Dog Grooming: 7 Most Frequently Asked Dog Grooming Questions & Its Answers

Although it’s often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Here are some of the most frequently asked dog grooming questions our experts at PetPlace.com are asked by their 600,000 visitors per month:

1. When should I start grooming my dog?

Start regular grooming when you first bring your dog home and make it a part of his or her routine. Purchase a good-quality brush and comb and get your dog used to being handled. Praise your dog when he or she holds still and soon he or she will come to enjoy the extra attention. Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular grooming equipment necessary for your particular dog.

2. How often should I brush my dog’s hair?

Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents matting, while giving your pet a healthier and shinier coat.

Your dog’s skin and hair coat reflects his or her overall health and nutritional status. Many dogs maintain a healthy skin and hair coat with minimal assistance. Some long-haired or curly-haired breeds require regular brushing. For most dogs, a good brushing once or twice a week will do the trick.

3. How often should I bathe my dog?

Your dog’s need for bathing depends on its breed, the skin type and hair coat. It also depends on the owner’s preference and how dirty your dog gets. Bathing your dog every month or two isn’t unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when the coat gets dirty or begins to smell "doggy."

When bathing your dog, make sure to rinse all the soap out of the coat. If there are persistent problems with scratching or flaky skin, he or she may need a special medicated shampoo or have a skin problem that your veterinarian should examine.

4. What skin problems are common among dogs and what should I look for?

Skin problems – including fleas, ticks and mites or allergies and infections – are common among dogs. Most conditions are manageable with early detection and treatment. If you notice excessive scratching, hair loss or flaky skin, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is continuously exposed to fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian about products to minimize the parasite’s impact on your dog’s skin. Remember that consistently poor hair coat with lots of skin flaking may indicate a deeper medical problem.

5. I have problems cleaning my dog’s ears. What’s the best way to clean his ears and how often should it be cleaned.

Ears also require cleaning, especially in dogs with oily skin or allergies. This is a delicate task and is probably best left to your vet. However, if your dog is easy to handle (and there is no chance that you will be bitten), you can learn to do this chore yourself. To remove excessive wax and debris from the ears, consider an ear cleaning every two to four weeks. Ask your veterinarian about products you can use at home, and be sure to ask for a demonstration of proper ear cleaning techniques.

6. I have problems keeping my dog still so I can trim its nails. Do you have any nail trimming advice?

While clipping nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. When you muster enough courage to trim the nails of your dog, you’ll need a good nail clipper, a nail file to rub any sharp edge away and a styptic stick to stop any subsequent bleeding easily.

Ask your vet to show you the correct technique, and then get started by getting your pet used to having his or her paws handled. Once you start using the clippers, go slowly. Try clipping just a few nails in one sitting. Maintain a regular schedule and be persistent. Your pet will eventually develop patience and learn to cooperate.

7. What is the most important thing to include in my dog grooming kit?

The most important thing required in your grooming kit is your own confidence. It will form and take shape within you and grow in time.

So, go ahead and start grooming your dog. If you can overcome your hesitation, beautiful and rewarding experiences are waiting for you. Grooming your dog properly helps to keep him or her healthy while building an important bond between you and your pet.

By Dr. John Rappaport
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As Founder of PetPlace.com, the definitive web destination for PetCrazy people, Dr. John Rappaport provides you with a library of 8,000+ veterinarian approved articles to keep your dog living longer, stronger, healthier and happier lives. For a wealth of free information including dog grooming tips and information on dog grooming supplies and techniques go to http://www.petplace.com/dogs.aspx

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Dog Grooming Tips

Many people overlook the importance of grooming their dog to their overall health and well-being. Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, and should be done on a regular basis for the best results. Some of the benefits your pet will reap are increased skin oils resulting in a beautiful, healthy coat, a decrease in skin problems, less shedding around the house and car, and a more obedient pet, just to name a few.

You will need plenty of patience to groom and style your dog if you plan to do it on a regular basis, especially if it does not like this type of treatment. You will need to learn a few tips, ideas, and professional hints on grooming your pet if you ever want your pet to have show quality care by you. A knowledgeable professional pet groomer will be able to give you advice on not just how to groom your dog, but on how to care for your dog as well. You will be pleased to find out that qualified, experienced pet groomers offer seminars for advice and trimming demonstrations for your dog.

