Dog Grooming

Bathing your dog helps to keep it healthy as well as clean. Bathing helps reduce the amount of flea repellents you need to use as well as prevents hotspots, a potentially serious problem for your best friend.

Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin and coat so only one bath a month is recommended by experts.

Brush the dog before giving it a bath. Be sure to get all tangles and matts out because the water will make it worse. If a comb or brush cannot remove all the matts use a conditioner or detangler if necessary.

Gather up what items you need before you start the bath: A brush, comb, collar and leash, shampoo, face cloth, and several towels.

If bathing the dog in the bathtub, use a safety mat. A hand held shower or pail for applying water and rinsing. Use a dog shampoo which is formulated for the pH of a dogs skin. Human shampoos can strip a dog’s coat of essential oils.

Use warm, but not hot, water.

Avoid getting water and shampoo in the eyes and ears. Use a washcloth to wash the dogs face. Do not get water or soap in the eyes or ears!!

Be sure to rinse all the shampoo and conditioner off the dog. If you leave any of this on the dog, it will get itchy skin.

If using a tub, open the drain and let the water drain. To dry, put a towel over the head. Use another towel to dry off its back and legs. Then gently rub or pat with the towel. If your dog is long-haired don’t rub vigorously because you can put mats back in the coat.

To finish use a blow dryer on the lowest setting and hold at a distance so the dog receives only warm air. Use a dryer only if your dog isn’t afraid of the noise. To some dogs, the dryer is much worse than the bath.

Miniature Pinschers normally have short hair so they do not need to be groomed as often as other dog breeds. The one problem that people usually have with Miniature Pinschers are that they shed quite a bit. You end up with short but corse hairs all over the place and most Miniature Pinschers are black, so you have short black corse hair everywhere! It can become pretty overwhelming after a while if you do not know how to properly groom them. The best way to keep this potential mess at bay is to give your miniature Pinscher a bath with a desheeding shampoo. YOu need to make sure that you work it well into the hair and skin so that the undercoat is penetrated and you are able to get the most hair that will be faling out out before rinsing. This is one of the best ways to to keep them groomed because they are less likely to need major grooming as time goes by. The other item that I would suggest for you to get is a grooming glove. The combs are good to, but are usually for dog breeds with longer and thinner hair. The glove allows you to pet the dog or animal and get the excess fur instead of having to keep them still and rake a comb through their fur. Plus, the brisalls on the gloves are usually short and they will not cause harm to the skin as would a long bristalled comb. These 2 things are probably the best 2 items you can get for a Miniature Pinscher to keep them groomed. They don’t really need much more than that!

Some Miniature Pinschers have major issues with heir skin. Some have really bad dandruff while others may have what they call mange, which is caused by tiny mites on and under the skin. If your Miniature Pinscher have Dandruff, there are Shampoos out there especially made to fight dandruff, some say that oatmeal shampoo is one of the best you can give them and would be used in the place of your normal dog shampoo. After a few washings you should notice a reduction in the amount of dandruff that you see. If you suspect that your Miniature Pinscher has mange, you should go to the vet and have them examined. The vet should be able to tell you whether they do or not. If they do, you can get treatments that you put on the skin to kill the mites that cause the mange. The amount of time it takes to cure depends or the severity of the situation, but should not take long!

There maybe other problems that may cause your miniature Pinscher to smell even after freshly grooming and although it may be mange, you should have any other problems that you see looked at by your local vet. They would be able to tell you every thing that you need to know and may be able to work you through the process to fix the problem!

Every dog needs a grooming routine, as a vital part of keeping healthy.

A dog’s grooming needs will differ according to the breed, age and health issues, but regular attention will help to detect and prevent problems like runny eyes, ear and skin problems, flea infestation, and overgrown/in growing nails. For dogs that receive a regular professional groom maintenance is important between visits, it is amazing how quickly a dogs coat can become a matted mess.

If you own a puppy, you may wonder when you should start grooming him/her. I would advise starting as soon as possible, to get your puppy used to the regime. A little gentle brushing every day with an appropriate brush or comb will get the pup used to being handled and give you a chance to check the mouth, ears, anal area and nails. It is useful to stand your dog on a table while grooming, a dog will usually stand more quietly that way, and it makes things easier for the groomer, but keep hold of the dog for safety’s sake. It may be useful to invest in a Dog / cat Grooming Table , which is built for the purpose, and should have a textured surface to offer more grip, and a control arm with loops. Safety comes first-if using a neck loop it is advisable to pass a second loop around the dog’s belly, and in any case, never leave a dog unattended on the table. Teach your dog to stand for grooming, using clicker or treat training, and you will have fewer problems later on. You will also be amazed at how a few minutes per day spent handling and grooming your pet will make such a difference in how he interacts with the family!

