Dog Grooming

Your dog will require bathing from time to time. Dogs do clean themselves to the best of their ability. Regardless of if the pet is kept indoors or outdoors, it will need a bath!

To determine how often to bath your dog, do a little research on the breed. I have a beagle and a redbone. My beagle should have a bath once a month. This in addition to regular brushing and possibly a dry bath. However, my redbone can be bathed less often. His coat is always beautiful, and he smells good, it sounds funny but we call him the ” Pumpkin Pie Puppy”, as he smells sweet, spicy and like pumpkin always.

It is easy to clean a small dog in your kitchen sink. Medium sized dogs can be placed in a bath tub with little effort. Large breeds are a lot more difficult to bath. If you have a large dog, you will want help to safely place your dog in your bath tub. Your dog will be fine, it is the act of getting him in the bath that is difficult. If you are assertive, calm and in control your dog will cooperate with you. If you find the bathing process to be too difficult, enlist the service of a professional groomer.

You must keep in mind that your dog will not need a hot bath. Some breeds can suffer skin damage from hot water. Dog shampoo is fine to use. Don’t use soap on your dog! Soap will dry out the dogs coat. Bubble bath is great as an alternative to soap, as bubble bath does not contain soap. Bubble bath is available in so many fantastic scents, you can have a uniquely scented dog! I love Avon bubble bath for my dogs.

Also pay attention to not get anything in the dogs eyes, and gently clean his ears. As you are finished with the bath, place your dog on a towel, or assist the dog from the bath tub. Make sure you get your dog really dry, and you probably won’t want to go for a walk immediately, as your dog will want to roll around and get dirty again. Chances are after the bath, you will have a happy, frisky dog. Be prepare for lots of running and playing. After your dog has exhausted himself from running around, you might be able to trim the nails easily. You must be careful not to cut the quick, or where the veins in the nail are. You should either pick up the clippers designed for a dogs nail, pay a groomer , or your vet to clip the nails safely. If you cut too far, your dog will bleed from his nail. In some instances, dogs have bled to death from this kind of injury.

If you maintain a regular grooming schedule, your dog will not fight you. Bathtime should be a fun event, not torture.

If youre like most dog owners, you not only want to look good but you also want your canine companion to look good too. The key to having a dog that looks good is to make sure that he is clean, healthy, and properly groomed. However, professional dog grooming can be quite expensive. In fact, the typical groomer charges a whopping $25 or more to wash, dry and cut the fur of a small Poodle. I don’t know about you but that is a lot of money for such a small dog. Heck, for me to go to the beauty shop costs only $30 for a full service style. So, what can a concerned dog owner do? You can groom your dog yourself and save a ton! In this brief article, I’ll teach you how to successfully groom your precious dog.

First of all, you have to purchase the right supplies. Here are some things youll need:

- The right dog shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for your dog. For instance, if you have a white dog and want to keep his coat shiny and bright then you should purchase shampoo and conditioner specifically for white haired dogs. On the same token, puppies should have tear-free puppy shampoo.

Dog comb and brush (A mason or slicker brush works great for long haired dogs).

- Electric clippers and clipper blades for dogs

- Doggie nail clippers

- Doggie toothpaste

- Doggie treats

- Towels, cotton balls, alcohol or other drying agents to ensure that your dog doesnt get an ear infection.

Second, groom your dog about once a week. If you have a puppy, start grooming him while he is young so that he gets used to the grooming process. During your grooming session, carefully evaluate your dog to ensure that hes healthy. For instance, you should check his ears for signs of infection, evaluate him for lumps, check his limbs, paws, and other body parts.

Third, trim your dogs nails while making sure that they are long enough to touch the ground when he is walking. To trim his nails, you must put him in a comfortable position and then extend each nail while looking for the quick (the part of the nail that gets darker). Be extremely careful not to trim close to the quick. With darker nails, it will be harder to see the quick so make sure that you use adequate light.

Fourth, comb and brush out your dog from the top of your dog’s head all the way to the tail. If you come across any mats, you can gently comb them out. If they are too bad, you may have to shave him or have them removed by a professional. Either way, youll need to comb him thoroughly before washing.

Fifth, you should shampoo him with your favorite doggie shampoo. To do so, put cotton in his ears to make sure that you dont get water or soap inside his ear canal. If you have a long haired dogs or one that is prone to ear infections, you may want to put in a prescribed drying agent which youll put inside his ears to help dry out any left over moisture. Next, youll put your dog in a shallow tub and add warm water. Carefully put on the shampoo and keep the water and shampoo out of his eyes. Youll then gently lather him up, rinse him off and then put on conditioner and repeat the entire process. During rinsing, make sure that no residue remains which will prevent dry, flaky or irritated skin.

