Grooming
Grooming is an important part of a dog's health care.
DCL |
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.
Find Your Perfect Pet
Comments ( )