Basic Grooming Review

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Good grooming will help your dog look and feel his best as well as help him stay healthy. Routine grooming sessions also allow you to examine your dog’s coat, teeth, eyes, ears, and nails for signs of problems. How often you need to groom your dog depends on his size, breed, and type of coat.

Brushing - Several brushing sessions a week will keep the average dog neat and clean; daily attention is even better. Brush all the way down to the skin, letting the massaging action stimulate blood circulation and loosen and remove flakes of dandruff.

The kind of equipment you need depends on your dog’s coat texture and length. Longhaired dogs need pin brushes, which have long, round-ended stainless-steel or chrome-plated pins. Short-, medium-, and some long-coated breeds need bristle brushes. There are also slicker brushes for removing mats and dead hair; rubber curry combs to polish smooth coats and remove dead hair; clippers, stripping knives, rakes, hair dryers, and other grooming tools.

When brushing, always check for burrs and other stubborn plant material; mats, which most frequently form behind the ears and under the legs; and any cuts or scrapes on the skin itself.

All dogs shed, though some definitely shed more than others. Regular brushing will help keep shedding under control.

Bathing - Your dog should have regular, but not frequent, baths, depending on the breed and coat of your dog. Too-frequent washing removes natural oils and causes the coat to become dry and harsh.

When necessary, use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs. Stand the dog in a tub or basin, and put cotton balls in his ears and a couple of drops of mineral oil in his eyes. Wet the dog with warm water and apply shampoo from the neck back. After lathering and scrubbing, rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Rub vigorously with a towel (he’ll help you with vigorous shaking!), and then blow-dry if necessary. Comb or brush as required.

Nail Trimming - Nails must be kept short for the feet to remain healthy. Long nails interfere with the dog's gait, making walking awkward or painful. They can also break easily. This usually happens at the base of the nail, where blood vessels and nerves are located, and precipitates a trip to the veterinarian. If you can hear the nails clicking on the floor, they’re too long.

To trim your dog’s nails, use a specially designed clipper. Most have safety guards to prevent you from cutting the nails too short. You want to trim only the ends, before the “quick,” which is a blood vessel inside the nail. (You can see where the quick ends on a white nail, but not on a dark nail.) Clip only the hook-like part of the nail that turns down.

Many dogs dislike having their nails trimmed. You can make it a painless procedure by getting your dog used to having his feet handled in puppyhood. Start trimming gently, a nail or two at a time, and your dog will learn that you’re not going to hurt him.

If you accidentally cut the quick, stop the bleeding with some styptic powder. If you find it impossible to clip your dog’s nails, take him to a veterinarian or groomer.

Ear Cleaning - You should clean your dog’s ears once a month, more if he’s prone to ear problems. Clean the outer part of the ear only, using a damp cloth or a cotton swab soaked in mineral oil. Never force anything into the ear. Some dogs need the hair plucked just inside the ear to keep air circulating; ask your veterinarian if this is necessary for your dog.

Eye Cleaning - Clean slight discharges with a moist cotton ball. Do not put anything irritating in your dog’s eyes.

Tooth Brushing - Clean your dog’s teeth frequently with special toothbrushes and toothpaste desgined for dogs. If your dog balks at having his teeth brushed, get him used to it by rubbing his teeth and gums with your finger. Then put a little of the toothpaste on your finger and let him sniff and lick it; do the same with the toothbrush. Make sure to provide chew toys that will help clean his teeth. As your dog gets older, he may have a buildup of tartar that requires special cleaning by a veterinarian.

Anal Sacs - Anal sacs are located on each side of your dog’s anus; they are glands that exude scent when your dog has a bowel movement. If you notice your dog scooting along on his rear or licking or scratching his anus, he may have impacted anal sacs. Ask your veterinarian how to treat an anal sac problem.

By starting a basic weekly grooming habit with your dog now will not only help him or her to look their best but just may aid in the early discovery of many different health related issues that can develop as your dog gets older.

[BXRchic]

very good article.
But why the mineral oil in the eyes?
That's the only part I've never heard of before?
Just for lubrication?

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by BXRchic

very good article.
But why the mineral oil in the eyes?
That's the only part I've never heard of before?
Just for lubrication?

The mineral oil helps keep out the shampoo. No sting to the soap if it enters the eye this way.

[BXRchic]

Really?
I didnt know that! Thanks!

[vonissk]

I am glad to see the grooming article. As a professional groomer, I am often told "my dog doesn't need grooming" because it is a slick haired dog, for example. The truth is, all dogs need grooming, anal glands emptied, ears kept clean, etc. When I first started my business in this area, I had very few bath dogs and now I am getting more and more. Quick tip--in case you do cut your dog's nail to the quick and don't have bloodclotting powder, you can stick the nail into a bar of soap--it will also stop the bleeding. Minta

[BXRchic]

actually (I just learned this at the shelter that I volunteer at) regular flour can be used as a stypic too.

[FurryAngel33]

Very interestng

actually Some breeds of dog don't shed

they just loose some hair/JUST LIke humasn

[DarknessDivine]

I think I heard somewhere that some dogs blow hair? What does that mean?..lol

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by DarknessDivine

I think I heard somewhere that some dogs blow hair? What does that mean?..lol

Its actually whats known as a blown coat or you'll hear someone say their dog is blowing its coat. Blown coat is basically small tufts of dead coat ( fur ) some dogs when blowing their coat tend to look a little moth eaten.

[SizzleDog]

AMEN! I'm also a dog groomer, and it nice to see that there are a few groomers on here.

My girl grew up in a grooming parlor. We used to joke that it'd be awesome if we could train her to answer the phone - then we would have more time to groom the dogs! She's very used to grooming, having her whiskers and ears trimmed, nails dremeled, and various other nitpicky groomig procedures. Doens't mean that she likes it though!

Thought I'd add a few tips:
~ if you cut a quick and don't have styptic powder, flour or cornstarch works as well.
~ witch hazel is a great ear cleaning solution, and very cheap.
~ a good finishing spray can be made by mizing one part amber colored Listerine with 9 parts water. Put in a misting bottle and lightly apply!

[Carrie]

Yes, Listerine is good. I use that sometimes. But Lyric really prefers Old Spice. That's my Dad's favorite too. LOL.