DOG GROOMING TIPS

Regular grooming helps keep your dog clean and healthy, removing dirt, dead hair and mats. Below are dog grooming tips to help keep your dog smelling and feeling great:

1. Make Grooming a Pleasant Experience

Your puppy should be comfortable with you handling him so he is easy to groom and medicate when he is older. If you adopt an older dog, start slowly with short frequent sessions. Make brushing, bathing, nail trims and tooth brushing pleasant experiences with treats handy.

2. Brush First

It is important to brush and remove any tangles before a bath. Regular brushing helps remove dirt and distribute natural oils through the coat. Brush against the lay of the coat to add fluff.

3. Remove Tangles

Gently work on mats to prevent pulling and irritating the skin. Cutting through a larger mat carefully with a special mat tool can help breakup the mat so it can be removed in smaller sections.  

4. Bath Time

Wet your dog all the way to the skin and lather the body and legs with a mild dog shampoo. Then wash the head, keeping soap out of the eyes, ears and nose. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing the head, body, legs and foot pads completely. An additional conditioning rinse can help soothe dry, sensitive skin plus eliminate static and tangles, leaving the coat soft and easy to comb. Towel dry and, if desired, blow dry using the cool setting.

5. Trim Nails

You can keep your dog’s nails trimmed by using a standard nail file or emery board or by cutting with a dog nail clipper. Trim the tips, being careful to not cut into the quick. Keep Kwik Stop on hand in case of accidental bleeding.

6. Eyes and Ears

The waxy buildup around the outside of the ear can be removed with water or rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Depending on the breed of your dog, you may need to routinely wash its eyes and/or inner ears. ANIMART carries ear and eye washes made specifically for dogs and can show you how to clean your dog’s ears.

7. Teeth

Your dog can’t brush his own teeth. Periodontal disease is a common problem for dogs because many owners neglect dental care. There are many toothpastes, brushes, rinses and chews to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy.

8. Tools

Having the right tools for your dog will make grooming easier for both you and your dog. ANIMART carries a wide selection of brushes, slickers, clippers, combs and other grooming tools ideal for long hair, short hair, double coated, curly coats, large or small breeds.

9. Nutrition

Your dog’s diet affects the condition of its skin and coat. Changing to a high quality diet or adding a coat supplement can improve your dog’s coat within a few weeks. Some food allergies can also cause skin and coat problems. Many low-allergen formula diets are now available at ANIMART.

10. Health

Dog grooming time is a good time to observe your dog for fleas, ticks, cuts, ear infections and other health conditions requiring medical attention.