Sixth, dry him off with a warm towel or a blow dryer. If you use a blow dryer, use a low heat setting so that you dont burn him. Also, steer clear of his eyes and use your brush and comb while drying him off.

Once hes dry, brush his teeth. To do so, put a bit of doggie toothpaste in his mouth, run your fingers along his gums and then repeat gently with the doggie toothbrush being careful not to brush too vigorously. Work the teeth and the gum lines.

Last but not least, give your dog a yummy treat for surviving his home grooming procedure. This will reward him for his participation and help him look forward to these types of grooming sessions in the future.

In conclusion, you can professionally groom your dog at home. You simply have to be willing to take your time and have the right supplies. Once you do this, youll have the best looking dog on the block and a wad full of cash as well from all the money you saved from doing it yourself.

There are many different breeds of dogs out there. The choices are too numerous to count. With each breed of dog you also have different colors of coat they will have, and the texture of their coat. Some dogs have short hair while others have long. Some breeds have a straight coat, while others are wavy or curly.

Tamming the Curls

No matter which dog you choose, you will need to know how to properly groom them. If you have a dog that has a wavy or curly coat, you will want to know how to take care of their coat properly. A dog with a curly or wavy coat will take more time and attention to keep looking good than a dog with straight hair.

When caring for a dog with curly hair you will want to make sure you keep the coat a good length. If you let the coat get too long it will get tangled easily, and twigs and debris will get stuck in it. This is especially important to people who show their dog, or use their dog for hunting. It is easier for your dog to be helpful while hunting if he has a coat that is well maintained.

Cutting the Curls

Most curly haired dogs will need to have their coat cut. Two inches is the best length for the dogs coat. It does take time and practice to master cutting your dogs hair. Some people choose just to use a buzzer, this is an easy fast way of cutting your dogs coat. Others choose to use a scissor, which takes more practice. If your dog is going to be in dog shows you may want to take them to a place that specializes in dog grooming.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when grooming your dogs coat yourself, or between visits to the dog groomer. First you will want to make sure you brush the dogs entire coat to get rid of as dead coat as you can, this also gets rid of the tangles. A pin brush and or slicker brush usually work the best for this. Next you will want to use a comb to make sure you get every tangle. To ensure that you do not rip any hair out you will want to take your time.

After you are sure you have removed all the dead hair, and the tangles you are ready to proceed with the cutting. The first thing you will want to do is remove any extra hair. Remember you should leave the hair about two inches long, and it should be a pretty even cut. Now you will want to proceed to the foot, and the foot pads. You will want to cut any excess hair from between the paws, the make the paw blend in with the leg hair.

After you have finished with the legs and paws you are ready to continue towards the torso. You will want to make sure you cut off excess fuzz, and shape the hair in a way that flatters your breed of dog. You will want to make sure you take your time and do a good job. Stop periodically to look at you work. Having a picture of your breed of dog will be a big help. This way you have an idea of what you are going for.

After cutting your dogs hair you will want to give your dog a bath. After the bath all you need to do is towel dry your dog. By towel drying you are allowing the dogs natural curls to show. This will look much better than if you try and blow dry it.

The “Bassett Hound dog breed has been around since the mid 1800′s. The breed originated in Paris, France. Some believe that George Washington owned a Bassett hound that was given to him as a gift after the American Revolution. In which he used as a hunting dog to gather his meals of rabbits and squires.

Physical Appearance

The Bassett Hound is a short dog with a long body. The average male’s height varies from 12 to 16 inches and he weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. The average female’s height varies from 10 1014 inches and she weighs between 45 and 60 pounds.

The Basset Hound breed have large heads with a rounded skull and their muzzle is parallel to the skull of the dog. The ears are flat and large and meet at the top of the nose and their brown eyes and their gentle expression gives them a cute and innocent look.

Basset hounds have a short coat that is smooth but it is possible to find dogs of this breed with rough coats. Tri colored Basset Hounds sporting black, white and tan coats are most popular followed by red or honey and white. It is possible to find grey or blue Basset Hounds but this is an undesired and rare color if you want this breed for showing.

Basset hounds need to be brushed several times a week, they shed almost constantly. Weekly bathing and nail clipping is also important for keeping them looking their best especially if you show the dog.

Social Behavior

The Basset hound is a gentle dog with a calm and composed nature. They are devoted and peaceful and make excellent family pets and good companions for older children, who would not be tempted to pick the dog up by its large floppy ears. Training this breed with food is recommended as they can be lazy and down right stubborn.