Choosing the right grooming tools is important -what may be great for one dog, could be totally unsuitable for another

. For short coated breeds like the Labrador retriever the best tools massage the skin and bring out dead hair and dandruff, the ZoomGroom and the Furminator are good examples of this.

. For medium double-coated breeds like the German Shepherd and Collie, you need a brush that will penetrate the coat more deeply. A slicker brush is ideal, accompanied by a comb.When the dog has been thoroughly brushed with the slicker, run the comb through the whole coat, checking for tangles, that way you can be sure the dog is groomed all the way to the skin. A Furminator or shedding rake can be useful for these breeds too-it is great for heavily shedding dogs, getting every last dead hair out till the coat shines with health.

For single coated, non shedding breeds like the Bichon Frise,and any breed of dog that is clipped, a slicker and comb is my recommendation, with perhaps a pin brush for sensitive areas.

For wire coated and hand stripped dogs i.e. Airedale, Fox Terrier, use a slightly blunted stripping knife, a Furminator or ZoomGroom, and a slicker brush.

Dog shampoo should also be chosen carefully as the right products can really aid your pets health and well being. If your dog’s coat is prone to tangling, use a good quality conditioner as well, which will not only make brushing easier, but also will speed up drying time for you, and keep your dogs coat and skin in good condition. Choose products that fulfil the needs of your dog’s coat and skin type.

Pet dogs can be washed regularly – you can use your judgement on how often, shampooing with the proper products should not harm your dog’s coat or skin. Skin problems are far more likely to be associated with diet and environmental factors than by regular bathing. It is wise to remove any tangles or knots before bathing, as water can cause them to tighten.

If, for whatever reason, the grooming regime has been temporarily abandoned, and your pet has knots that cannot be brushed out, then seek professional help from a groomer, as tugging at the hair will only cause pain, fear and resentment in your dog. In such situations, the kind course of action is usually to lift out the mats with clippers, and start fresh.

Nail clipping is another important procedure for your dog to get used to. Many dogs dislike having their nails clipped, particularly those of the front paws. Be very careful not to cut the quick of the nail, and remember to treat each nail as an individual when choosing where to cut. It is easier to tell where to cut when the dog has white nails, rather than black, if in doubt ask your vet or groomer to trim the nails. Some dogs never need their nails cut, some have nails that grow like wildfire, and some nails grow round and back into the foot if left unchecked. Many dogs will be professionally groomed every six weeks or so, in which case the groomer will have checked the nails and clipped if necessary as part of the service.

Ear care is another area of importance, excessive wax, redness, scratching, excessive matting of hair in the external ear, rubbing, head shaking, smelly ears and disorientation can all be signs of ear problems. Check your pet’s ears regularly for these signs-dont be afraid to sniff the ears- healthy ears should not smell foul. Floppy eared dogs are particularly prone to infections, as the air doesnt tend to circulate the ear canal. It is sometimes necessary to clear the hair from the ear canal, at least partially, to allow more air flow. Again this is a regular part of a professional grooming service. If you suspect ear problems do consult your vet, as those sorts of problems can become a long running battle without proper care.

Many breeds of dog suffer from weepy eyes, which can stain the coat in an unsightly way. Keeping the area clean and free of excess hair will help reduce the cause of the staining, which are the tears. Have the eyes checked whilst at the vets, to make sure there are no underlying causes. Stained eye hair can usually be removed by the professional groomer, to good effect, as can similar staining of feet caused by saliva as the dog washes his or her feet.

To conclude, regular grooming little and often, and with the right products , will help keep your dog beautiful ,comfortable, healthy and happy, which is what we all want for our beloved companions!

Submitted by Sue Gardner of Mutley Makeovers, Tamworth UK . For more information and grooming pictures visit http://www.mutleymakeovers.com

Dog grooming was all the rave during the 19th Century and the Poodle was the most popular breed of dog pampered and groomed. The first recorded grooming parlors were founded in France and the Poodle became the national dog of France under the First Republic. Due to its popularity, the breed soon became known as the French Poodle and not very long after, became the most popular breed in North America.

