Dog Grooming
Dog grooming not only enhances your dog’s beauty but also adds to its physical and psychological development. Dirt and grime combine with the dog’s hair to form mats and tangles. These have to be gotten rid of, and the only way to do that is to groom your pet. This helps you and your pet to bond, thus helping to form a stronger relationship.
The younger a dog is, the better it learns how to be groomed. Be sure to train your pet to get used to having his body parts brushed and handled. This can easily be done at home, but if you do not have the time or the interest, make sure you choose a groomer who works gently with the animal.
Point to ponder in Grooming your Dog
Daily examine your dog’s body parts. Make sure you check for hot spots, irritations, vegetative matter, inflammation and fleas and ticks in his fur. You can get rid of fleas by using a fine-toothed comb. Also, Frontline works very well with dogs and is highly recommended by veterinarians. Use a pair of tweezers to get ticks off. Ears should also be checked. Ears that droop can become infected and may lead to hearing loss. Examine your pet’s pads as foreign objects can get caught and can lead to infection.
Brushing not only eliminates mats but takes away dead hair as well. This helps to eliminate animal odor. Grooming while your dog is shedding encourages the growth of new hair, so remember to brush particularly after physical exercise.
Nails should be trimmed on a monthly basis, especially if you notice that your pet has a difficult time walking. Maintain you dog’s dental hygiene by brushing its teeth twice a week. Use a toothpaste and toothbrush expecially suited for dogs. Make sure you keep your dog’s eyes clean, and use a coarse rag to clean your animal’s face.
Before giving your pet a bath, be sure to brush away any dead hairs. This will get rid of any mats in his coat. Soak your dog in warm - not hot - water. Use a pet shampoo in small portions. Target areas are the ears, eyes, toes, rectum and under its chin. Avoid getting the soapy water in your pet’s eyes and ears if possible. After bathing, you also have the liberty of using a coat conditioner. If you are unsure as to how often to bathe your dog, then consult your local pet grooming shop. It is highly recommended that a dog owner have his own grooming kit at home. This includes a grooming brush, combs, toenail clippers, shampoo and conditioner and a coarse rag.
