dog grooming

Regular grooming to your dog is the basic thing every owner should learn. It will make your dog look great and happy.

Here are some simple but useful tips. I summarize it into point form so its easier to remember.

1. Every dog should be groomed once a week.

2. Basic equipment: dog brush, nail clippers, cotton swabs, dog shampoo.

3. While grooming, check the overall condition of your dog’s skin, eyes, ears, coat and teeth.

4. Make the grooming session as pleasant and enjoyable for you and your pet as possible.

5. Brush the coat before bathing your pup. Brushing will eliminates mats, tangles, removes dead hair and dirt. Brushing also distributes the natural oils that helps to produce healthy skin tone.

6. After brushing, check your dogs ears. Flop-eared dogs can be prone to ear infections so you’ll want to check your long-eared dog often. A simple ear cleaning solution can be made with one part white vinegar to one part water. Dip a cotton ball or swab in the mixture and wipe out your dogs ears. Use a separate swab for each ear to avoid cross contamination should she have an ear infection.

7. Nails should be clipped on a regular basis. Overly long nails will hurt your pet’s paw. Cut till the nails are short enough when your dog can stand squarely on her pads with the nails bearing none of her weight.

8. Brushing your dog’s teeth promotes healthy teeth and gums. You can make a natural toothpaste with baking soda and water. Wrap your finger in some gauze and dip it in the baking soda paste to gently clean your dog’s teeth. If your dog has a lot of tarter and plaque build-up, consider getting her teeth professionally cleaned before embarking on your own daily tooth cleaning routine.

9. Try to choose the natural dog shampoo. Don’t use human shampoo on your dog because the pH of her skin is very different.