Dog Grooming Tips

Regular dog grooming not only keeps your dog looking and smelling good, but also is an opportunity for you to bond with them and check up on their health and well-being. You should practice at least one form of dog grooming every day and whilst grooming check for signs of fleas, ticks, skin irritations, lumps and abnormalities, specifically focusing on their ears, eyes and teeth.

While you may find grooming sessions with your dog resembling something more of the likes of an all-out war zone, than a nice, mutually enjoyable bonding session, there are some simple tips you can follow to make it all that much easier:

• Get them started young: start regular grooming sessions when they are just a puppy to get them accustomed to being groomed. Ensure you regularly handle their ears and paws as these are often trouble spots later in life.

• Start with shorter grooming sessions and reassure/reward them often.

• Choose a grooming time when they are most likely to be relaxed such as after a meal or a long walk.

• Take note of where your dog likes to be combed and brushed (usually their tummies) and focus on these areas to turn grooming into their special treat.

• Give them a treat after each grooming session to reward good behaviour.

Combing & Brushing
Regular combing and brushing are important to help remove loose, tangled or matted hair and helps to keep the skin free of disease and parasites. It also helps distribute their natural oils more evenly to give them a nice shiny coat and defer fleas from settling grounds. Always brush or comb in the direction of the hair growth, starting at the head and working towards the tail and down each leg.

Bathing
Be sure to use a specially formulated dog shampoo. How often you bathe your dog will depend largely on their breed and whether you are using a medicated shampoo to treat a particular skin condition or flea shampoo. Regular bathing will remove unnecessary oils and help alleviate doggy dandruff.

Nail Clipping
Overgrown nails can make walking uncomfortable and even painful. When clipping be careful only to clip the tip of each nail and watch out for where the blood vessels are. Ask your vet to show you how if you are unsure. Make sure you use nail clippers that are specifically designed for dogs, whether they are the guillotine style, scissors or electric.

Teeth Brushing
Dogs need their teeth brushed daily to help prevent dental disease. Make sure you use a vet-approved toothbrush and toothpaste.