Dog Grooming Hints

Cleanliness and proper grooming can be very important to the continued good health of our beloved pets. But bathing our puppy or adult dog can often prove to be a challenge. There are many questions, myths and opinions floating around when discussing the best care for different dog types and temperaments. Check out these dog bathing tips to get some great ideas so youll be prepared for your next dog bath and grooming session.

How often should you bath your dog?

How often your pet will need a dog bath will depend on the breed and what type of activities the dog is involved in. Its best to bathe your dog only when your dog is really dirty. Just use your nose that tell tale doggy smell will let you know its time for a bath.

If a dog is bathed too often the skin will be stripped of its natural, protective oils. This will result in dry itchy skin, which will cause your dog to scratch, further irritating the already sensitive skin. If you need to bathe your dog more frequently make sure to use a pet shampoo that will also moisturize your dogs skin. You may also want to follow up with an after bath pet coat conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin.

Wheres the best place to bath your dog?

In warm weather you can bathe your dog outside. Pick a place that will not turn to mud when it gets wet. Its a good idea a have a washtub large enough for your dog to stand up in and fill it with a few inches of water. Water straight from a garden hose may start off warm, but usually gets cold very fast. If your dog starts to resist and shiver, as the water gets colder, you may want to consider another option.

Many pet owners have overcome this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. This convenient, back-saving dog bath is often used with a water temperature mixer valve assembly that completely solves this problem. With the proper equipment set up youll be able to save your back and control the water temperature of your dogs bath. Some temperature mixer valve assemblies hook up to your existing washing machine water supply. At bath time just connect an ordinary garden hose to the valve assembly and run it outside to the bathing area. This convenient type of back-saving dog bath can even be used for bathing your dog inside.

If you choose to bathe your dog inside, regulating the water temperature shouldnt be a problem. But deciding where to bathe your dog might be. Small dogs and puppies can usually be bathed easily in a sink or a washtub. For bigger dogs you will need something bigger like a bathtub or a large shower stall. And of course, the bigger your dog is the bigger the potential hassles.

Are you tired of chasing and wrestling with your dog at bath time?

Many dog owners solve this problem by purchasing a raised dog bath. An ergonomically designed dog grooming bathing tub elevates your dog to a level thats comfortable for you and keeps your dog securely contained, taking the hassle out of washing your dog. Youll get the job done in half the time, save your back and stay dryer. The raised dog bath that is available in most pet shops and online stores will also save your dog stress at bath time. No more slipping and sliding. Your dog will really feel secure standing on the padded non-slip surface. This type of raised dog bath has been recommended by Dog World Magazine in their “Notable Products for the New Millennium”.

Does your dog tend to get away from you during a bath?

Bathing your dog is a challenging, but essential, part of dog grooming. Its funny how your dog will cleverly evade you when you try to get him into a dog bath, but will be just as determined to get past you when you dont want him to jump into the water at the beach.

If youre washing your dog in a room with a door make sure to close it so that your dog will not see an escape route or get very far if he prematurely gets out of the bath. This way youll have an easier time getting him back in the tub to finish the job. It can be a challenge bathing a dog thats wiggling around but the challenge gets a little tougher when your dog is an escape artist. If your dog takes any opportunity to get away from you at bath time you may want to consider restraining your dog.

Restraints are used during bath time to avoid injury to you as well as your pet. Some pet bathing tubs come with restraints included. With these your dog will be safely and securely restrained and you will be able to give your dog a quick and hassle-free bath.

Is your dog slipping and sliding in the bath?

Slipping and sliding can be the most stressful part of bath time for a dog. Put a rubber mat down on the bottom surface of the tub to prevent your dog from sliding and getting hurt. A sure-footed dog will be less resistant and much more at ease during bath time.

Things to have on hand at bath time:

Raised Dog Bath – This is a fantastic idea for a dog bath. Its ergonomically designed for both you and your dogs comfort. Your local pet groomer is likely to have just such a bathing station set up in their shop. If youre thinking about buying a tub or basin to bathe your dog in, ask them if you can check out their tub set up. If you have the room or more than one dog, you may find it worthwhile.

Pet Shower or Plastic Pitcher – A Pet Shower is great, but if thats not possible make sure you have a large plastic pitcher for wetting and rinsing your dog.

Drain Screen – Make sure to protect your plumbing from hair clogs with a simple to use drain screen.