Since they were originally bred to be hunting dogs they have a few unique qualities such as an excellent sense of smell and tracking capabilities. Once they pick up on a smell getting and holding their attention can be near impossible.

The breed loves to eat and will often overate and due to their sedentary tendency they need to be walked a couple of times a day and encourage to play fetch and other games that will allow them to burn off the extra food they consumed.

Reproduction

Taking your female Basset to a veterinary doctor is the best way to ascertain that your dog is pregnant or in false labor as many female Basset Hounds goes through false labor at various stages of their pregnancy.

The gestation period of a Basset Hound ranges from 60 to 66 days. Female Basset Hounds are known to often give birth to large litters of 14 puppies but the majority of Basset female’s produce of puppies per litter.

This breed should have regular vet care during the pregnancy especially if you are not certain when she became pregnant to avoid any problems due to their tendency of going into false labor.

The Basset Hound has an average life span of 10 to 12 years and in many cases if the dog is not feed and exercised properly their life span will be considerably shorter. The main health problem with this breed is obesity.

The breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1885 which makes it one of the oldest dog breeds.

Poodles in general (there are three size varieties) are the epitome of elegance. The Standard Poodle is the tallest. Those long-legged, fancily-clipped dogs that were once seen on every cat-walk alongside similarly long-legged, beautifully dressed models are highly intelligent and highly trainable.

There is some dispute about the poodle’s origins. France, Germany, Denmark all lay claims to the poodle but France is now officially recognised as its birthplace. Western Europe has known of the poodle for at least 400 years. Originally a gundog used to retrieve waterfowl, various sources state it as being descended from the Barbet (a French water dog), the Portuguese Water Dog and/or the Irish Water Spaniel. The Hungarian Water Hound may also have played a part in its development. Pudel’ is a German word for one who plays in water’. His great popularity in France led to him being known as the French Poodle’ although in France itself he is known as the Caniche’ or duck dog. His attractiveness, elegance and trainability made him popular for stage acts and as a circus performer.

The poodle was introduced to North America around the end of the 19th century becoming popular after World War II. Around the mid 50s, it became one of the most popular breeds in the US and remained so for 20 years. Today his main occupations are in obedience and agility trials and as a companion and show dog.

Bas-reliefs (1st century), Roman sculptures and 15th century paintings all depict poodles. Toy and miniature poodles were bred down from the bigger dog, known today as the Standard Poodle.

The various clipping patterns had a practical use when the dogs were used for retrieving water fowl. Clipping the thick coat allowed easier movement through the water but patches of fur were left as protection for vital organs. Bracelets of hair left on the leg joints helped protect them from sharp reeds and from the cold. It is believed that wearing a ribbon on the topknot was first introduced to enable an owner to identify his own dog when dogs were working in the water.

For show purposes, the Standard Poodle must be over 15 inches at the withers (the highest point of the shoulders). The average height ranges between 21 to 27 inches with females being generally at the shorter end of the scale. Weight may range from 45 to 65 pounds and life expectancy is from 11 to 14+ years.

To achieve the prized square appearance the length from breast to rump should approximately

Ear cleaning is one of the most overlooked aspects of dog grooming, therefore its no surprise that many dogs will develop ear infections over the course of their lives. Some breeds are particularly prone to this, such as the cocker spaniel or any of the breeds that have long hanging ears. One of the main reasons for this is that there is poor air flow under the ear flap, causing moisture and bacteria to cultivate. Conversely, dogs with small ears can be prone to swimmer’s ear, when water all to easily flows into the ear canal. It is very important to pay attention to the ears as part of the regular grooming process.

In order to clean the ears, have the following items on hand.

1. A sturdy table with a bathmat or other rubber matting placed on top.

2. Cotton balls- Q-tips or cotton swabs will NOT do.

3. Ear cleaning solution from a pet store or groomers.

4. A soft cloth such as a microfibre cloth

5. Some organic dog treats.

Steady the dog

Place your dog on a sturdy table with a bathmat on it that won’t slip. This is an important step as you do not want to groom your dog on the floor and risk strain and injury to your back. When a dog is groomed on the floor, it has all the power to move away from you and this can also cause injury to the dog, if it tries to move away while you are swabbing out the ear you could accidently slip and injure the eardrum so always put the dog on a table where he is less likely to struggle. If your dog is big and can’t be lifted, you can place his paws on the table and lift his back end up. He should move his legs forward as you hoist him up. Or you can enlist the help of a friend. If he is unable to be lifted then your only option may be the floor. Put his leash on and attach it to a fixed object. Put your dog up against a wall and pull up a chair to his other side. This should hold him steady so you can work on him.

