Grooming sessions can become a special bonding time between you and your dog, and are also a good opportunity to check on your dog’s health. Look carefully for signs of fleas, ticks, skin irritations, foxtails, stickers, lumps or sore spots. Check your dog’s ears, eye, and teeth. Even check between the toes regularly and consult your vet about any unusual finds.
Long-haired dogs need to be groomed daily, while shorthaired breeds may only need one session per week. Pick a time when your dog is relaxed, such as after talking a walk, and when you have sufficient time. It is important to make sure grooming will be a pleasurable experience for both of you.
Get your puppy accustomed to grooming early in life. Begin gradually by handling your puppy often, touching its ears and paws gently, even in between the toes. Start with short grooming sessions and reassure your pup constantly.
Learn where your dog likes to be combed and brushed – some areas may be more sensitive than others. Find that special spot your dog likes the most and grooming will soon become a special treat for your dog!
Regular brushing and combing will remove loose or matted hair, and helps keep the skin free of diseases and parasites such as fleas. Natural oils will be more evenly distributed to give your dog a nice shiny coat. Comb in the direction of hair growth the remove tangles.
Types of combs:
Fine-toothed combs are used for soft, thin or silky coats; medium-toothed combs are used for normal coats and wide-toothed combs are best for heavy and thick coats. Flea combs are very fine to remove parasites and flea dirt from the coat, and may also be used to comb the hair around the eyes. Rakes are ideal for removing dead undercoat hair in larger dogs with coarser and thicker coats, like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds.
Brushing:
Brush in the direction of hair growth, beginning at the head, and work towards the tail and down the legs. Brushing removes loose hair and daily brushing of long-haired and double-coated dogs removes dead hair from the undercoat to help prevent matting.
Types of brushes:
Slicker brushes are ideal for this purpose, but are also a good general brush for all breeds if used lightly. Pin Brushes, with rounded tips to prevent damage to the skin are good for dogs with long, fine hair such as Silky Terriers. They can also be used to fluff the coat by brushing against the direction of hair growth. Bristle brushes are good for dogs with very long coats, such as the Afghan, and help add shine to the short coat. Grooming mitts are also good for shorthaired breeds to add polish and shine once the loose hairs are removed.
Clipping your dog’s nails:
Keep your dog’s nails regularly trimmed by using nail clippers specially designed for dogs. Only clip the tip of each nail, being careful to stop short of the quick where the blood vessels are. Ask your vet to show you the correct technique the first time, especially if your dog has dark nails. Running your dog on concrete can also help keep the nails short in between nail trims by acting as a natural nail file.
Giving your dog a bath:
Bathe your dog as necessary with shampoos formulated for dogs only. Frequency depends on the breed of your dog and whether you are using a general shampoo or a medicated shampoo for skin conditions.
Following these simple grooming tips and occasionally having them professionally groomed will ensure that your pet’s coat will stay beautiful and possibly match their inner beauty as well.
Come in and meet the caring doctors and staff at VCA Highlands Animal Hospital, 3451 Elkhorn Blvd. North Highlands, CA 95660. 916-332-2845