| General
Proper grooming is an important part of pet care. It not only makes a
companion animal look better, but contributes to his or her
physiological and psychological health. Grooming your dog accomplishes
much more than just making your pet's coat look nice and shiny. It will
provide you with the opportunity to spend quality time with your
dog, combing, brushing, bathing and generally bonding with him.
Coat
Brush your pet thoroughly every day. This helps keep his or her hair in
good condition by removing dirt, spreading the natural oils throughout
the coat, preventing tangles from forming and keeping the skin clean and
free from irritation.
It is best to start brushing your pet at an early age, but do not
despair if he or she is an older animal. It is possible to train one to
enjoy grooming. Proceed slowly, and be sure to use treats and plenty of
praise to make the experience fun!
Shaving the coat ... may seem like a solution but is not
a good idea. A dog's coat is insulation which protects against
both cold and heat. Shaving the coat also exposes a dog's skin to
sunburn! For short Haircuts ... using a clipper with a snap
on comb attachment is a good idea. Cutting just the top coat and not the
undercoat leaves nature's protection against sun and heat and delivers
manageable style.
Nails
Trim your pet's nails about once per month. You'll need a clipper
designed specifically for the kind of companion animal you have. Either
a scissor- or guillotine-style clipper can be used. You should also
purchase a small bottle of blood-clotting powder.
How to Cut Your Pet's Nails
- Have your companion animal sit beside you. Then place one of his
or her paws in your hand and gently pull it forward. If your pet
dislikes being handled this way, slowly accustom him or her to it by
offering treats and praise.
- Gradually shorten one nail. Be sure to stop before you reach the
quick, which is the part of the nail that contains nerves and blood
vessels. If you cannot see the quick clearly, stop cutting just
behind the point at which the nail begins to curve downward.
- If you cut into the quick, do not panic. Put some clotting powder
on a moist cotton swab and press it firmly against the nail for
several seconds.
- Repeat the process until all of your companion animal's nails have
been trimmed.
- Do not forget to trim the dewclaw, which is located on the inside
of each front leg just above the paw. (Some dogs do not have
dewclaws.)
|
Ears
Ear care is an important part of grooming. Ear infections can not only
be painful, but lead to permanent hearing loss. The signs of a problem
with a companion animal's ears include redness, constant scratching,
head shaking and odor.
How to Clean Your Pet's Ears
- Check your companion animal's ears twice per month. The skin
inside and on the flaps should be pale pink. If there is a foul odor
and/or any red, brown or black skin, have a veterinarian examine
your pet's ears.
- Moisten a cotton ball with warm water or a little mineral oil and
use it to clean the opening into the canal and the flaps. Do not
probe too deeply into the canal.
Teeth
Companion animals can get cavities and develop periodontal disease, so
their teeth should be cleaned with a pet toothpaste at least twice per
week. It is best to use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles.
Cleanings performed by a veterinarian may also be required.Bathing
Bathe your companion animal once every two months or as often as needed.
Be sure to brush him or her before each bath in order to get all of the
mats out of his or her coat.
How to Bathe Your Pet
- Place a rubber mat in your bathtub, or a towel in your sink, for
secure footing. Then place a cotton ball in each of your companion
animal's ears to prevent water from entering.
- Rinse your pet with warm water. Use a spray hose if one is
available, but be sure to keep the nozzle very close to your
companion animal's body. Never spray him or her in the face.
- Apply a shampoo designed especially for pets in small amounts,
working from the head to the tail. Be sure to clean the rectum,
between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Try to avoid
getting shampoo in your companion animal's eyes.
- Thoroughly rinse your pet with warm water.
- Dry your companion animal with a towel and/or hair dryer.
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 to do this is after the dog has been walked, while
he is relieved and calm. Select a time when you will not be interrupted
and have ample time to do a proper grooming Longhaired dogs should be
groomed daily, while shorthaired breeds may require grooming only twice
a week.
You will soon see what frequency your dog requires! |
