family characteristics
Regular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling their best, but it's also important for maintaining good health. If you choose to groom at home rather than opting for (often expensive) professional care, it's also an opportunity to test your pet for potential concerns.
A good grooming routine starts with the right tools. Consider the following suggestions from the Humane Society of the United States.
- dog nail clippers
- rubber bristle brush
- Dog-friendly toothbrushes and toothpaste
- dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner
- ball of yarn
- Blunt scissors or small clippers with guides
- microfiber towel
Nail clippers
Once your dog's nails are about to touch the ground, it's time to trim them, usually every three to four weeks. Trimming the lower part of the nail can help prevent foot pain and injury.
If your dog's nails are white, avoid cutting the “quick” part, the pink part that looks like white nails. If you cut it, blood will flow. If you have black nails, trim them little by little until you can see the nail marks.
bathing and brushing teeth
The frequency of bathing and brushing will depend on your dog's coat type. Be sure to research the best grooming schedule based on your dog's breed. In general, the Humane Society of the United States recommends the following guidelines:
- Short, smooth, or spiky coat: Brush once a week with a rubber-bristle brush.
- Long, silky or curly coat: Brush once daily with a rubber bristle brush or wire slicker brush. If necessary, use a steel comb to prevent tangles and mats.
- Double coat: In addition to a regular brushing routine, use an undercoat rake or shedding tool to gently remove shedding once a week.
When bathing, use a shampoo formulated for dogs and a damp cloth or cotton ball to clean around the eyes and ears without pushing anything into the eyes or ears. Dry with a microfiber towel or hair dryer on a low setting.
cut the fur
Work carefully and slowly to avoid mistakes and keep your dog calm and comfortable. Brush, bathe, and dry thoroughly before cutting the fur with blunt scissors or small clippers with a guide comb. Trim hair especially between the eyes, genitals, and paw pads. To ensure success, it may be helpful to watch tutorials online.
dentifrice
Brushing your dog's teeth with a soft toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste will help prevent gum disease and plaque buildup. Make sure your pet is comfortable, stay on the outer surface of the tooth, and begin rubbing slowly back and forth. Pay attention to the area where the tooth surface meets the gums.
To find more pet health advice, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy: Unsplash
Source: eLivingtoday.com
