Keep your dog looking his best with our effective grooming strategies
No dog is too old or too young to begin a regular grooming regimen. Make your companion shine with these insider pet care tips.
Next to providing food, water, and shelter, keeping your dog well-groomed is one of the most important things you can do to ensure his health and happiness. We consulted with some of the industry's top dog grooming experts to get their insider tips for easy, effective canine care:
Be sure to brush your pet's coat each and every day. Not only will this keep his fur looking neat, it will also help to remove soil, prevent matting and tangling, and distribute beneficial natural oils throughout the animal's coat. No dog is too young to benefit from proper grooming, so begin the regular brushing process as early as possible. Conversely, an older dog can always be introduced to the pleasures of coat brushing, although he may need some time to get used to the sensation if he has never been groomed before. Set a regular time and process for brushing sessions so your dog will grow accustomed to the routine.
Nail trimming is another essential grooming activity. As a general rule, your dog's nails should be clipped at least once a month. Your local pet store will have several varieties on hand for different breed sizes. When cutting your dog's nails for the first time, proceed slowly and offer treats and praise at regular intervals throughout the process. Avoid clipping nails too short, which can cause undue pain. In addition to the regular nails, you may also need to trim your dog's "dewclaw." If he has a dewclaw (not all breeds do), it can be found above the paw on the inside of each front leg.
To prevent potentially harmful ear infections, it's important to keep your dog's ears clean. At least twice a month, look inside your dog's ears to ensure that the interior skin is pale pink in color. If you see any red, black, or brown skin, or if you detect an unpleasant odor, your dog may have an ear infection and should see a veterinarian right away. If everything looks good, you can proceed with cleaning the opening with a moist cotton ball. Avoid going too far into the ear canal. For dogs with mites, an over-the-counter ear mite medication can be applied.
Regular teeth cleanings should be performed at least twice a week to prevent the risk of cavities and canine gingivitis. Use toothpaste that's specially formulated for dogs and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your dog has problems with plaque build-up or chronic bad breath, he may need to receive professional, vet-administered cleanings or tooth scalings periodically.
No dog is too old or too young to begin a regular grooming regimen. Make your companion shine with these insider pet care tips.
Next to providing food, water, and shelter, keeping your dog well-groomed is one of the most important things you can do to ensure his health and happiness. We consulted with some of the industry's top dog grooming experts to get their insider tips for easy, effective canine care:
Be sure to brush your pet's coat each and every day. Not only will this keep his fur looking neat, it will also help to remove soil, prevent matting and tangling, and distribute beneficial natural oils throughout the animal's coat. No dog is too young to benefit from proper grooming, so begin the regular brushing process as early as possible. Conversely, an older dog can always be introduced to the pleasures of coat brushing, although he may need some time to get used to the sensation if he has never been groomed before. Set a regular time and process for brushing sessions so your dog will grow accustomed to the routine.
Nail trimming is another essential grooming activity. As a general rule, your dog's nails should be clipped at least once a month. Your local pet store will have several varieties on hand for different breed sizes. When cutting your dog's nails for the first time, proceed slowly and offer treats and praise at regular intervals throughout the process. Avoid clipping nails too short, which can cause undue pain. In addition to the regular nails, you may also need to trim your dog's "dewclaw." If he has a dewclaw (not all breeds do), it can be found above the paw on the inside of each front leg.
To prevent potentially harmful ear infections, it's important to keep your dog's ears clean. At least twice a month, look inside your dog's ears to ensure that the interior skin is pale pink in color. If you see any red, black, or brown skin, or if you detect an unpleasant odor, your dog may have an ear infection and should see a veterinarian right away. If everything looks good, you can proceed with cleaning the opening with a moist cotton ball. Avoid going too far into the ear canal. For dogs with mites, an over-the-counter ear mite medication can be applied.
Regular teeth cleanings should be performed at least twice a week to prevent the risk of cavities and canine gingivitis. Use toothpaste that's specially formulated for dogs and a soft-bristled toothbrush. If your dog has problems with plaque build-up or chronic bad breath, he may need to receive professional, vet-administered cleanings or tooth scalings periodically.
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