Pet grooming has faced many changes throughout the years as many more individuals “humanize” their four-legged companions. There are five fundamentals of dog grooming for any breed that make up the basic procedure. These are only the basics of grooming.

-Brushing/Combing

-Bathing

-Blow Drying

-Ear Cleaning

-Nail Trimming

To groom the Poodle, the groomer will need some basic tools before starting. A groomer should have all tools available before starting the grooming process.

-Brush

-Dog shampoo

-Sponge

-Heavy Towel

-Pet Dryer

-Cotton Balls

-Nail Trimmers

-Clippers (only needed if clipping of the hair will be done)

-Scissors

A universal brush is normally the only brush a groomer will need. This brush can be used on tangled or matted coats or a slicker brush can be used for delicate coats. A mat comb can be utilized if the coat is badly matted. For extreme matting, the coat may need to be fully shaven before bathing. After the coat is thoroughly tamed, the poodle is ready for a professional bath.

The ideal water temperature is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A spray hose connected to a faucet will make this task much simpler. Start with the hindquarters and completely wet the Poodle. The excess water should not be left in the tub and should flow down the drain. The Poodle is actually getting a “shower” rather than a bath. In case the dog decides to do the “shake”, a plastic apron will be very handy in keeping the groomer from being soaked during this process.

After the Poodle is soaked, place shampoo on the sponge and on the Poodle, from rear to front. Keep shampoo clear of the eyes even if the shampoo claims to be tearless. Work the shampoo into the coat not forgetting any areas including the bottoms of the feet. Rinse the shampoo thoroughly, letting the water rinse until it runs clear from the coat. If the Poodle was heavily soiled, the dog may need two washings. The coat of the Poodle has a naturally harsh, dense texture. A cream rinse is not recommended for this type of coat.

Squeeze excess water

Perhaps almost everybody believe that the Poodle – toy, miniature or standard Poodle is a beautiful dog that exudes certain kind of confidence, pride and dignity. A lot of people fell in love with this breed and have been growing Poodle family over the years. Since they love the breed dearly, they have come to know a lot about the dog – from the food and exercise they need, training, clipping and grooming and other details concerning these adorable and intelligent dogs. But for those who are still on their way in learning how to provide proper care, and for those who are contemplating to get a Poodle (especially a standard Poodle) in the near future, here are some facts about grooming…

- Poodles have hair like humans, thus it never stops growing. Clipping should be done every six to eight weeks. Clipping can be done by a professional groomer or you can learn how to groom your dog yourself at home.

- If you decided to groom your Poodle at home, find a professional who is willing to teach you on how to groom your dog. Then procure the necessary grooming supplies such as brush, comb, clippers, scissors, dog shampoo and blow dryer. Take time to introduce these items to your dog to prevent them from being frightened as well as make grooming a lot easier.

- Regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat free of tangles and mats. Standard Poodles in show clips require about ten hours of brushing per week. Take note also that the dog must be free of tangles in preparation for a haircut.

- Poodle hairstyle, aptly called clip comes in various types – Puppy clip, English Saddle, continental and Sporting Clips. However, only Continental and English Saddle clips are qualified to appear in most show rings. A puppy below one year old may be shown in the Puppy clip and a Poodle whose show career is over is clipped down whatever the owner wants. Pet clips are usually simple and put into a lower-maintenance cut but can also be elaborate.

- As much as possible, the face, feet and base of the tail should be kept short to maintain cleanliness. Feces can get matted in the fur and food can get trapped on the face when fur in these areas are left to grow long.

Try to consider these facts and you can expect a 12 to 15 happy years with your dog.

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.

Great care should be taken when bathing you dog; his ears must be protected from the water with large cotton wool balls. If water enters the ear canals he may get an ear infection. The symptoms of an ear infection are a shaking of his head and a constant discharge from his ears.

How often you bath your dog depends on his breed. If long haired breeds are bathed too often their skin and coat will not protect the dog as well as they should. However sometimes it is unavoidable if the dog has messed its self due to illness then it would be necessary for the sake of hygiene.

Ensure that bath products used stipulate that they are suitable for dogs. Human shampoo and soap is not suitable to use on your dog. Human shampoo and soap could irritate the skin of your dog. If you use a new product be sure and read the label.