It is a good idea to start using environmentally safe and animal friendly (non-toxic) substitutes when grooming your dog. You must groom your dog’s whole body including the legs, tail, and underbody if you want to do it right. You must groom certain dogs from the skin outward to truly be effective in taking care of their coat of hair and keeping it healthy. Comb through the unseen healthy hair and remove the shedding hair; this is what most groomers do first before cutting your pet’s coat. You must groom some animals all at once, while some other animals have so much hair that it is easier to do a little at a time each day.

You know your dog is well-mannered when it will sit still and allow you or a professional to perform regular grooming and maintenance without any fuss. The more often you groom your dog, the better he will be at receiving your attentions and responding to your commands. This will also strengthen the bond between you.

Last but not least, you might want to rethink your choice to get a dog if you are not ready to handle all the responsibility of grooming and feeding one. If you don’t have the time or the desire to do it yourself, than its time to call the professionals. Yours dog will love you for it, and you’ll feel great about it too.

By George Mello
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I’m a dad of a pet loving family. Our favorites are dogs and horses, and I have shown both over the years. Now I just enjoy being around them and sharing information about them with others.
http://www.pet-grooming-boarding.info
http://www.horse-lover-gift-ideas-central.com
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Dog Ear Problems – What Can Go Wrong and How to Care For Them

A dog’s sense of smell is known to be acute, but don’t discount his sense of hearing! A dog’s hearing is crucial, and if he develops infections or can’t hear properly, you not only deprive him of all the delicious sounds in your house and neighborhood but you prevent him communicating properly with other dogs too.

When giving your dog a weekly check, you should make sure his ears are perky and healthy. Deafness in your dog can point to an infection or illness. It’s a good idea to get your dog used to have his ears examined regularly, so incorporate this into your routine with him as early as possible.

Areas to concentrate on when looking your dog over, is to check the outside flap for cuts, bits caught in the fur, sore places, abscesses and infections. This task is made simpler in sleek dogs with shorter fur as any cuts are easily observed. For breeds of dogs that have longer fur and ears, you might have to be more meticulous when examining his ears. For instance, dogs with longer ears like the spaniels require that you tease the fur out carefully to check the skin hidden beneath the fur before any cuts or blood blisters from scraps with other animals can be observed.

Pay attention to the ear canal by gently drawing it backwards and upwards so as to get a good view towards the eardrum. Check to see if the ear canal seems to be wet or shows signs of inflammation that require a vet’s attention.

Tiny white mites and parasites can plague dogs. If mites are present you may notice a black, crusty exudate which is the telltale sign of mite infestation. Mites feed on earwax and the resulting debris harbours bacteria. Over time, this leads to inflammation and infection of the ear canal. To get rid of the mites, you will need to obtain an antibiotic treatment from your vet. The course of treatment would last for three weeks to catch the mites at all stages of their development.

Wash your dog’s ear gently with a mixture of warm water and an ear wash solution recommended by your vet. It is important to remove as much moisture as you can by drying his ears adequately, as moisture encourages the growth of bacteria. Dissolve a few drops of a prescribed insecticide in some carrier oil and use the oil to massage the ear gently so that the oil gets in contact with the inner reaches of the canal. This is to be done once a week and after two weeks, your dog should have a clean ear and won’t be shaking his head or trying to scratch it.

Never put Q-tips or anything similar down the ear canal to dig out any ear wax – you may well damage the lining of the ears or puncture his eardrum. You should pay attention to chronic ear infections, as it could be a sign of allergies or other problems. If washing and cleaning alone don’t help alleviate the problem, it would be advisable to let your vet deal with it.

By Moses Wright
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Moses Wright is the webmaster of DogCustomer.com. He provides more information on Dog Health, Dog Health Care and Dog Veterinary Diseases that you can learn in the comfort of your home. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

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Solving the Tear Staining in Small Dog Breeds

There are several dog breeds that have an inherent issue with tear staining. The most obvious ones are the white or light color dogs such as the Bichon breeds. Although they by no means are the only ones, the bichon breeds, being long-haired, non shedding breeds, tend to need daily eye-care to avoid tear staining. Tear staining is the reddish-brown discoloration that may be found at the inner corners of the eyes and under the eyes.

Staining around the eye is caused by tearing excessive issues. This excessive tearing is a medical limitation called "epiphora."

There are a variety of potential factors that can cause epiphora and the resulting staining. These include heredity, infection, negligence in grooming, improper diet, allergies, drinking water factors, fleas, and teething,

We’ll check out each of these possible causes of excessive tearing and staining. As well, we’ll consider some of the actions that we, as owners of an at-risk dog, can take to successfully address these issues.

