Best Practices for Dog Grooming

If you have a dog in your home you want it to be clean and well groomed as much as you do yourself. It isn’t that hard to do and although the dog may not like it, it will provide both of you with a safer and cleaner environment in which to live.

• Do all bathing in a warm comfortable place. If possible outside would be great, as it will most likely get messy. However it is more than likely that you will be doing it in the shower or your tub most of the time. In the tub or shower place a non-slip surface such as a bath mat on the floor to prevent slippage of both you and your dog. You should use pet shampoo, conditioner and plenty of towels for drying. Start at the dog’s legs and proceed up the body. Do your dogs head last and be sure to keep shampoo out of the dog’s eyes, ears and nose. Let the shampoo soak for about three to five minutes and rinse thoroughly. Towel dry by blotting and comb the hair making certain it has not mats or tangles. Use the hair dryer and do one area at a time. Don’t point the dryer into the dogs face or ears.


• Brush your dog’s teeth. A cavity in dogs is a rare thing but they can get gingivitis and periodontal disease. If you start brushing your dog’s teeth when they are puppies they will get used to it. Doing it daily is great if you can.


• Check your dog’s ears regularly. If they have ears that droop it is very easy for them to get waxy ears, ear mites and develop fungus problems. Preventing this is a lot easier than curing it. A little wax is normal but a discharge or inflammation or bad odor should be followed up by a visit to the doctor for a look.


• Trim your dog’s nails a minimum of once monthly. If you don’t your dog may have trouble walking. Make certain you have some styptic powder pads to stop the bleeding just in case you hit the “quick."


• Comb and brush your dog on a regular basis. How much will depend on what type hair your dog has. Long flowing coats should be brushed daily. Smooth or short hair dog’s can do with weekly rubdowns. Don’t forget their chest and belly while you are at it.