Dogs love water if you take him out to where there is river or stream let him have a swim in it. Ensure that you are organized with the lease to hand and a towel. When bathing your dog organize yourself before hand and make sure you have everything you need within reach.

As with humans if you use conditioner on your dog at bath time his coat will be easier to comb.

If you dont clean your dogs ears properly you could damage them as they are very delicate. In order to clean your dogs ears properly you need to ;-

Use cotton wool balls in his ears at bath time to prevent water getting in his ears and causing an infection.

Every four weeks clean your dogs ears with a cotton swab, your vet may make a recommendation as to a mild cleansing agent but you could use mineral oil. Take the swab and gently clean both the inner and outer parts of the dogs ear but being careful not to push any wax into the ear, leave a little wax in the ear as this will protect the ear canals.

Clean under the ear flaps and remove any foreign objects that may be stuck in the fur around the ears.

Trim any long hair around his ears as this can cause an infection. The air circulation will be improved by trimming the hair.

Call your vet if necessary if you dog has any wounds, cuts or scratches to his ear flaps that have become infected.

Clipping your dog

Clipping a dog is an art. Skin disease can be caused by dirt accumulation in a dogs coat. Clipping of a dogs coat or nails must be done very carefully so as not to cause any injuries.

Clipping can expose any skin complaint or parasite that your dog may have. Pet Health Parlors are available for the clipping of your dogs coat and nails. If you youre your dog yourself take care not to cut his coat too short in the winter, also you may cause your dog injury which could cause bleeding if you clip his coat and nails too short.

If you do your own clipping sharp good quality clipping instruments are available from most pet shops remember it is not advisable to clip you dog if he is ill.

Grooming is one of the important activities to be known well by the dog owner. If the dog owner is not aware of the grooming, then the dog may encounter many types of diseases. First steps of grooming consists of activities like maintenance of coat, nails and ears. The maintenance of the coat mainly consists of enrichment measures like proper bathing, combing, drying of skin by dryers, and more. The animal need not be bathed daily and this helps to protect the skin’s characteristics like insulation feature.

Use conditioners and shampoos that are meant for dogs. Combing needs to be carried out with a soft brush meant for use in case of dogs. There are varieties of brushes available and depending on the type of breeds, one can use the concerned brush. This grooming of the coat by a comb needs to be carried out daily and the fallen hair if any needs to be placed in dust bin always.

Otherwise, when the dog owners switch on the fan, the hair will fly and may enter the nostrils of persons. Always don’t clip too much because this may lead to injuries of nail always. Similarly, you need to carry all the materials required for the clipping with you before the start of the procedure.

Use a sharp clipper designed for use in case of dogs. It is better to have the dog on the raised place and hence, the control of the animal is easier. Ear canals are to be checked up frequently and sterile cotton may be used for cleaning purposes. Grooming associated guidelines need to be followed strictly by the dog owners.

Nail-maintenance is one of the first steps of grooming activities. Live nail areas can be easily clipped away and are always light colored than the reddish area of the nail in the higher position. During the holding of your dog’s feet by you, always have a firm grip. If not, the dog will take an upper hand during the clipping and some injury may occur.

Many pet owners are discovering that it is far more convenient to do their own dog grooming at home. Not only do you save on grooming fees and gas, which is a big expense these days, but you save time, as well, not having to commute to take your dog to the groomers. DIY grooming has several other benefits, as well. You`ll get to bond with your dog and get to know him better through the grooming process.

Having everything you need on hand is very important since you want to be able to do each grooming step after the other, avoiding distractions. This is easier on the dog and will keep you organized, as well. Here are the things you will need.

Tub: If you are planning to do your own dog grooming long term, it really is worth it to have a raised tub for your dog. Rather than bending over a tub, you`ll be able to wash and groom your dog at an easy height. Smaller dogs can be bathed in a baby bath set on a table (be sure it`s very stable).

Nail Clippers: Important for clipping those overgrown toenails that click on the floor as your dog walks. Just be sure to clip far enough back that you don`t get the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain for your pet. A good set of nail clippers combined with proper lighting can make nail clipping a breeze.

Brushes: A good brushing should be a regular thing. It stimulates the skin and helps to remove loose hair, so you can keep the house relatively fur-free. There are plenty of different brushes available on the market, but you should look for one that is appropriate for the size of your dog and that has rubber tipped bristles to protect the skin. A soft brush in a smaller size is also useful for ears and face.