HEREDITY

Studies indicate that 20% – 25% of small dogs are born with closed, shallow, or narrow tear ducts. One function of properly formed tear ducts is to connect the eye vicinity with the naso-pharyngeal area and provide a drainage between these areas. When the tear ducts are closed, shallow, or narrow, the tear ducts overflow because there is an inadequate (or closed) channel for the passage of fluids.

If the tear ducts are clogged or narrow, there is a veterinary procedure which may help mitigate the complication. When this is a viable option, a veterinarian may flush the tear duct while the dog is under light anesthesia. Successfully performed, this procedure not only flushes out the tear duct, but helps to open and occasionally slightly stretches the duct. If a congenitally narrow tear duct can be slightly stretched as a by-product of this procedure, it can allow extra adequate drainage to occur.

If the excessive tearing is due to hereditary or congenital factors, daily care will be a primary factor in alleviating the associated problems. (Proper daily care will be addressed in the GROOMING section of this work).

INFECTION

When the facial hair stays damp from excessive tearing, it is the breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. In this situation "Ptyrosporin" or "Red Yeast" is one of the most conventional yeast infections that can result. It causes a deep reddish-brown stain. Similarly, a low-grade bacterial infection can, in turn, cause excessive tearing. A viscous cycle of excessive tearing and infection can ensue. What begins as a tiny staining problem can develop into the signs of a extra alarming underlying health issue.

When infection is suspected, it is urgent that a veterinarian be consulted, as prescription antibiotics will be needed. These may be in the form of oral medication or drops. It is of little value to work on discoloration without identifying and treating the cause of the problem In combination with medication, the eye area must be cleaned. A daily routine will be needed to keep the eye area healthy and looking good.

GROOMING

An effective grooming routine for the enclosure around the eyes is a critical part of the solution to excessive tearing and the resulting stain issues.

Competent grooming should begin with recondition hands. Any matter that has accumulated in the corners of the eyes should then be removed. It may help to use a cotton moistened with warm water to loosen the matter. A commercial cleaning product for hair around the eyes, as long as it is designated as safe for daily use, is another way to purify off the accumulated matter.

Hair near the corners of the eyes naturally gets moist from tears and then fosters the growth of bacteria and yeast. Therefore, trimming the hair in this zone (and keeping it trimmed) is a big step in eliminating the breeding ground for matter accumulation, infection, and staining. Similarly, some breeds have a classic hair style that, unchecked, may allow hair above the eyes to raise far enough down so that it hangs in the eyes and causes irritation. This, in turn, causes excessive tearing. Trimming this hair so that it cannot touch the eyes is also urgent for stopping irritation that triggers excessive tearing.

ALLERGIES

Nourishment allergies, plant allergies, and allergies to shampoos and other household chemicals (such as air or carpet fresheners) can cause excessive tearing.

DRINKING WATER

High mineral levels in the drinking water can cause excessive tearing. Bottled or filtered water can be a healthier alternative for all dogs for abundance reasons, including excessive tearing issues.

FOOD

Numerous commercial dog foods (and treats!) contain preservatives, additives, foodstuff dyes that can cause staining. It is in the best curiosity of your dog that you read the labels carefully, not just on their main foods, but also on their treats.

FLEAS

Fleas need wetness to live. The eye surface produces an ideal place for them. Flea feces can contribute to the red stains around the eyes.

Hopefully this data has provided some very effective ways to address the causes of excessive tearing so that the associated staining and health challenges do not have to be chronic issues for your 4-legged buddy.

By Sandy Schneider
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Sandy Schneider, author, is a devoted dog mom. Agility, grooming, obedience, and just plain having fun with her bichon dogs are her passion. She operates http://www.bichonworld.com and invites you to visit the site for great information and articles.

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Top Grooming Tips For Do-It-Yourself Dog Owners

There are a few tricks of the trade that all professional groomers use to give your dog that great look when they leave the shop. These simple little steps help your dog feel more comfortable and look better until the next trip to the groomer. If you are not squeamish it is possible to complete these grooming extras at home so that you can give your pooch that just from the groomers polished look.