Cotton Balls – Can be placed in each ear to prevent water from running into your dog’s ears.

Pet Shampoos – There are many different pet shampoos each formulated to work on problems such as dry itchy skin, inflamed or dry scaling skin, fleas & ticks, doggy odor, skunk odor, abnormal shedding, quick rinsing for dogs that don’t like to take a bath, whiteners for white coats, color intensifiers for dark coats, and coat shine to bring out the natural luster of your dog’s coat. You may want to try a hypoallergenic shampoo/conditioner that will gently clean and conditioner your pet’s coat in one step.

Coat Conditioners – There are many pet coat conditioners that will help manage and or improve the appearance of your dog’s coat like crme rinse, grooming spray, after bath dry skin treatment, and herbal mist conditioner that will soothe, re-moisturize and detangle your pet’s coat.

Pet Drying Towels – If you want to get your dog dry faster check out a specialty pet-drying towel. Some are available that will absorb 10 times its own weight in water!

Eye Protective Gel – Are you concerned about shampoo making its way into your dogs eyes? Just put a little protective eye gel in each eye just before bath time to prevent burning and redness.

Ear Drying Solution – If your dog is prone to ear infections make sure you have some ear-drying solution on hand. Using an ear drying solution will assure that the ear canal is nice and dry after bathing.

Brushes/Combs – There are many different styles and sizes of traditional dog grooming brushes and combs that you can choose from. If your dog has very sensitive or irritated skin you may want to consider a higher quality brush that will not scratch the skin or aggravate existing skin irritations.

Pet Dryer – If your dog has a thick, long or double coat its best to use a pet dryer. Unlike people hair dryers, pet dryers are designed to use less heat and more air volume so they quickly and safely dry a dog without damaging the coat or burning the skin. If you use a “people” blow dryer be very careful since you can easily burn your pet!

Plastic Bucket – Its very convenient to have a waterproof container that will keep your dog grooming supplies close at hand.

Remember to get all your dog grooming supplies ready before hand and let your dog sniff everything.

Why you should brush your dog thoroughly before bathing.

Depending on the type of coat your dog has you may need an assortment of grooming brushes and combs to properly care for your dog’s skin and coat. Before you bathe your dog it’s always a good idea to brush your pet’s coat thoroughly to remove any tangles or matted areas as well as any other foreign debris. Many dog owners know first hand that if they don’t spend time removing old, established tangles and mats before bathing many times they just get worse. If your dog’s coat tangles and mats easily make sure to look for shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to prevent and break up mats.

If your dog has gotten into any sticky or gooey substances like tar or gum never use commercial solvents or industrial cleaners on your dogs coat. Many of these are toxic to your dog. Try dissolving these substances with mineral oil. If youre unable to remove something from your dogs coat carefully snip away the affected area. Its always best to sacrifice some hair or fur since it will grow back rather than risk damage to the skin. Brush your dog thoroughly between baths, daily if you can, to distribute the natural oils and remove tangles, mats and foreign matter.

Choosing the best pet shampoo/coat conditioner for your dog.

Always use a pet shampoo that is specially formulated for the pH of your pet’s skin. Never use people shampoos since our skin pH level is much more acidic than our canine friends and could irritate your dogs skin.

Start bathing your dog at the beginning: Your Dog’s Head.

A popular bathing technique is to start at your dogs head and work your way toward the tail. This is especially the case if its possible that fleas are present. If you know that your dog has fleas you may want to use a flea & tick shampoo. Starting at your dog’s head forces any fleas to gather away from your dogs face, eyes, and ears. It is much easier to dunk the rear of your dog into the tub than your dogs face. As you may imagine, your dog is likely to be much more cooperative by following this simple bathing technique.

Let your dog get used to the sound of the running water. If youre using a tub or basin fill it with a few inches of warm water. Then get your dog into the bath. If youre using a raised dog bath just secure your dog into the dog bath. Starting from the head thoroughly wet your dog with warm water. You can use a plastic pitcher or a spray nozzle for this task. If youre using a spray nozzle make sure the spray is not too strong. Never spray water directly onto your dogs face or genitals.

Apply a pet shampoo/coat conditioner. Follow the instructions on the package. Work it in from the head to the tail. Be sure to get all those nooks and crannies; like the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Be careful not the get shampoo in your dogs eyes. If this is a concern you can protect your dogs eyes by putting some protective eye gel in each eye just before getting your dog into the bath.

