Dogs & Puppies Blog

Archive for August 22nd, 2010

If you own a dog then you will have to do some grooming to help keep your dog well kept and to protect your dog’s health. If you have a dog with short hair then you will have fewer grooming duties than someone with a long-haired dog. However, no matter the length of your dog’s coat, there are still basic grooming tasks that must be done on a regular basis, including nail and teeth care.

Nail Trimming

Every dog needs regular nail trimming. You can trim your dog’s nail yourself, hire someone to do it or have it done at your vet’s office. If you are cutting your dog’s nails then you need to use clippers specifically designed for cutting dog’s nails.

You also need to be very careful about not cutting them too far back. If you cut the nail too much, your dog could bleed severely. If you are not sure how to cut your dog’s nails then it is a good idea to have your vet show you how to do it.

Bathing

The frequency of bathing will really depend on a number of factors. Some breeds need more routine bathing than others. If your dog goes out of doors a lot then he may need bathing more than a dog that mainly stays inside.

Obviously, when your dog gets dirty you will want to give him a bath. Every dog should get bathed regularly, so create a schedule based on your dog’s specific needs so you can be sure he is getting bathed as needed.

Brushing

Brushing, like bathing, will depend a lot on the breed. Dogs with short hair may not need to be brushed too much. Dogs with longer hair may need brushing everyday. The reason for regular brushing is to reduce shedding and to keep the fur from becoming knotted or matted.

You want to brush your dog when he needs it. Watch his fur and be sure to brush him before you see tangles or excessive shedding.

Teeth Care

Some people will buy a modified brush to brush their dog’s teeth. This is not necessarily mandatory. Many people never brush their dog’s teeth. In most cases, your dog will get adequate teeth cleaning on his own.

However, if you feel your dog’s teeth needs extra care then you may want to consider buying a tooth brush or you can try out the dental chews that are on the market. These chews are made in a special way that helps clean the teeth as your dog gnaws on it.

Your dog needs a lot of care. That is why getting a dog is considered a responsibility. Like a child, a dog can’t care for himself. You have to step in and watch out for his well being by ensuring he is getting the grooming and care he needs. Just set a regular schedule and caring for your dog will become second nature. You won’t even think about it, you will just do it as part of your regular routine.