My Best Friends Health, My Dog!

Regular Brushing

We all need a bit of grooming. Regular brushing helps eliminate tangles and mats as well as helps your dog get accustomed to being handled. You should begin puppy grooming as soon as you bring your little guy home. It gives you the chance to check for ticks and fleas, lesions, lumps and changes in his skin and coat. It also allows you to get to know your pet and how his coat/skin should feel when it is healthy.

There are several types of brushes. Pin brushes are good for removing tangles but can be uncomfortable for grooming shorthaired dogs. You don't want the hurt the little guys.

Slicker brushes have fine, closely spaced wires that are usually hooked or bent; they're good all-purpose brushes for removing mats, loose hair and debris.

Bristle brushes and metal combs are used in the final grooming step for longhaired dogs, leaving their hair sleek, smooth and shiny. A bristle brush may be the only brush you'll need for a shorthaired dog.

Work slowly and in small sections to detangle, remove debris or dead hair. For tough tangles, work in small sections, praising your dog a break every few minutes and being careful not to tug at or tear the hair as your pup will not appreciate this.

Give plenty of praise during the brushing process and reward your dog with a treat when you're finished. He will enjoy the process eventually and will remind you to brush him regularly!

First the grooming and now for the bath! Jake hates getting a bath, but loves the fresh feeling when it is over!

Starting with the body, pour some soap onto your dog then massage the soap into a lather, praising him as you go. When his body is lathered, move to his head, carefully keeping shampoo out of his eyes, ears and mouth.

Rinse your dog's head first, then his body until the water runs clear and then dry thoroughly.

Thoroughly dry your dog with towels. Jake loves this part, getting a rub down with fluffy towels. If your dog has healthy skin, you can dry him with a hair dryer set on low or warm temperature.

Smaller dogs such as poodles and schnauzers can be bathed every two or three weeks, except in the winter when once a month will probably do. Larger dogs, such as Dalmatians and Labradors need bathing several times a year. Of course, if your pet is dirty or smells, regardless of when it was last bathed, give him a bath!

Jake hates to have his nails cut, but since we live on a dirt road, his nails don't get worn down naturally on the pavement any longer. Proper foot care will keep your dog safe and help prevent unnecessary pain and infection later on. Most dogs don't like to have their feet handled so go slow, one paw at a time and make foot handling a part of playtime.

Only trim only the hook end of the nail. Do not clip a nail too short as it can be painful and may cause bleeding. Frequent trimming of a small amount of nail is better than waiting until the nail is long. Never trim into the quick, or the pink portion, which is the live portion of the nail.

Jake loves to have his ears rubbed so ear care is usually the easiest grooming task. If your dog does not have ear problems then ear cleaning needs to be done once every few weeks. Bath time is easiest time.

Just clean the outer area of your dog's ears with a cotton swab or cotton ball with a bit of water or baby oil. Use an ear-cleaning solution which you can get from your vet or pet supply store to clean inside the ears to soften and remove wax.

Rub the bottle of solution between your palms which will warm it somewhat, then squirt the prescribed amount into your dog's ear canal, massaging the base of his ear. Remove any dirt or wax with a dry cotton ball or swab.

Dental Care

Jake definitely does not appreciate having his teeth brushed, but it is an important part of his overall health care. It is easier than you think to keep your dog's teeth clean. A start is a good diet of foods, particularly dry food. There are lots of snacks that are designed to help scrape away plaque.

Ideally you should brush your dog's teeth at least once a week by using a doggy toothbrush, gauze or a fingertip sleeve (made especially for brushing your dogs' teeth) and doggy toothpaste, gently rub the outsides of your dog's teeth and gum line.

It is a good idea to have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned by their veterinarian every year or so. If left unattended, debris, tartar and bacteria under the gum line can cause major dental problems.

Your best friend will appreciate the extra attention and good grooming habits. The grooming will contribute to a long and healthy life for your dog. Along with plenty of praise and encouragement along the way, make grooming a part of his regular playtime routine. Your pet will be a happier and healthier pet because of your special efforts.