![]() ![]() Clean the outer part of the ear only, using a damp cloth or a cotton swab soaked in mineral oil. ![]() You should clean your dog’s ears once a month, more if he’s prone to ear problems. ![]() If you find it impossible to clip your dog’s nails, take him to a veterinarian or groomer. If you accidentally cut the quick, stop the bleeding with some styptic powder. Start trimming gently, a nail or two at a time, and your dog will learn that you’re not going to hurt him. You can make it a painless procedure by getting your dog used to having his feet handled in puppyhood. Many dogs dislike having their nails trimmed. (You can see where the quick ends on a white nail, but not on a dark nail.) Clip only the hook-like part of the nail that turns down. You want to trim only the ends, before the “quick” which is a blood vessel inside the nail. Most have safety guards to prevent you from cutting the nails too short. To trim your dog’s nails, use a specially designed clipper. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long. ![]() This usually happens at the base of the nail, where blood vessels and nerves are located, and precipitates a trip to the veterinarian. Long nails interfere with the dog’s gait, making walking awkward or painful. Nails must be kept short for the feet to remain healthy. Rub vigorously with a towel (he’ll help you with vigorous shaking!), and then blow-dry if necessary. After lathering and scrubbing, rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Wet the dog with warm water and apply shampoo from the neck back. Stand the dog in a tub or basin, and put cotton balls in his ears and a couple of drops of mineral oil in his eyes. When necessary, use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs. Too-frequent washing removes natural oils and causes the coat to become dry and harsh. Your dog should have regular, but not frequent, baths, depending on the breed and coat of your dog. Regular brushing will help keep shedding under control. When brushing, always check for burrs and other stubborn plant material mats, which most frequently form behind the ears and under the legs and any cuts or scrapes on the skin itself.Īll dogs shed, though some definitely shed more than others. There are also slicker brushes for removing mats and dead hair rubber curry combs to polish smooth coats and remove dead hair clippers, stripping knives, rakes, hairdryers, and other grooming tools. Short-, medium-, and some long-coated breeds need bristle brushes. Longhaired dogs need pin brushes, which have long, round-ended stainless-steel or chrome-plated pins. The kind of equipment you need depends on your dog’s coat texture and length. Brush all the way down to the skin, letting the massaging action stimulate blood circulation and loosen and remove flakes of dandruff. Several brushing sessions a week will keep the average dog neat and clean daily attention is even better. An AKC responsible breeder will often have a wealth of knowledge on all topics related to their breed, including grooming tips and equipment needed to do a good job. One of the best sources of information for grooming can be your dog’s breeder. However, it’s certainly useful for owners to learn maintenance grooming to keep their dogs looking sharp in-between visits to the groomer. Professional dog groomers, professional dog handlers, and some veterinary technicians are well trained in grooming, so you can be assured that your pup is in good hands. Hygiene such as teeth brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and brushing are most certainly an essential aspect of regular dog care, regardless of the breed. The Afghan Hound, Poodle, and Komondor - just to name a few - require regular grooming (but are certainly worth the effort), whereas breeds such as the Beagle, Weimaraner, and Boxer allow a bit more freedom in the grooming department. What is required, and how often, depends on the breed. While good hygiene habits are essential for a healthy dog, unlike humans, most dogs do not require daily hygiene and grooming habits. How often you need to groom your dog depends on his size, breed, and type of coat. Routine grooming sessions also allow you to examine your dog’s coat, teeth, eyes, ears, and nails for signs of problems. Good grooming will help your dog look and feel his best. ![]()
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