Dog grooming tips for people who wish to do their own  pet grooming.

Grooming your dog #1 - Coat

A beautiful coat can be attained if you brush your pet thoroughly every day to remove surface dead hair, dirt and tangles.  (Tangles can result in skin irritations.)  Brushing spreads the natural oils from the animal throughout the coat thus preventing further tangles. 

Grooming your dog #2 - Nails

Among all the dog grooming requirements, nail trimming is perhaps the most dreaded.  Nail trimming should be done once a month using a pair of pet grooming clippers designed specifically for dogs.  They come in scissor or guillotine-style.  Also keep a bottle of blood-clotting powder on hand in case you cut to close and nick the quick (the sensitive or raw exposed flesh under the nails that contains nerves and blood vessels). 

How to clip your dog's nails:

• Have your dog beside you.  Place one of its paws in your hand and gently pull it forward.  Slowly accustom your pet to having its feet handled by offering treats and praise.

• Clip each nail gradually taking off a little at a time.  Stop before you reach the quick - usually before the claw starts to curve downward.

• If you cut the quick, press some clotting powder firmly against the nail for a few seconds.  You can use a Q-tip for this.

• Repeat the above process for each nail.

• Remember to clip the dewclaws found on the inside of the front legs just above the paw.

• Dependent on the weather, dry your animal with a towel or hair dryer or let it outside to shake off and dry in the sun.

Grooming your dog #3 - Ears

Dog grooming regimens should also include the pet's ears.  Infections in ears, particularly in dogs with long ears can lead to hearing loss.  The signals of ear infection are head shaking, pawing at the ears and odor.  When you check the ears you will see extreme redness instead of a pale pink color. 

How to clean your dog's ears

• Check for infection about twice a month.  The skin inside the flaps should be pale pink. 

• If you smell a foul odor or see any red, brown or black skin, seek a vet's advice.

• If all appears normal, moisten a cotton ball with warm water or a little mineral oil and wipe the earflaps and canal.

• Do not go to deeply into the canal.

Grooming your dog #4 - Teeth

Cleaning your dogs teeth will prevent cavities and periodontal disease.  Cleaning with pet toothpaste about twice a week will definitely extend the life of your pet's teeth.  Use a small toothbrush with soft bristles.  Professional teeth cleaning by a vet is periodically recommended.

Grooming your dog #5 - Bathing

Dog grooming wouldn't be complete with out the bath.  A good regimen to follow is once every two months.  A good brushing beforehand to remove mats from the animal's coat will add ease to the bath.

How to bathe your pet:

• Use your sink or bathtub. 

• Place a rubber mat, towel or some other slip resistant material on the bottom for secure footing.  Plug the animal's ears to prevent water entry

• Wet your pet down with warm water.  A spray hose is preferable.  Do not spray water directly into the animal's face. 

• Apply a recommended shampoo working from the head to the tail.  Clean all parts of the pet including the rectum, toes, the chin and under and behind the ears.

• Avoid getting shampoo in the pet's eyes.

• Insure that you give the pet a thorough rinsing.  Left on soap can cause itching.

• Dependent on the weather, dry your animal with a towel or hair dryer or let it outside to shake off and dry in the sun.

Grooming your dog #6 – Eyes

Look for unusual swelling or redness, squinting, blinking or excessive tearing.  Pawing indicates a problem and a call to your vet.  Trim long hair from faces.  Dogs with long hair about their face and muzzle sometimes have trouble with the hair rubbing against the eyeball.  If your pet seems to need an eye wash, a simple solution of one teaspoon of salt to one pint of warm water is recommended.  Soak a wad of cotton in the solution and then squeeze the solution into the eye.  Do not touch the eyeball with the cotton. 

To purchase pet grooming supplies visit our online pet shopping & products links below.  Other unique online pet shopping & products are available through all our links below.

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