Rake: These are stiffer tools meant to get rid of matted hair that tends to form on dogs with longer hair. It can really help ease the entire grooming process if you remove matted hair before it has the chance to get worse. A proper dematting rake will make the entire thing easier. You can also use a comb, but it tends to be more painful for the dog and take longer.

Natural Shampoo and Conditioner: Bathing your dog should definitely be a regular part of the grooming process, but human shampoos and conditioners aren`t meant for pets and can cause allergies and dry skin. Instead, look for specially formulated hair products that contain all natural ingredients and are meant for dogs.

Towels: Set aside some towels specifically for your pet. These are invaluable when it comes to drying him after a bath or a romp in the rain, but chances are you won`t want to use the same ones, so be sure to mark them.

Power Clippers: While you can certainly trim your dog`s coat with regular trimmers, it will take a long time and tends to be less accurate. A good set of power clippers will allow you to trim that hair quickly and easily to get the look you want for your pet. Power clippers will make this a lot easier, too, for the inexperienced home groomer.

DIY dog grooming can be a very rewarding experience. It definitely helps strengthen the bond between you and your canine friend. Not to mention the amount of time and money saved just by doing this relatively simple process at home.

Although it’s often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Here are some of the most frequently asked dog grooming questions our experts at PetPlace.com are asked by their 600,000 visitors per month:

1. When should I start grooming my dog?

Start regular grooming when you first bring your dog home and make it a part of his or her routine. Purchase a good-quality brush and comb and get your dog used to being handled. Praise your dog when he or she holds still and soon he or she will come to enjoy the extra attention. Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular grooming equipment necessary for your particular dog.

2. How often should I brush my dog’s hair?

Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents matting, while giving your pet a healthier and shinier coat.

Your dog’s skin and hair coat reflects his or her overall health and nutritional status. Many dogs maintain a healthy skin and hair coat with minimal assistance. Some long-haired or curly-haired breeds require regular brushing. For most dogs, a good brushing once or twice a week will do the trick.

3. How often should I bathe my dog?

Your dog’s need for bathing depends on its breed, the skin type and hair coat. It also depends on the owner’s preference and how dirty your dog gets. Bathing your dog every month or two isn’t unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when the coat gets dirty or begins to smell "doggy."

When bathing your dog, make sure to rinse all the soap out of the coat. If there are persistent problems with scratching or flaky skin, he or she may need a special medicated shampoo or have a skin problem that your veterinarian should examine.

4. What skin problems are common among dogs and what should I look for?

Skin problems – including fleas, ticks and mites or allergies and infections – are common among dogs. Most conditions are manageable with early detection and treatment. If you notice excessive scratching, hair loss or flaky skin, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is continuously exposed to fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian about products to minimize the parasite’s impact on your dog’s skin. Remember that consistently poor hair coat with lots of skin flaking may indicate a deeper medical problem.

5. I have problems cleaning my dog’s ears. What’s the best way to clean his ears and how often should it be cleaned.

Ears also require cleaning, especially in dogs with oily skin or allergies. This is a delicate task and is probably best left to your vet. However, if your dog is easy to handle (and there is no chance that you will be bitten), you can learn to do this chore yourself. To remove excessive wax and debris from the ears, consider an ear cleaning every two to four weeks. Ask your veterinarian about products you can use at home, and be sure to ask for a demonstration of proper ear cleaning techniques.

6. I have problems keeping my dog still so I can trim its nails. Do you have any nail trimming advice?

While clipping nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. When you muster enough courage to trim the nails of your dog, you’ll need a good nail clipper, a nail file to rub any sharp edge away and a styptic stick to stop any subsequent bleeding easily.

Ask your vet to show you the correct technique, and then get started by getting your pet used to having his or her paws handled. Once you start using the clippers, go slowly. Try clipping just a few nails in one sitting. Maintain a regular schedule and be persistent. Your pet will eventually develop patience and learn to cooperate.

7. What is the most important thing to include in my dog grooming kit?

The most important thing required in your grooming kit is your own confidence. It will form and take shape within you and grow in time.

So, go ahead and start grooming your dog. If you can overcome your hesitation, beautiful and rewarding experiences are waiting for you. Grooming your dog properly helps to keep him or her healthy while building an important bond between you and your pet.