Eyes – often with dogs there is a tearing or staining effect at the corner of the dog’s eyes. This can be a serious medical condition and should be checked by the vet, however there are other dogs, and some breeds, that are just prone to tearing. To remove discoloration on white and light colored dogs add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to warm water. Using a soft cloth, and being extremely careful to not get too close to the eye itself, apply the dampened cloth to the stained area, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you do this on a regular basis you will minimize the staining. Darker colored dogs will not show tearing and just a soft cloth moistened with plain water is all that is needed to remove debris and dirt that may collect.

Ears – long hairs in the ears can collect wax and ultimately dirt. By taking the time to look in the dog’s ear and pull out the long hair in the outside of the ear canal you can eliminate the source of the wax build-up. Do this by firmly grasping the hair at the base and pulling outwards. Pet stores sell "stripping" fingers, which are small, rough sleeves that can be placed on the fingers to provide more grip on the hair. Never use scissors in a dog’s ear or push your fingers into the ear canal itself as this can cause permanent damage.

Toenails – unclipped toenails are both a safety hazards to dogs and humans. Long claws can damage furniture and carpets even with just walking or jumping. Long toenails can also cause painful welts and even cut skin on humans or other pets.

To properly trim toenails buy a good quality dog nail trimmer either in the guillotine style or a slotted scissor style. The guillotine style is usually much easier to work with for most people. Never use human nail clippers or regular scissors as they will shatter the nail and possibly cause the dog pain or at the very least leave ragged nails that will catch on fabrics and surfaces. Hold the dog’s paw still in one hand, and insert the end of the toenail into the hole on the guillotine style trimmer. Be careful to cut below the quick, the pinky looking protrusion seen in light colored nails. The quick contains blood vessels and nerves and is very sensitive, like the cuticle on a human nail. Cut at a 90-degree angle so that the nail will be parallel to the surface of the floor. If the dog has dark nails and you cannot see the quick only remove the very end of the nail and do not cut if the dog begins to show agitation or try to pull the paw away when you apply pressure.

Anal glands – probably the least favorite task in grooming a dog, anal gland emptying can be a bit messy and smelly, but certainly helps the comfort of the dog. Dogs that "scoot" or slide their bottom along the ground or carpet usually have impacted anal glands, not worms as many people believe.

To empty the anal glands you will need rubber gloves, surgical gloves are the best, a soft cloth and warm water. The steps are:

* Have someone hold the dog facing away from you. Grasp the tail close the bottom and expose the anus.

* Using the cloth and warm water heat up the area by holding the warm, wet cloth against the dog’s bottom.

* Remove the cloth and place your index finger and thumb against the very outside and bottom edges of the anus, about ¾ of the way from the top on either side.

* Apply gentle pressure in an upward and inward fashion. You should feel two hard balls or glands under the surface of the skin and close to the anal opening. These are the anal glands.

* If they do not release a thick, smelly substance try the warm water compress again and repeat the process.

If the glands do not empty it is important to get your dog to the vets as soon as possible. Impacted glands are very painful for the dog and cause tissue damage if not treated.

Providing these extra steps in your home grooming routine is a great way to have your dog looking like they just came from the professional groomers. If you have any questions or want specific information on grooming consider taking a class or doing some research on dog grooming practices.

By Kelly Marshall
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Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com – where you can find dog beds, dog steps, pet ramps, and more unique dog gear that you’ll never find at your local pet store.
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Introduction to Westie Grooming

Taking care of your westie is as important as taking care of yourself, we are giving you a quick heads up in westie grooming and the basics.

As human beings we all know the social value of a groomed look. You think of your dog as a family member, dont you? Then why shouldn’t you follow the same grooming routines like hair cut, nail cutting or bathing for your Westie as you religiously follow for your self? From the first day you bring your westie home you should introduce your puppy to a grooming regimen. Don’t wait to introduce your dog to the grooming regimen, we recommend you start from the first day you bring your puppy home. But there are certain procedures you should think about while grooming your dog. In your passion, if you overdo the things, it will serve no purpose at all. Read more below to learn about the westie grooming basics.

As you start with the Westie puppies, just limit your grooming time to two to three minutes and keep doing it at this time intervals till your little sweetie gets accustomed to the practice of grooming. Grooming West Highland White Terriers require a patient handling. Without being vulgar, you need to be firm and patient. Remember, heavy handling with the westies only deteriorates the things. Shouting at them, when things are not up to your expectation, will only discourage them to go through the grooming session properly. %KEYPHRASE6%. It is a special characteristic of the westies that they learn more and learn quicker if they are praised and rewarded. Praises will make the grooming session something to enjoy, not something to worry about.

