, hair type and if the pet spends a lot of time outdoors. Most dogs enjoy being brushed and daily sessions will help maintain a healthy coat, while strengthening the bond between the pet and its master.

Canines usually dislike having their paws handled and their nails trimmed because it represents pain. Dog owners are often uncomfortable with the process for fear of hurting their dogs, which occasionally happens if the nails are trimmed too short. Under those circumstances it is better to bring the dog to a grooming salon, or to a veterinary clinic, and have the nails trimmed by a professional.

Learning how to bath your dog properly may take a few turns. Not all dogs like the water, and the owner may not appreciate the dripping-wet furry friend running through the house, once the tub is draining. Always use special soap-free dog shampoo, unless your pet has a skin or coat condition. In that case, the veterinarian may recommend a specific or medically enhanced shampoo.

Dirty dog ears can be a haven for bacteria and yeast and should be cleaned with every bath routine. While some dogs can go their entire lives without ear problems, other pooches can have a chronic ear disease and may require multiple cleanings a day.

Dogs with continuously growing hair may need regular haircuts, a job best left to professional groomers. Basic dental care consists of brushing your canine’s teeth with specially formulated dog toothpaste, and tartar build-up can be prevented by giving your dog occasionally a good raw, marrow bone, or knuckle bone to chew on. If you want to put your mind completely at ease, take your four-legged friend yearly to the veterinarian's office for a professional cleaning, as that is another great way to get teeth checked, scaled and polished.
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