Rinse your dog thoroughly with warm water. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritations so make sure you give your dogs coat a thorough rinsing. Towel drying your pets coat in the dog bath will remove some of the excess water before you take your dog out of the tub. Some breeds should never be rubbed, only patted, since their coats easily tangle. Dog owners often prefer to use dedicated pet towels. There are pet drying towels available that will absorb 10 times their weight in water. These are very handy towels to use for a dog bath and can also be used any time your pet gets wet.

Although many dog owners think of bathing their dog as a challenge, with the right approach, supplies, and equipment, you can get through it relatively unscathed. And dont forget to reward your dogs good behavior in the bathing process with treats and plenty of loving kindness.

Copyright 2004, Dog-Supplies-Advisor.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

As all dog owners know, the rewards of having such a loving and loyal companion are phenomenal. They cheer us up when we are depressed, and they lend us their ears when no one else will listen. With all that these wonderful companions have to offer us in our times of need, it is Imperative that we return the favor regarding their personal care and grooming.

The grooming of one’s dog is essential. Depending on what type of breed you own, will determine the amount of care your pet needs. Long haired and non shedding dogs will require much more attention than short haired dogs and dogs that do shed. These are things to consider when choosing a dog that will become a part of your family. By choosing a dog that you will be able to properly care for, you will ensure good health for your pet.

There are some basic guidelines for grooming that all dogs, regardless of breed, will require to help in maintaining good health and comfort.

#1. Keeping your dog’s coat healthy.

The amount of work for your dog’s coat will depend upon the breed that you own. A short haired dog’s coat is easier to care for, a simple bath with a moisturizing shampoo for dogs, and use of a soft brush every few days should be sufficient. There are also dietary supplements that one can purchase to help maintain the shine of your dog’s coat and also prevent dry skin.

However, long haired dogs and non shedding dogs will need more care. A long haired coat will require a stiffer brush and should be brushed on a daily basis, during the Springtime when your dog is shedding their winter coat and experiencing discomfort, you may want to increase your brushing to twice a day.

A non shedding dog’s coat will not shed in the Spring, therefore if you live in a very warm climate you will probably want your dog to be shaved during the warm seasons. This will take a great deal more effort, you might want to find a Professional groomer for this until you are comfortable enough to do this on your own. Once they are shaved for the season (which may need to be done every few months) than the basic care of washing and brushing should be enough.

#2. Keeping your dog’s eyes clean.

With many short haired dogs this is not a major concern, this is not something that would typically need to be addressed.

A long haired dog and non shedding dog will need to have their eyes cleaned on a regular basis. This is an easy process and should not create any hardships for You or your Dog. By simply being

Grooming your dog has never been easier with the right grooming tools out in the market nowadays. From bathing up to trimming their nails, there are grooming equipments which makes grooming experience easier and enjoyable for both ends. Even though there are times that it is hard to give your stubborn dog the cleaning he needs, it is solely your responsibility as their master to maintain their cleanliness and well being. Here are some grooming equipments that should always be consider to properly clean and groom your dog.Dog Shampoo, Conditioner Dog shampoos and conditioners are the basic essentials to properly wash away dirts which your dog acquires from his daily activities. In choosing the best dog shampoo and conditioner you have to consider how often you need to clean your dog. Giving your dog a bath should depend on how dirty he is, it is because frequent bathing will strips away his natural protective oil that irritates their already sensitive skin. The best way to tell if your dog needs a bath is through his smell and of course his appearance. But if your dog is involved with too much outdoor activity choose a dog shampoo that is mild and has a moisturizing effect. A conditioner specifically formulated for dry skin is also recommended to give your dog the extra moisture and for a longer lasting clean smell as well.Never use a human shampoo on your dog; because human shampoo has a higher PH level that can irritate you dogs skin and also their eyes. Not to mention dog shampoo has an easy rinse formula and also deodorize well and leave your dog’s coat shiny for a longer time compared to human shampoo that is formulated for human hair.Dog Nail Clipper and Dog Hair ClipperDogs nail should not be taken for granted for it is one of the most important in taking good care of your pets health. Dog nails is one of the most favorite living areas of germs in which also could cause an infection. Dog hair clipper is also an essential tool in grooming your dogs long hair and also a great solution in giving your dog an immediate relief to some skin problems. Before using the dog hair clippers make sure that your dogs hair is thoroughly dry. Do not use clippers made for human beings, it is because human hair clippers will not stand up to the rigors of dog grooming. By using dog hair clipper you can give your dog the special cut that will boost their appearance which will definitely make you hug them.Dog Brush and CombFor long haired dogs, frequent brushing is a must to avoid tangles in their hair. Brushing your dogs hair before bathing is also recommended to remove dead hairs, that is because water creates tight matts in the loose hairs.Dog Dental Care SuppliesAs many veterinarian said, oral disease affects over 80% of dogs by the time they’re three years old. This could only mean that dental care should not be taken for granted. You can use a dental finger brush with a dental gel for dog and gently rub their teeth. Do not use toothpaste made for human being for it might upset your dogs stomach and might scare your dog from the taste of human toothpaste. There are also dental chews that can help massage your dogs gum while reducing plaque and tartar.

