Did you know that regular grooming is essential to your dog's health? A glossy, beautiful coat is a sign of his overall health, well-being and good nutrition.
Start at an early age
It's important to start grooming your dog at a young age. As you groom your dog, become familiar with his distinctive characteristics. By learning what is normal for your dog, you will be able to observe changes in his appearance that may be warning signs of potential health problems. If diagnosed and treated promptly, minor problems can usually be prevented from developing into serious conditions.
Things to check for while grooming:
- Unusual lumps under the skin, rashes, bald spots, sores, cuts
- Unusually dull coat, flaky skin, fleas, lice, ticks
- Red, inflamed, cloudy eyes or excessive tearing
- Tender or swollen ears and/or strong odour
- Bad breath, swollen gums, excessive tartar
Brushing and combing
For shorthair dogs, we recommend grooming once a week with a natural bristle brush and a fine-tooth comb. Longhair dogs require more frequent grooming, usually 2-3 times a week unless it is an outdoor dog, in which case every day grooming might be necessary. In order to properly groom your longhair dog, you will need a wire brush, a wide-tooth comb and a fine-tooth flea comb.
If your dog's hair is falling out, if he or she seems to be scratching excessively, or if you notice any signs of a rash, consult your veterinarian.
Shedding
Dogs living indoors will shed often throughout the year. Brushing your dog regularly and feeding him a high-quality diet will help reduce shedding and ensure the growth of new hair.
Bathing
When your dog starts to look dirty or smell "doggy", it's time to put him in the tub! Bathing should only be done when your dog is truly dirty, since over bathing removes natural oils and can dry out your dog's coat.
Here are some simple instructions:
First, place a rubber mat in the tub or sink to help your dog feel secure. Wet your dog's coat and rub in a special pet shampoo (keeping suds away from eyes). Rinse with warm water (try not to get water in your dog's ear canals). Make sure to remove all the shampoo. Towel dry your dog while he's still in the tub.
In winter months, you may use a hairdryer to dry your dog's fur. Be sure to keep it far enough away from his hair to avoid burning. And when it's cold, keep your dog indoors for several hours after the bath, so he doesn't get chilled.
If you bathe your dog outdoors in warm weather, you can let him dry outside after you towel dry him
Trimming claws
If your dog's claws start snagging - on fabric or on you - it's a good indication that they need clipping. You should use a pair of specially designed clippers for dogs that are available at pet stores. Never use regular scissors, as they can crush and injure your dog's claw. Here are some step-by-step instructions to help make this ritual a painless experience:
1. When clipping your dog's nails it is a good idea to use two people - one to hold your pet securely, and the other to clip the nails.
2. Otherwise, begin by holding your dog in your lap or on the floor between your knees.
3. Make sure there is sufficient lighting and that you are familiar with the way the claws look.
4. Pin the dog to your side with your arm and hold one of its front paws in your hand.
5. Gently take one toe until the claw pops into full view.
6. Clip it, being careful not to cut the slightly pinkish area containing nerves and blood vessels. When in doubt, trim less of the nail.
7. Repeat with the next toe and so on.
8. Don't forget the dewclaws - found always in the front paws and sometimes in the rear paws - located right about where humans would have their thumbs.
Ear cleaning
It’s important to check your dog's ears once every other week because ears are a primary collection point of dirt and debris. If your dog's ears need cleaning, use a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide or another product suggested by your veterinarian. Remember to be gentle. Never go deeper into the ear than what you can see and never apply the peroxide directly into the ear. Consult your vet if you find deeply lodged earwax or redness and black spots - which may be an indication of mites.
If you’re not sure how to clean your pet's ears or how to observe warning signs of ear problems, consult your veterinarian.
Signs of an ear infection include ears that are swollen or have a strong odour. The pet may also repeatedly shake its head or scratch its ears. Dogs with thick, long ears tend to be susceptible to ear problems.
Eye care
Look at your dog's eyes regularly They should be clear and bright with no excessive tearing or mucus discharge. It's a good idea to keep plenty of clean cotton balls on hand and use a moistened one to remove any discharge from around the eye area. Red, inflamed or cloudy eyes or excessive tearing are indications of possible infection or eye injury. Because eyes are very delicate organs, any injury should receive prompt veterinary attention.
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