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HEALTH & CARE TIPS FOR DOGS
Dog Grooming Basics

The term "grooming" may conjure up images of pricey pet salons replete with Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus in top knots. However, grooming is a word with which every dog owner should be familiar. The family pooch may not need fancy haircuts or ribbon bows, but he or she can benefit from regular coat, nail and teeth maintenance.

The first step to grooming is recognizing what type of coat maintenance your dog will require. Dog coats are varied. Some are short and wiry, others are long and silky. Some pups have a double-coat with soft fur beneath a coarser top coat. Other dogs have coats that need little maintenance. You'll quickly learn what type of fur your dog has and what kind of care it will require. If you have questions, you can always ask a veterinarian or groomer.

How Much Grooming?
A long-coated dog should have the coat brushed and combed several times each week. A double-coated dog should have dead hair combed from the coat to hasten shedding and prevent furry tumbleweeds from floating throughout the house. Even a short-coated dog should be brushed or rubbed down a couple of times a week to keep the skin and coat healthy.

Shedding
All of these measures prevent matting and debris buildup in the coat. They can also help limit the amount of fur shed around the house. However, no amount of grooming can completely eliminate shedding. If you own a dog, expect to find some amount of fur left behind. Some dogs shed twice a year. Others shed constantly. Conditions in the home, such as dry heat in the winter, may cause shedding to occur more frequently. Learn to recognize shedding patterns and adapt your grooming schedule accordingly.

About Matting
If left unchecked, matting can become a serious condition for dogs. It's much more than a cosmetic issue. Mats are formed by intertwining hairs, dirt, grit or vegetative matter (leaves, grass, etc.) in the coat. Mats can grow large and heavy and eventually pull at a dog's skin. This may cause hot spots or wounds. Infection or insect infestation in wounds may result in extreme cases.

Grooming Equipment
Depending upon how in-depth you want to get with grooming, you will benefit from a few useful tools:

• Pet shampoo and detangler
• Brush and combs designed for your dog's coat type
• Mat comb
• Nail clippers
• Shears/electric clipper
• Dog toothbrush and paste

Getting Started
A dog should be acclimated to the attention of grooming as a puppy. This way he or she will be able to be handled whether you do the grooming or use a professional.

1. Bathing: Most dogs don't need frequent bathing. Once every month or two should be sufficient, ensuring the healthy oils in the dog's coat will be able to protect the animal's skin. Remove matting to prepare the dog for washing. When bathing, have the dog stand in the tub or basin, and gradually add warm water. Soak the dog to the skin, lather with shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Be cautious of not getting water inside of the dog's eyes and ears. Use a washcloth to reach these areas.
   
   
2. Drying: Some groomers use dryers to rid the fur of moisture after washing. Doing this frequently may dry out the skin or irritate it. When applicable, towel-dry the dog and let him or her continue to air-dry. If it is cold or the fur takes a while to dry, you may want to use a hair dryer on a warm or cool setting to help drying along.
   
   
3. Brushing: As mentioned previously, the type of coat will dictate the type and amount of brushing needed. Consider doing the brushing outdoors where shed fur will cause less of a mess. Remember, regular brushing will help eliminate matting and future work on your part toward grooming.
   
   
4. Daily inspection: Check your dog's skin, paws and ears for infestation, cuts, rashes, etc. This can help you identify injury or problems early on.

Beyond the Basics
You can choose to do more in-depth grooming if you feel comfortable.

1. Nail clipping: Dogs should have their nails clipped every three weeks or so. Dog nails have a "quick" that can be seen as a darkening of light-colored nails but is invisible on dark nails. The quick is a nerve and blood supply. Nicking the quick not only hurts the dog, it may cause profuse bleeding, so keep a quick stop product on hand or use flour or cornstarch. Nicking the quick is why many pet parents avoid nail trimming (that and a pooch who doesn't stay still). Teaching your dog to stand and give paw for nail trimming, and slowly trimming each nail a little at a time will help you both develop confidence in this important task.
   
   
2. Trims: You can neaten up a dog's appearance between regular grooming cuts with a pair of shears or even an electric clipper. Areas to focus on include the paws, underbelly and around the dog's eyes and ears. Trim sparingly around the eyes. Some dogs, such as the Old English Sheepdog or the Briard, require the shaggy "bangs" to protect the eyes.
   
   
3. Oral hygiene: Dogs, like people, benefit from regular tooth brushing. Oral decay can lead to foul breath and costly vet bills. Brush using a dog toothbrush and meat-flavored paste. Or you can purchase a finger brush that is a rubber device placed on the end of your finger that may be easier to maneuver.

By following these easy tips for grooming, you'll have a happier and healthier pet. Not only will your dog be clean and tidy, he or she will develop an even more special bond with you.

Source: Metro Creative

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