| Properly grooming your pet goes beyond mere | | | | until there is a general comfort with the process. |
| aesthetics and good looks; routine grooming care also | | | | Weekly Grooming |
| affects your dog's health and personal behavior. | | | | It's a good idea to brush your dog at least once a |
| Ongoing health issues can stem from dirt or matted | | | | week. Brushing will not only work out tangles and |
| hair tangles, while general grooming makes your dog | | | | mats, but also remove dead hair and reduce shedding |
| feel better and healthier and helps to develop a bond | | | | around the house. If you're sick of seeing dog hair |
| with you, its owner. | | | | everywhere, try brushing your dog on a regular basis |
| When to Start Grooming | | | | with a wet brush. When you encounter a difficult |
| It's best to start grooming your dog at an early age. | | | | tangle or mat, be gentle with your dog and try to be |
| You want him to become accustomed to the routine | | | | as soothing as possible. Just like in humans, tangled |
| and all the activity that goes along with grooming. | | | | hair pulled with a brush can be painful. |
| The younger you start, the more accepting he will be | | | | Don't forget to also brush your dog's teeth. Dog |
| of the brush, comb, bath, and nail clippers. If you plan | | | | toothpaste and special toothbrushes are available at |
| to use a professional, try to find one whom you like, | | | | most pet stores. Though this step may seem trivial |
| and stick with him or her as long as is practical. You | | | | for a dog, dental health is very important and dental |
| want your dog to know, trust, and be comfortable | | | | issues are one of the most common veterinarian |
| with the grooming professional you choose. | | | | procedures, so keep your dog's teeth healthy. |
| Daily Grooming | | | | Monthly Grooming |
| There's usually no need to groom your dog on a daily | | | | Your dog's nails should be trimmed roughly every |
| basis, but it is a good idea to at least give him a daily | | | | month or every other month. If you're not |
| inspection. Give your dog a "once over" every day, | | | | comfortable doing this, consider bringing your dog to |
| checking for bumps, sores, irritation, and nasty fleas | | | | a professional. Avoid cutting the nails too low as dogs |
| or ticks. Ticks can be squeezed off with tweezers | | | | have blood vessels in their nails; cutting them too |
| and fleas can be scraped out using a fine-toothed | | | | close to the paw can hurt the dog and cause it to |
| comb. | | | | bleed. |
| Check your dog's ears for any potential infections or | | | | When it comes to overall cleanliness, the basic |
| dirt that can cause infection. Also, examine their | | | | formula for bathing your dog is to do so as the need |
| paws for dirt, pebbles, splinters, or chemicals that can | | | | arises. Use a gentle soap or special dog shampoo and |
| cause irritations or sores. Finally, clean out their eyes | | | | bathe your furry friend on an as-needed basis. If you |
| tenderly and gently with a soft, warm washcloth. | | | | dog smells bad, don't blame him - he's only being a |
| Your dog may initially resist you washing around his | | | | dog. Give him a bath. |
| eyes and face, so you will need to hold him steady | | | | |