Do it early and often. Most dogs are not thrilled to be brushed, trimmed and bathed, but the best way to get a dog used to the necessary act of grooming is to begin early and to get that brush or nail clipper out on a regular basis. If you're adopting an older dog who has rarely been groomed, you may have more of a struggle on your hands, but patience and time will win out.
Grooming is an important part of a dog's health care. Nails that are too long can shift a dog's posture and create structural problems down the line and teeth that have never seen a brush can be lost. Not to mentioned that a matted, unruly coat is just not attractive and if a dog's coat becomes too tangled a shaving might be the answer.
Professional grooming is always an option, but it is still important that the dog owner be able to take care of at least minor grooming problems without ending up in a wrestling match with their dog.
Nails
Clippers come in many sizes and shapes; the most important thing is to look for a tool that you can handle easily. Choose from a scissors-like clipper or a guillotine-style clipper. Another alternative is an electric nail grinder, which is expensive but less likely to cut the sensitive vein (the quick) inside the nail.
Trim a bit of nail at a time to avoid cutting into the quick. Watch your vet or groomer cut the nails the first time so you can see how it's done before attempting it yourself.
Ears
A gentle swabbing with a cotton ball dipped in mineral or baby oil, or a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution, keeps your dog's outer ear clean and dry. Dogs with floppy ears, such as a Great Dane, will need more frequent ear cleanings than their counterparts with upright ears because air doesn't circulate as freely; waxy and bacteria-laden debris tends to build up in the moist atmosphere under the flaps. Ear swabbing is doubly important if your floppy-eared-dog loves to go in water.
Eyes
Dirt easily gets trapped near and in the eyes of dogs with wrinkled faces or droopy lids, such as a bulldog, but any dog will need its eyes cleaned on occasion. Use a soft cloth dipped in warm water to gently clean the lids and around the eyes.
Teeth
A great smile begins with healthy teeth and gums. Brush your dog's teeth using a gentle-bristled brush and toothpaste intended for dogs. You might have to use your finger wrapped in gauze or a small finger brush if he puts up too much of a fight. A brushing every few days should keep his mouth clear of tartar and bacteria buildup, although a daily brushing is even better.
Dogs aren't much different than humans when it comes to dental care. They need good tooth and gum cleaning, too, to ward off dental problems and gum disease. Plaque and tartar buildup and periodontal disease can even usher in heart, kidney and other problems. Watch for warning signs: red, bleeding or receding gums, and persistent bad breath.
- Ideally, dogs should have their teeth brushed daily, but at least twice a week may be more realistic.
- Brushing less often than every two to three days is ineffective, as this is how long it takes for plaque to harden.
- Make sure your pet is used to a dog toothbrush before you try to brush his teeth for the first time. If he seems nervous or uncomfortable with a toothbrush in his mouth, slowly desensitize him by rubbing your finger gently against his gums for a few minutes every day until he accepts this calmly.
- Praise him after each session. If he still rejects the brush, try doing the job with your fingers wrapped in gauze, or use a finger brush.
- Never use your own toothpaste for your dog. Use a special canine toothpaste supplied by your vet or available in pet-supply stores.
- If your dog won't let you use a toothbrush or your finger, look into a tartar-combating oral spray.
- Also, ask your vet to prescribe a diet for your dog that helps reduce tartar buildup.
- Ensure that he gets a yearly dental exam at the vet.
