Five Steps to Grooming
By Jenna Stregowski, RVT
Just like people, dogs need physical maintenance to look and feel their best. Fortunately, dogs do not need to bathe as often as people, but you do need to learn how much grooming your dog actually needs and keep it on a schedule. Generally, a dog’s grooming needs depend on the breed and hair type. If your dog has a skin, ear or nail condition, follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding grooming your dog. Here are some general guidelines for routine dog grooming.
1. Hair Brushing
Most dogs enjoy being brushed, and the sessions will strengthen the bond with your dog while keeping his coat healthy. A dog’s minimum brushing needs depend on hair type. Choose the appropriate tool and follow these guidelines based on hair type.
Long-haired dogs usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hair.
Medium-haired dogs are also prone to matting and tangles and should be brushed weekly.
Short-haired dogs can typically go about a month in-between brushing.
Regardless of hair type, you can brush your dog daily -- especially if he enjoys it. More frequent brushing is recommended during shedding season to prevent build-up of undercoat and excess shedding. Shedding blades are wonderful tools for this.
2. Nail Trimming
The dreaded nail trim is often detested by dogs and owners alike. Most dogs are apposed to even having their paws handled, and many know how much it hurts when the nails are cut too short. Dog owners are often uncomfortable with the process for fear of hurting their dogs.
Many dogs will develop a strong aversion to nail trimming once they experience pain from it. The best way to avoid this is to learn how to trim nails correctly and exercise caution. Ideally, a veterinary technician, veterinarian, or groomer should teach you how to trim your dog’s nails. Most dogs need monthly nail trims, but your dog may need more or less depending on rate of growth.
3. Bathing
Bath time does not mean fun to most dogs and owners. It may bring forth an image of a wet dog running from the tub, dripping all over the house. Bathing does not have to be this way if your dog can get used to it. He may not like the bath, but he’ll be easier to manage. Learn how to bathe your dog properly and make the experience as positive as you can for you and your dog.
Most dogs should be bathed monthly, but bathing as often as once a week is not considered harmful. Always use a soap-free shampoo that is intended for dogs. Depending on the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, your veterinarian may recommend a specific shampoo. In this case, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions about bathing.
4. Ear Care
Your dog’s ears can be a haven for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Some dogs can go their whole lives without ear problems, and the only routine ear cleaning needed is during the monthly bath. Other dogs have chronic ear disease and require multiple cleanings a day.
Ear problems can often be traced back to genetics. Dogs with floppy ears or long hair tend to be predisposed to ear problems because the ear canal simply does not have as much air exposure. Many ear problems are a sign of allergies. If your dog has excess debris or foul odor in his ears, your veterinarian will likely prescribe special ear cleaners and medications. If your dog’s ears are relatively healthy, you can help keep them that way with HYPERLINK "http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/dog_ears.asp" proper ear care.
5. Haircuts
Dogs with continuously growing hair, such as the Poodle or Shih Tzu, typically need their hair cut every 2-4 weeks depending on the breed of the dog and the style of the cut. This task if often best left to HYPERLINK "http://www.findagroomer.com" professional groomers.
Just like people, dogs need physical maintenance to look and feel their best. Fortunately, dogs do not need to bathe as often as people, but you do need to learn how much grooming your dog actually needs and keep it on a schedule. Generally, a dog’s grooming needs depend on the breed and hair type. If your dog has a skin, ear or nail condition, follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding grooming your dog. Here are some general guidelines for routine dog grooming.
1. Hair Brushing
Most dogs enjoy being brushed, and the sessions will strengthen the bond with your dog while keeping his coat healthy. A dog’s minimum brushing needs depend on hair type. Choose the appropriate tool and follow these guidelines based on hair type.
Long-haired dogs usually require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of hair.
Medium-haired dogs are also prone to matting and tangles and should be brushed weekly.
Short-haired dogs can typically go about a month in-between brushing.
Regardless of hair type, you can brush your dog daily -- especially if he enjoys it. More frequent brushing is recommended during shedding season to prevent build-up of undercoat and excess shedding. Shedding blades are wonderful tools for this.
2. Nail Trimming
The dreaded nail trim is often detested by dogs and owners alike. Most dogs are apposed to even having their paws handled, and many know how much it hurts when the nails are cut too short. Dog owners are often uncomfortable with the process for fear of hurting their dogs.
Many dogs will develop a strong aversion to nail trimming once they experience pain from it. The best way to avoid this is to learn how to trim nails correctly and exercise caution. Ideally, a veterinary technician, veterinarian, or groomer should teach you how to trim your dog’s nails. Most dogs need monthly nail trims, but your dog may need more or less depending on rate of growth.
3. Bathing
Bath time does not mean fun to most dogs and owners. It may bring forth an image of a wet dog running from the tub, dripping all over the house. Bathing does not have to be this way if your dog can get used to it. He may not like the bath, but he’ll be easier to manage. Learn how to bathe your dog properly and make the experience as positive as you can for you and your dog.
Most dogs should be bathed monthly, but bathing as often as once a week is not considered harmful. Always use a soap-free shampoo that is intended for dogs. Depending on the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, your veterinarian may recommend a specific shampoo. In this case, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions about bathing.
4. Ear Care
Your dog’s ears can be a haven for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Some dogs can go their whole lives without ear problems, and the only routine ear cleaning needed is during the monthly bath. Other dogs have chronic ear disease and require multiple cleanings a day.
Ear problems can often be traced back to genetics. Dogs with floppy ears or long hair tend to be predisposed to ear problems because the ear canal simply does not have as much air exposure. Many ear problems are a sign of allergies. If your dog has excess debris or foul odor in his ears, your veterinarian will likely prescribe special ear cleaners and medications. If your dog’s ears are relatively healthy, you can help keep them that way with HYPERLINK "http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/dog_ears.asp" proper ear care.
5. Haircuts
Dogs with continuously growing hair, such as the Poodle or Shih Tzu, typically need their hair cut every 2-4 weeks depending on the breed of the dog and the style of the cut. This task if often best left to HYPERLINK "http://www.findagroomer.com" professional groomers.