Assess the ear condition

Gently open the ear flap and assess what you see. Smell the inside of the ear. Does it smell yeasty or sour? Is it oozing yellow green or brown matter? Is the ear inflamed? If so this could indicate an ear infection. If there is a black tar like substance, that can indicate ear mites. If you discover anything amiss, consult a vet before proceeding with the cleaning. If the ear looks dirty without an offensive smell then this is a healthy ear and is ready to be cleaned by you.

Hair in the Ear Canal

While cleaning your dog’s ears you may notice that he has a lot

Dog fleas are an unwanted nuisance to both the dog, and their owner. Fleas will cause irritation to your dogs skin, and to you. To prevent your dog from getting fleas there are a few different things you can do.

One thing you can do is talk to your vet and see what they suggest you use. There are many products available, so your vet will probably have a better idea of what will work best for you. The age of your dog will also affect what type of flea prevention you can use. Puppies cannot use the same type of flea protection as older dogs can use.

One method you can try is the dog flea spray. You can get this spray at the store, or through your vet. You will spray your dog so that it kills the fleas, and prevents them from multiplying. You do need to make sure you follow the instructions on how much, and how often you dog will need to be sprayed.

Another method is the flea collar. You can find the collars at the store as well as the vet, by putting the collar on your dog it is supposed to kill any flea that bites him. If your dog does not like collars you can also try flea drops with the drops you just put the correct amount on your dogs neck. You will need to use the correct amount for the size of dog you have. Read the instructions so that you get the right size, and so that you know how often to apply the drops.

Another way to prevent fleas is to use flea shampoo. The shampoo will kill any fleas that are already on your dog. You will need to make sure you bath your dog frequently to ensure the fleas do not come back. When bathing your dog you should keep him in the warm water for about fifteen minutes. The water will drown the fleas off of your dog. You should use a cooled mixture of boiled water with rosemary for the areas of your dog that were not submerged in water, this is also a great way to keep your dog smelling good.

If these methods do not seem to be working you can also take your dog to the vet and have them do a flea dip. This may cost more, but will be worth it if you keep your dog and house free of dog fleas.

With all these methods you will want to watch out for skin irritation. Some of these products can cause skin irritation, especially in younger dogs and much older dogs. You will also want to make sure you keep up on the treatment you have chosen, and keep checking to make sure there are no fleas. As soon as spring hits start your dog on his flea treatment.

Rubba Dub Dub a dog in a tub

Keeping my dogs clean is not my favorite chore, but as they are all three indoor dogs, regular baths for each of them is a must. Knowing this was always going to be the case, one of the first things I requested when we built our house ten years ago was a utility sink in the garage. For years I hunched, sore shoulders and back over a bath tub to wash the dogs, or when desperate, even brought them in the shower with me. Bathing the dogs in the utility sink in the garage, though still a pain in the neck, is much more bearable for all of us.

I’ve bathed hundreds of dogs over the years, be it my own, my friends and families, or shelter dogs. Though I wouldn’t classify myself as a professional dog groomer, I have learned a few tricks over the years.

First, try to make it a positive experience for your dog. Give him a good brushing first to remove any foreign objects from his fur. Use lukewarm water and be sure to keep the water from out of his eyes and talk in soothing tones to him during the bath. If he struggles, tell him No!” firmly but not in a mean tone. It’s best to have everything ready and in easy reach and of course, don’t forget a fluffy towel to dry him off! I use flea and tick shampoo year round because we live in a warmer client. I also keep a conditioner on hand which keeps their fur soft and shiny. It also helps to keep their skin from getting dry. If your dog has chronic skin infections or dry skin, you can buy medicated shampoo from your veterinarian. Only use shampoos and conditioners made for dogs as human shampoos can be too acidic. If your dog really hates a bath, try giving him a treat before and after. Then he’ll associate it with something nice.

Once the bath is over it’s play time. Our dogs love to run around the house and shaking themselves like an agitator in a washing machine. I like to play with them because they are so full of joy and excitement. As soon as they’ve settled and are a bit dryer, I let them outside to do their business if they need to. If it’s a sunny and warm day, they often like to stay out and sun bathe for awhile.

