Tools of the Trade - Basic Dog Grooming
Sunday September 21, 2008
Now that the heat of summer has passed us by, the weather is more tolerable for our dogs to run and play outdoors. This might lead to dirtier dogs, which equals more baths! All dogs need some degree of basic grooming, but this extends beyond the bath. Regardless of the season, you will need to establish a grooming routine that works well for you and your dog.
The breed of your dog determines his grooming needs. For mixed-breed dogs, look at specific traits, like hair and ear type. Your dog will definitely need general care of skin, coat, nails and ears. This means you will need the appropriate grooming tools to get the job done. In some cases, there are specific tools that can help make the job easier and more fun. Do you use any unique tools that make grooming your dog a more pleasant experience?
Photo © Kimberly Zwaagstra
Comments
We keep dog brushes in each bathroom since our dogs, especially our Aussie, like to be near us all the time. Everytime we use the bathroom, they eagerly await their brushing. This keeps their coats from getting matted since it’s done on a daily basis, but they still get a solid brushing on the weekends.
I have a pug who sheds copious amounts. He loves the rubber bristle brush, stands with his eyes closed. But I also use a furminator comb on him to get the undercoat and am amazed at the fur I remove. This is a weekly ritual. His floppy ears are cleaned twice a week to avoid ear infections, eyes rinsed daily because of the bulging eyes–he likes that. Teeth brushing is another story, does not like the paste no matter the flavor but I still manage to get the job done. Also give him a greenie every night to help keep his breath smelling nice.
The finer the coat hair, and faster the growth rate, the more often we groom. Often every 4-6 weeks is sufficient to maintain Maltese, Poodle, Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Coton, etc. Brushing between grooms is ESSENTIAL. Matted hair is painful, contributes to skin disease and parasites (i.e. fleas), and can lead to behavior problems as discomfort increases. Establish a good relationship with a well reputed groomer, and keep goin back ;]
I bathe my boxer, hound, retriever, and farm collie regularly. The cocker and shih tzu are groomed daily, cut monthly with a variety of clipper blades and scissors by a PROFESSIONAL. She also handles them and acclimates them to socializing with other dogs around and other people. She teaches them to tolerate restraint and groom techniques at the least; to trust and enjoy it at the best!