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