From Nose to Tail Grooming your Dog

What are the basic principles for attaining the three core attributes linked with a happy, healthy dog, a wet nose, a wagging tail and a shiny coat!

No dog is too old or too young to begin a regular grooming regimen. Make your companion shine.

 Clean, well-groomed fur, trimmed nails, clear bright eyes, and clean teeth, all breed  requires  some type of grooming. While not every dog will be as high-maintenance as a Shih-Tzu or Poodle, all dogs minimally need to have their teeth brushed and cleaned, nails clipped and coats brushed.

 Appropriate grooming is not only important for a dog’s appearance but for his health and well-being as well. Some key supplies for do-it-yourself dog grooming include brushes, combs, clippers, shampoo, and nail clippers. Frequent brushing and combing  remove dead hair and dirt and avoid matting. Dogs who are frequently groomed tend to have a healthier and shinier coat because it stimulates the blood supply.

You will be able to examine your dog closely for any problems while grooming. Move the hair out-of-the-way and examine the skin closely for signs of fleas, ticks or skin irritations. Look for any unusual problems with the coat such as mats, tangles, dandruff, etc. Mats and tangles can be gently removed while grooming.

  All dogs have sensitive areas that need to be groomed a little more gently and carefully than others. By paying special attention to these areas, you will help make your dog more comfortable while being groomed, and he will not resist future grooming sessions.  

The best time to start in on proper grooming habits is as soon as you bring your puppy home. The earlier you begin, the better adjusted to grooming your dog will be. If a puppy is young, baths might not be necessary; however, there are other things you can do to begin conditioning your dog to future grooming. Dogs who are never handled or groomed at home will fight the process until they get used to it. To get your dog adjusted try handling him on a regular basis. Rub his ears, move his gums to examine his teeth, move his legs, hold his paws and engage in other activities that mimic a visit to the Vet or the groomer. The more you handle your dog in this way the better off he will be when the time for grooming has arrived.

  If you dog’s coat is very short you can try a brush made entirely of soft rubber. This will provide follicle stimulation and do away with excess hair, but will not hurt the skin. If your dog has a longer coat, consider a bristled brush or a slicker brush with curved metal teeth. This will ensure that the hair is detangled, as shorter rubber bristles will not comb through this type of coat.

Happy grooming, take good care of your wonderful fury friend.