It will be wiser to introduce your westie to the grooming routines by combing its long furs for a few minutes every day. Then when it is familiar with the practice and learns to enjoy the combing and brushing session, then switch over to clipping the out of place hairs. Also brush them out on a daily basis. Westies love attention and soon they will recognize the pampering spirit of these grooming sessions and in fact start to wait for them.

Sometimes the westie owners get confused with regard to the choice between stripping and clipping. If your dog is going to appear in some kind of dog show, then you can consider the stripping, which make the coat harder and coarser. For the pet dogs, stripping is optional and not require. For them clipping seems to be a better option for getting rid of the extra hairs as it makes the coat softer and on many westies, it brings a wavy effect.

If you prefer to strip your westie, do not bathe it prior to the procedure. Bathing makes the hair slippery and much harder to pull. On the other hand, you need to bathe the westie prior to clipping, as it prevents your clippers to become dull easily. However, brush the dog thoroughly, before you start striping your dog.

Bathing and taking care of its teeth are also the important part of West Highland White Terrier grooming. Also cut its nails from time to time.

By Daniel Martims
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Daniel Martims is a writer for http://www.westiesinfo.com wher you will find many great articles and related information about your belowed westie. Browse our article archive at http://www.westiesinfo.com/articles.php to find what you are looking for.

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4 Easy Steps To Grooming Your Dog

Grooming your dog should be a regular routine. It’s great practice for you and it also helps the dog get used to being brushed, stroked and handled. Remember grooming for a dog starts as soon as it is born by the mother, the only difference is you do not have to use your tounge (no fur balls). We should start by using a soft brush and covering only small areas at a time with short gentle strokes just to get him use to the sensation against his skin. As the dog stands in a relaxed manner accepting the whole process, give him plenty of treats and praise and he will relate grooming as a positive experience. Ok… well we better get into these 4 simple steps, you can use to groom your dog.

Step 1 : Your dog should be in a standing position in a relaxed comfortable state – gently place your hand on his chest to steady him. Being grooming with the rake, using long even strokes. This prevents matting and is very good for his undercoat.

Step 2 : A fine-toothed comb is very useful for checking to make sure that your dogs coat is free of ticks and fleas. Do this by running the comb through his coat then holding it against a white piece of paper if you see any gritty bits of muck it may be signs of flea dirt.

Step 3 : Next use a brush to condition your dogs skin and coat .This promotes hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the skin, ensuring that the dogs coat is full and healthy.

Step 4 : Our last step is to finish him with a grooming glove which will remove any remaining old or dead hair and make him shine in the sunlight leaving him with a well groomed maintained coat.

Using this simple system will help keep his coat looking great and maintained.

When grooming your dog do not let him play with the brush or other grooming tools as this can become established behaviour that could be a future problem so do not let it start in the first place. If he is a playful fellow give him a toy to play with but, only if necessary while you groom him.

Also if you groom your dog up off the ground for instance on a table or bench, make shore that you place a mat on it so they have something to grip their paws onto. A shiny slippery surface makes dogs feel insecure and he will make your life a lot harder if he does not feel safe.

Remember grooming your dog can be lots of fun that the whole family can get involved with. But there is one very important rule that must be followed.

The dog must enjoy the experience with your patience and understanding seeing the process through his eyes. All the best from the family at Phoopups keep those tails waging.

By Tom Selwyn
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For quality dog accessories and grooming products visit our online store all orders over $60.00 receive free delivery (Australia) Limited Time Only http://www.phoopups.com.au/grooming.htm If we don’t have what your looking for as part of our customer service we will do our best to help you find it that’s my promise.

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Dog Grooming – Maintaining a Posh Pup

Dog grooming is not simply an aesthetic bonus for our canine friends. Maintaining a regular grooming schedule will help to keep your dog both happy and healthy. Routine dog grooming will ensure that your dog is free of parasites, has healthy skin and a shiny coat, and has good dental health. Of course, the aesthetic benefits are also a plus. Only a true dog lover wants to be around a dirty, stinky dog with bad breath. Proper dog grooming will bring out the best in man’s best friend.

What’s Involved in Dog Grooming?