In the warm months I try to wash the dogs every week, but when it’s cold I found that if I keep them brushed we can go a month or so without a bath. Another trick I’ve used over the years is to take a Bounce dryer sheet and wipe their fur down with it. It keeps them smelling like fresh laundry. Don’t forget to wipe down the pads of their feet but stay away from their eyes. Also, if you keep what I’ll call their “nether regions” clipped and clean your dog will stay smelling nice a lot longer. You can also buy wet wipes at pet stores that will help keep your dog’s face clean and wipe off mud or whatever nasty thing they get into when you don’t have the time to bathe them.

If your dog continues to smell it could be associated with an ear, skin or anal infection. Please consult your veterinarian immediately for proper treatment.

Dogs love to roll in any stinky thing they can find from animal droppings, to rubbish, to smelly fish or decaying animal carcasses. The more they stink the better they smell in their opinion. But since they have to coexist with us, I’m afraid we’re all going to have to get used to regular baths, like it or not.

Shuka-Latonka is her given name. I call her Suzie. She is a three-legged white Arctic wolf. Suzie came to me at the age of 10, and has had quite a life. I am the third human that she has owned. She is intelligent, elegant, and beautiful. She is quite a lady.

Before Suzie came to live with our family, I truly believed that wolves should not be domesticated. Now however, I feel differently on the matter. She is my constant companion. Every morning she eagerly awaits our departure for work. Yes, she goes to work with me. As we pull into the Animal Hospital parking lot she gives a howl of anticipation. I am a dog groomer and this is how we found each other. Suzie had been one of my clients for a few years. When her original owner had passed away at a young age and quite unexpectedly. The owners mother took ownership of Suzie, but was having trouble taking care of her due to her own health issues. Knowing the bond that Suzie and I have, her owner asked if I would take her. At first I was uneasy with the idea, being that I had two dogs already and children. We set up a trial week-end to get a feel for the compatibility of the situation. By the end of the week-end my mind was made up. She stays. Suzie has a loving touch with children. And not just my own. She truly is a gentle soul. The friendship we share is unlike any other. She feels what I feel, and works hard to try to help. We have now lived together for nearly two years. I try not to think of the day when she will no longer be with me.

Owning a wolf is not for everyone. It is important to know and understand the language and behaviors of wolves. To respect their abilities and capabilities. It is important to a wolf to have an alpha to answer to, to work for. It is unfortunate that people will obtain one just because they think it’s cool, or neat, and then they discover they cannot handle them. As with any animal, do the research on the specific needs, behaviors and dispositions before making them a member of your family. It is key that the lifestyles match, and the knowledge of care is present. Understand the wolf before you let one adopt you!

What, I need to take a bath?

I have one of those dogs who hates to have a bath! He only hears the word and the chase is on. And, keep in mind – he’s a little guy – 8 lbs and he hides everyplace to avoid that sink!

I use a good conditioning shampoo (Hartz typically) and make sure that I wet him thoroughly before I use a drop of it.

To make it less traumatic I take a large plastic cup and mix about 3 parts water to 1 part shampoo – this way I don’t have to keep running the water over him to get the lather built up.

I start at his scruff (he’s got a ton of hair there!) and I then proceed down his belly and across his back at the same time – I talk to him the entire time – trying to convince him that no dog ever died from a bath!

Once I’m certain that I’ve shampooed thoroughly I spend a good 5-7 minutes rinsing (that’s what drys out the skin – if you leave shampoo in there!).

For water temperature I talked to my vet who suggested about the same temperature you’d use for a child. So if it’s comfortable on the inside of my wrist it’s ok for him.

I do all of this in the kitchen sink and use the veggie hose to rinse him off. A big fluffy bath towel waits when he comes out – note: if you dry their feet first for some reason it’s not so traumatic – go figure!

Then when he’s almost all dry I go ahead and brush him (again not his favorite thing) and talk to him the entire time.

It’s not fun for either of us, but hopefully it’ll get better.

The vet recommended every 6-8 weeks but personally I prefer every 2-3.Taking care of that fur – Eww wet and matted fur – No FUN! Once upon a time we washed our dogs with our garden hoses and used any old thing to wash them (like a bar of soap). Unfortunately, this might not have been the best alternative as it probably disrupted their normal pH and created all sorts of skin problems for the dogs. It’s important that we use products that are designed for our dogs and here are some highlights to think about.

Shampoo

With so many different types of dog shampoo out there, what in the world do we get to wash our pups these days? There are flea shampoos, dandruff shampoos, conditioning shampoos, and let’s not forget all the wonderful scented shampoos (ranging from fruit to mint)… the list goes on and on.

Before you purchase any dog shampoo, read all of the instructions! And when you do finally find one and use it, be sure to rinse your dog thoroughly to prevent drying out their skin (or causing dandruff). Failure to rinse thoroughly