Dog Grooming
Introduction
Dog grooming is not simply a matter of good looks, its also a matter of good health. Coat care is obviously important, but other aspects of grooming include teeth, nails, anal glands, eyes and ears. Every time an owner (or a professional groomer) grooms a dog is an opportunity to assess coat and skin condition, identify any lumps, bumps or sores, check breath and tooth condition.
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Proper coat care is the mainstay of grooming. However, given the huge variety in coat types, length and texture, there is no simple way to provide a generalized “guide” to grooming. Most companion dogs do fine with a regular brushing every week or two, which helps to manage shedding and distribute natural oils from the skin. Long-haired breeds obviously require much more care to keep their coats in good condition than do short-haired breeds –
While excessive hair shedding is a common complaint heard among pet owners, in most cases the shedding is normal. An understanding of why dogs and cats lose their hair coat, and what causes shedding, goes a long way towards explaining why they shed hair all the time.Dogs and cats do not grow hair continuously, but rather in cycles. Each cycle has a growing phase, a transitional phase, and a resting phase. These hair cycles are
Although there are no strict recommendations on how often you should bathe your dog, bathing frequency will depend on whether or not your dog needs a bath, and on such variables as the breed of dog, the kind of shampoo you are using, and how sensitive you are to the smells associated with dogs.Most dogs usually never really require a bath. Baths can be given as often as is necessary (i.e. if your dog gets
Most dogs should have their ears cleaned every few weeks. This is especially important for breeds with hairy or hanging ears, such as spaniels and retrievers, because their ears block airflow through the ear canal and can trap moisture, providing a perfect environment for bacterial overgrowth. Dogs living in especially warm, humid environments also may need more regular attention to their ears. Dogs typically enjoy getting their ears rubbed and cleaned, although there certainly are
Most dogs require regular clipping of their nails. Only those dogs that are exercised regularly on rough ground tend to wear their nails down naturally. Overgrown nails can be painful and prone to infection. Long nails can also accidentally injure pet owners, guests and children. To clip your dog’s nails, you can either take your dog to a veterinarian or trim the nails yourself.When a dog’s toenails become too long, they cause the paw to
Most dogs are natural athletes, and like dedicated athletes they “play through the pain.” Dogs won't tell you when they are stiff, sore, when they've pulled a muscle, or when something just isn't quite right. They’ll just tough it out, going about their daily business of walking, running, romping and playing with often no indication there is a problem until it becomes serious. Many dog owners are taking matters into their own hands by consulting