While dog grooming can be performed at home, the best results can be achieved via a professional dog groomer. A thorough dog grooming session takes care of all the hygienic needs of your dog. The grooming process generally takes a hour or two to accomplish, but the results are well worth the time spent. A typical dog grooming session consists of the following treatments for your dog:

* A thorough bath including flea dip (if applicable)

* A complete coat brushing to eliminate tangles and matted hair

* Styling as requested (can include accessories such as bows, rhinestones and bandannas)

* Nail trimming

* Ear cleaning and examination for parasites

* Teeth cleaning

How Often Should Dog Grooming Take Place?

The frequency with which your should groom your dog is dependent on the breed and coat quality of your dog. Some breeds are considered high maintenance in terms of dog grooming, while others need only periodic care. Before you purchase or adopt a dog, it’s a good idea to find out how much grooming it will require. A basic guide to dog grooming by coat type is as follows:

* Curly-Coated – Dogs such as Poodles have a dense and curly coat that is fairly resistant to water. These dogs will require dog grooming at least once every two months, or six times a year.

* Short-Coated – Dogs with short dense coats, such as Corgis and Boxers need a weekly brushing, but do not need to be bathed more than once or twice a year unless a problem arises.

* Long-Coated – Long coated dogs, such as Collies and Sheepdogs, require a daily brushing to keep their coats in good condition. Additional dog grooming including regular bathing, should be administered once every other month.

* Silky-Coated – Afghans, Cocker Spaniels and Pekinese dogs belong to the silky coated dog group. These dogs require daily brushing and a thorough dog grooming session four times a year.

* Wire-Coated – Wire coated dogs require considerable dog grooming. Dogs such as Terriers and Schnauzers should be bathed every three months and have their coat clipped every six to eight weeks.

* Smooth-Coated – The smooth-coated class of dogs includes Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Dachshunds. These are very low maintenance dogs and require only weekly brushing and bathing as necessary.

Whatever type of dog you own, it’s important to see that proper grooming is maintained for the health and happiness of your canine companion.

By Paolo Basauri
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Paolo Parodi is an expert author who writes for http://www.dog-grooming-supply.com.
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How To Keep Your Dog’s Coat Looking Its Best

Dogs, unlike cats, don’t sit and groom themselves by the hour. Actually, most dogs couldn’t care less about their appearance and couldn’t be happier than when they’re rolling around the ground on something stinky they’ve found. Unfortunately for them, “essence of fido” isn’t a favorite scent of humans and wading through bales of shedding dog hair left on the furniture is way overrated. So until our canine companions totally take over, they’ll have to live with us grooming them and trying to keep their coats healthy and shiny looking.

Pet salons provide a full array of grooming services and many people opt to avail themselves of their services. Prices are usually reasonable and all the mess and fuss are left to the professionals. However, for a variety of reasons not everyone elects to go this route; some don’t bother grooming at all and others just do it themselves at home.

To varying degrees, all dogs require grooming. Long-haired dogs should be brushed and combed two or three times a week. Dogs with thick undercoats should have the dead hair combed out weekly. This will accelerate the shedding process and avoid hairy carpets and furniture. Dogs with shorter hair should still be brushed and rubbed down frequently to keep their coats and skin smart and healthy.

Just like any project, proper grooming requires both technique and tools of the trade. A fine-toothed comb should be used to rake fleas from the coat and for grooming soft, silky coated dogs. The shedding comb offers a “skip-tooth” design; its long teeth pull dead hair from the undercoat while the short teeth collect loose hair. It’s also an excellent tool for removing matted hair. The undercoat rake is especially designed for breeds with thick, heavy coats and undercoats. The teeth are thick, allowing the rake to attack the undercoat while being pulled gently through the dog’s hair.

Although bathing is an essential component in keeping your dog’s coat fresh and presentable, it should not be overdone. Most veterinarians suggest bathing a dog no more than once a month. Over bathing can dry a dog’s skin and lead to hot spots and itching, which can lead to scratching and infection. If a dog is to be bathed more than once a month, an aloe based shampoo and conditioners should be used and foods and supplements with Omega fatty acids should be given to bolster the production of coat oils.

Daily examinations, though admittedly a little too demanding and time consuming for the average pet owner, are a valuable tool in maintaining a dog’s appearance and good health. The dog should be checked for cuts, rashes, fleas, ticks, bumps and burrs and other hitchhikers that might attach to the coat. These should be removed and antibiotics or appropriate medications applied as necessary. Flea allergies and contact allergies can cause skin eruptions and should be treated immediately.

