Doggy Beauty School - Grooming Tips

Grooming your dog accomplishes much more than just making his coat look nice and shiny. It provides you with the opportunity to spend "quality time" with your dog, combing, brushing, bathing and generally bonding with him.

You will be able to check your dog closely for any problems while grooming. Move the hair aside and examine the skin closely for signs of fleas, ticks or skin irritations. Look for any unusual problems with the coat such as mats, tangles, dandruff, etc. Mats and tangles can be carefully removed while grooming.

Learn where he likes to be combed and brushed and where he doesn't. All dogs have sensitive areas that need to be groomed a little more gently and carefully than others. By paying special attention to these areas, you will help make your dog more comfortable while being groomed, and he will not resist future grooming sessions.

You will also become familiar with areas that he enjoys having groomed. This is helpful if you need to calm him during stressful times such as veterinary visits. Let Fido sniff the brush and comb before you begin grooming, and talk to him in a reassuring tone while grooming. If the procedure is comfortable for your dog, he will begin to look forward to regular sessions.

Health

Regular grooming is essential to your dog's health and well being. Regular combing and brushing will keep the coat clean and healthy. It will stimulate the skin, and allow the natural oils to circulate to the coat. Check for hair loss, inflammation, unusual tenderness or lumps under the skin. Constant scratching in a particular area may also be an indication of a problem. Check with your veterinarian about any unusual problems found.

Combing

Comb in the direction of hair growth, small sections at a time, until the coat is tangle free. If the coat has a particularly stubborn knot or tangle, you may have to trim it with scissors. A dematting comb, slicker or rake can be used to remove mats. When using a combination comb, begin with the widely spaced teeth, and follow with the finer teeth.

Brushing

Begin brushing at the head, working toward the tail and down the legs. Always brush in the direction of hair growth. Pay particular attention to the legs and flanks, and areas that easily mat. A pin brush can be used to fluff the coat by brushing against the direction of hair growth. Brushing several times a week is recommended for most dogs.

Grooming Puppies

Like children, puppies have short attention spans. They require special attention. Select a time when the puppy is less energetic. Begin with short grooming sessions, five minutes or so. Constantly talk in a gentle, reassuring tone while grooming to make him feel comfortable. Be sure to check his ears, paws, teeth, and underside during the grooming procedure. This will, in time, make him accustomed to being handled and examined. Eventually, he will be quite comfortable being groomed, and will look forward to these sessions.

Frequency

It is important to establish and adhere to a regular schedule of grooming sessions. Schedule these at a convenient time for both you and your dog. A good time is after Fido has been walked, while he is relieved and calm. Longhaired dogs should be groomed daily, while shorthaired breeds may require grooming only twice a week.

Nail Trimming

Regular nail trimming is important to your dog's health and well being. Never use ordinary scissors to trim your dog's nails. Use trimmers that are specially designed for dogs. Hold the dog's paw firmly, and cut off the tip of the nail with a single stroke.

Be very careful to stop short of the quick, the blood vessel inside the nail. Cutting the nails right after bathing will make the quick more visible; applying baby oil will serve the same purpose. Follow up by filing your dog's nails smooth.