Are you wanting to learn more about pet grooming training? There are tons of online ads of people that want to sell you their latest pet grooming training course be it in an e-book or on video. These pet grooming courses may promise you the moon but the truth is, nothing compares to some good old fashion hands on training and experience.

If you are interested in learning the pet grooming trade, I would highly recommend that you call on local pet grooming salons. You must be willing to start at the bottom of the ladder and work your way up but I would consider it as getting paid to learn a lucrative trade. By taking a job in the pet grooming field you will get to see if this is the career for you before you even spend a dime on pet grooming training courses.

Pet grooming training can be a great career choice for those that have a love of animals. Most of your clientelle will consists of dogs but cats are also brought in for grooming or nail care on occasion. While most of the grooming tasks involve bathing and clipping, you will also have to have a basic understanding of general pet care and pet health issues.

Learning how to spot early pet health care issues is a big part of the pet grooming training material. Dogs will typically see their groomer more frequently than their veterinarian and a good pet groomer should be able to alert the owner to any possible pet health care issues. Some common things that pet groomers are trained to spot are skin disorders. Often what seems to be like a harmless spot of dry skin can be an indication of more serious health issues. Did you know that dry skin in dogs is one of the signs of kidney disease?

If you are considering a course in pet grooming training, look to see what type of pet grooming businesses are in your local area. Get out there and knock on some doors to see if there is a need for training or if any pet grooming salons offer on the job training. You may have to start out with bathing the dogs and moving your way up but you can be assured that you will get the invaluable hands on training that will serve you well throughout your pet grooming career.

Dog grooming is an important service to a family who love West Highland Terriers. My family was introduced to this breed when my oldest daughter met her future husband. Little did she know that her future included a man and his adorable West Highland female named Ali. Eventually, we added Westie companions, Noel and Chloe. Having a good groomer is as important to us as having a great hair stylist.

With all local licensing in place, I look for cleanliness, experience, services offered, price and location when selecting a pet grooming service. In the past, I have encountered a few dud services including several in-store pet retailers. I believe the best recommendation is the neighbor referral and the appearance of a happy, well-groomed pet.

West Highland Terriers are a long-haired breed with wiry, long coats. At a minimum they need to be groomed once a year. Westies and owners alike can appreciate a spring grooming to remove their heavy winter coat before the dogs begin shredding all over the home. I personally favor a monthly or bi-monthly grooming schedule as it keeps the West Highland Terriers’ hair manageable, anal area clean and toe nails neatly trimmed.

When forced into the ambiguous world of the yellow pages or internet to select a new groomer, I first look for the type of services offered. I am interested in special services such as nail trimming, foot pad maintenance and seasonal dips. My Westies have sensitive skins which need to be considered. In Ali’s case, oatmeal baths were part of her normal grooming experience as it was a source of relief from dry skin. In the summer, flea drips maybe important.

I have always looked for the groomer who has experience with Westies. I am always thrilled when I drop my dogs off to hear the question, “Do you want the traditional westie trim?” Some service providers don’t have a clue what that means.

Behaviorally, I know Westies can be challenging to work with since they are so strong willed. Taking that fact into consideration, I am careful to check my girls for skin nicks and abrasions from inexperience. We started grooming our dogs as puppies to train them early to be tolerant of groomers and needed restraints. If our dogs are cut or nicked during their grooming appointment, I expect that report from the groomer when I pick my dogs up. Under no circumstances, would I approve of our dogs being “drugged” for a grooming appointment which may be a means of compliance for some groomers.

Cleanliness