It should be remembered that good skin and a healthy coat begin with a good diet. A little amount of ‘people food” goes a long way for a dog. Usually, a good grade dry dog food will provide all of the nutrition and essential dietary elements necessary to keep a dog in good health. If a dog’s coat is dull or its skin appears itchy, sometimes a change in diet is necessary. However, most often vitamin or fatty acid supplements will eliminate the problem.

As mentioned previously, professional groomers are readily available and should not be overlooked if grooming becomes too demanding. In addition to bathing and combing and thinning the dog’s undercoat, they also clean the ears and clip the dog’s nails. Actually, nails should be clipped weekly and often this is a chore that neither the dog nor the owner handle well. In recent years, the traveling groomer has emerged on the grooming scene. These professionals will come to your home in their Van or RV, which is fully equipped for grooming, and complete the full bathing and grooming process right in your driveway.

Our dogs ask little in return for the limitless love and devotion they bestow upon us. Helping them maintain their health by keeping them groomed is the least we can do to reward their affection.

By I-Love-Dogs.com
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Dog Dental Care

Many people do not realize the importance of caring for their dog’s teeth. As dogs age, the need for dental care increases. The best way to ensure proper dental health for your dog is to start while they are very young.

Many dogs do not like their mouths touched. It is important for you as a dog owner to desensitize them to being handled like this at a very young age. The veterinarian is always going to need to examine your dog’s mouth and you do not want to have problems with this. The best way for you to get your dog used to having his mouth touched is to begin touching it when you first get your pup. Make sure to touch the lips, open the mouth, and touch the teeth in a calm and relaxing way for about five minutes each day until your pup is used to being handled in this way. Make this a regular part of your interaction with your dog so he remains calm when you are doing any kind of preventive dental care.

Most veterinarians recommend brushing your dog’s teeth daily. Many manufacturers make special toothpaste and brushes for dogs. You do not ever want to use human toothpaste on dogs as it may be harmful to them. To get your dog used to having his teeth brushed, you may want to start by putting a dab of dog toothpaste on a cotton ball and rubbing it over his teeth. Toothpaste for dogs is usually quite tasty to them, so he shouldn’t mind this. You can then try a finger brush, available at your veterinarian’s office or pet supply store. Eventually, especially for larger breeds, you will want to graduate to a regular dog toothbrush. Regular brushing will help prevent the buildup of calculus and debris on your dog’s teeth.

Another way to help prevent calculus and buildup on your dog’s teeth is by using rawhide chews specially formulated for dental care. Many companies manufacture these chews. One of the best available is by C.E.T. Most veterinarians carry C.E.T. dental health products. C.E.T. chews are formulated with an enzyme that helps keep plaque from forming and prevents the buildup of bacteria. Also, the natural abrasion of rawhide chews helps keep teeth healthy. C.E.T. also makes a chew that contains chlorhexadine which has antimicrobial properties.

Some companies also make special dental health food, which may be recommended to you by your veterinarian to help prevent dental problems.

Even with proper preventive measures, most dogs will eventually need a dental cleaning from your veterinarian. If your veterinarian recommends a dental cleaning, it is important that you follow through. If your dog develops dental disease, harmful bacteria can pass through into the bloodstream causing potentially serious problems such as kidney infections and infections involving the heart valves.

A dental cleaning performed by your veterinarian is much like a human dental cleaning, however your dog will need to be sedated. The anesthesia is light and with today’s technology is extremely safe. Many veterinarians have anesthesia monitoring systems just like those used in human medicine. A thorough exam will be performed to determine if any teeth need to be pulled or repaired. Some veterinarians will do x-rays of the teeth to find any cracks or diseased teeth. After this, a trained member of the veterinary staff will perform a dental cleaning. First, they will scale the teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. This will be done with both hand instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment. After this, the teeth will be polished, which will make them smooth and help prevent plaque from adhering to them. Most veterinarians will also do a fluoride treatment. This is to help strengthen the enamel and prevent plaque from forming. If any teeth are diseased or broken, your veterinarian may pull them. Some veterinarians who specialize in dental care will perform root canals and other intensive dental work. Most veterinarians will put your dog on a treatment of antibiotics to help prevent bacterial infection.

It is very important to take good care of your dog’s teeth to keep them healthy and to prevent infections. Always follow your veterinarian’s advice and if you have further questions, consult your veterinary staff or pet professional.

By I-Love-Dogs.com
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