Thanks for visiting my blog on tips for grooming your dog.
Below is a very interesting extract I found on Ezine Articles which gives many tips on ways in which we can groom our dogs. I hope that it proves to be as helpful for you as it was for me.
One of the most important aspects of owning a dog is keeping them groomed. Dogs, like people need daily physical cleaning to be happy and healthy. While dogs do not need to bathe everyday like we do, it is a good idea to set up a routine and keep with it. If your dog has problems with skin,nails, or ears, be sure to follow the orders of your Vet. Here are some of the basics of grooming your dog.
1. Ear Care
Your dog's ears can be a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Some can go their whole lives without ear problems, and only routine ear cleaning is needed during the monthly bath. Other dogs that have chronic ear disease might need multiple cleanings a day. One sign of ear problems is a foul smell coming from the ears. This can be due to genetics, allergies, or because the ear canal don't get exposed to the air, due to floppy ears or long hair. If you find your dog's ears have a bad smell, excess dirt and debris, or is constantly shaking his head and pawing at his ears, take him to the vet to find out what is causing the problem. You may have to clean your dog's ears several times per day using the special ear cleansers prescribe by the vet.
2. Bathing
Making bath time a positive experience for your canine will decrease the usual trouble people have when bathing your pet. We have all been there. You are struggling to keep your dog in the tub and they are making every effort to jump out and run..shaking water all over the house and everyone who lives there. Work on making bath time fun, incorporate toys and food to help your canine companion to see bath time as fun time. Bathing your dog once a week will not harm them, but most only need bathed once a month. Use a shampoo that is specially formulated for dogs hair. If you dog has skin conditions, ask your vet to recommend the right product for you, and follow the instructions.
3. Nail Trims
Nail trims can be frustrating for some owners. Most dogs', if not properly conditioned, do not like having their paws handled and will resist nail grooming. If you are not sure how to do this properly, without harming the nails, then by all means take them to professional groomers. You can ask your vet or groomers to show you how to trim the nails properly and use caution. Depending on the rate of growth, your dog may need to be trimmed once a month more or less. You can also check into using a rotary tool, so instead of clipping you would slowly file away the nail.
4. Coat Brushing
Most dogs love being brushed, and is an excellent way to build a strong bond and ensure a healthy coat. Brushing requirements depend on what type of hair your dog has. Choosing the proper tools and following these guidelines are important.
* To prevent tangled and matted hair, be sure to brush a long-haired dog daily.
* Once a week is sufficient to control matting and tangling in medium haired dogs.
* Once a month for short-haired dogs.
No matter what type of hair type, you can brush your pooch daily. Frequent brushing during shedding can help to keep your home cleaner of hair. I use the vacuum cleaner to help get rid of excess hair, and my mutts loves getting groomed this way.
5. Haircuts
Some breeds have continuous hair growth, such as the Poodle, and need a hair trim every 15 to 30 days. This job is best left to professional groomers. However you can learn basic trimming skills on your own. If you are interested in professional grooming, consider formal training. If dog's are your passion, grooming can be a very rewarding way to make a living.
To learn more about what makes your dog tick, take a look at my Dog Training Tips Community. You will find pictures, videos of the dogs I work with and valuable informational articles designed to help you take charge of your dog's behavior today. Dog Training Tips Community |
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6149597
