Dog Grooming Hints

Dog Grooming

Grooming Your Own Dog

Article by Ray Harris

If you don’t like having other people to groom your dog, it’s a job that you can do yourself. Grooming your own dog will help to keep your dog healthy, but it’s also good for their coat, and will help to keep your home clean. It’s also a great way for dog owners to bond with their dog, and the dog feels like he’s getting love and attention. Grooming your own dog isn’t a hard job, and you might find that you actually enjoy it.

Skin and Coat Care

There are some signs to look for when trying to determine if your dog has healthy skin and fur. Signs of unhealthy fur inlcude dry brittle hair, irregular thinning, dryness, greasy or scaly. The fur may also not shine and it’s appearance unattractive.

One good way to judge the health of your dog’s skin is by smelling it. There should be no smell if your dog’s skin and fur is healthy. If the hair is dirty, it will smell of whatever might be in it, like dust, for example. Unhealthy skin and fur will have a oily odor. The reason for this is skin bacteria that break down the natural oils of the skin will cause this odor. While this skin bacteria is normal, if there’s too much bacteria or the wrong kind of bacteria will cause the skin to be unhealty. There are some shampoos available that can prevent the wong type of bacteria. Your vet can recommend the right shampoo for your dog.

Grooming Your Own Dog – Ear Care

While grooming your own dog, take extra care around their ears, since this is a sensitive area. Some soaps, allergies, bacteria, pollen, fleas and ticks can all cause ear problems. An infection or inflammation of parts of the ears called Otitis is the main source of ear problems. There are several different types of Otitis, and some will affect the outside portion of the ear, and others will attack the insides of the ears.

Since Otitis can cause the ears to feel hot to the touch due to inflamation, this is a good indicator that something is wrong. Other signs include a build-up of ear wax and ear odor. This is also very uncomfortable for your dog as well, so the dog might be a little touchy around the ears if there is a problem. If you suspect you dog has an ear problem, avoid grooming in this area and check with your vet immediately. The longer the infection goes on, the more serious it can become.

You should keep the hair around the ears trimmed, expecially if there is a buildup of crust or dangerous bacteria. Keeping this hair trimmed can prevent the hair from trapping the problem bacteria, and this also makes it more open for the application of medication.

Overall Grooming of Your Own Dog

Grooming your own dog gives you the opportunity to pay attention to your dog’s coar and ears. There’s much more to learn about grooming your own dog, and if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, you should hire a professional. Your dog’s health is important, and grooming is an important part of overall dog care.

To learn more about best dog care practices, visit http://www.bestdogcarepro.com.

dog grooming question by Julia A: How much does dog grooming cost?
I am considering getting a bichon frise. I understand that they need to be professionally groomed once a month and that they need small touch-up trimmings between then around the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. I want to know how much it costs to get a small dog groomed at Petsmart, and do they do a good job there?

dog grooming best answer:

Answer by Me P
O my gosh! We have a bichon frise and they are amazing!! I don’t know how much it costs…I’m not the one who pays for it, but they are so worth it whatever it is! I’m sorry I don’t have the answer to your question, but I do know, you should get one! I wouldn’t go to Petsmart to get it groomed, I would go to a family owned business or something. Also make sure to brush them regularly, especially on their head, you may have to pay extra after a while. Good luck!

Dyson Groom Tool first look review with dogs

Dyson has launched the new Groom tool so we connected it up to a DC-07 Vac and brought in the dogs to give it a first look review. Get the full report at www.which.co.uk
dog grooming Video Rating: 5 / 5

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Dog Grooming Table

Adjustable Portable Pet Dog Folding Grooming Table-Small

• Table can rotate 360 degrees and can lock in any position
• Table frame constructed of rust-resistant chrome plated steel
• See the pics to check the details
• Suit the kind of dog which is in small or medium size

Adjustable Portable Pet Dog Folding Grooming Table-Small

Article by Richard Cussons

The following are the parts of a comprehensive grooming process for your Portie:

Brushing and combingNail trimmingEar cleaning BathingBlow dryingClipping/scissoring

Among the following grooming steps, steps 1 to 3 need to be performed weekly, while brushing and combing can occur more often, as the coat length and activities of the dog requires. Bathing and drying are good enough every two to three weeks. Clipping can be done whenever needed or desired, depending on the overall look you want for your dog.

Just like other dogs that have low shedding, the portuguese water dog needs frequent clipping or scissoring. Their coat gets longer and longer, until it gets unruly without intervention. Clipping a dog is very easy to learn and perform, unless the owner prefers a professional groomer. The latter entails considerable costs of course, so many owners are beginning to learn grooming themselves. All this makes a dog clipper a good investment. Besides, professional grooming can set you back by at least $ 500 a year.A grooming table, while it is not a necessity, helps a lot. The purpose is that the dog is able to lie on a solid flat surface where it can feel secure while being groomed.A nail trimmer or a nail grinder are a necessary items that you will need to master the use of. It is surprising that many dog owners are ignorant of the fact that the careless placement of the tool when cutting nails can result to the injury of a blood vessel, which may therefore explain the animal’s dislike for nail hygiene.But what if a cut does happen despite the very best of your intentions? Then the next item ought not be missing from your grooming kit, nor from your first aid kit: styptic powder. This chemical helps stem most of the bleeding.Being a drop-eared breed, the portuguese water dog will need help in the control of certain ear problems, something which pointy-eared dogs are free of. Implement some regular cleaning through ear cleaners that can be bought over the counter after consulting them with your vet.Optional items in your grooming kit could be : a dog conditioner (aside from the compulsory shampoo) which controls matting and keeps away unsightly hair splitting; a blow dryer to help dry your dog faster and to help him avoid from wiping his coat on surfaces all over the house.

Dog Grooming Table question by whiskas: hi, im thinking about starting my own dog grooming business and need some advice ?
i am planning on learning to drive and i want to have a mobile dog grooming van, i just want to know how big a van has to be to fit all the dog grooming equipment in? i am a bit worried about driving anything to big to start with, so the grooming table, bath etc.. what at the smallest size type of van do you think ide need? thankyou!

Dog Grooming Table best answer:

Answer by LAURA POTTS
you will a hightop roof van so that you stand up without bending your back! you can buy second hand dog grooming vans on ebay and gumtree ( second hand ones are alot cheaper ) the vans userlly come with with everthing in . dog grooming grooming equipment can be expensive, esp clippers, table, blades,blasters, bath, combs, dryers, brushes etc . the smallest type of van you can get is a Renault Trafic high top van, but you dont userlly see these convered nor see them around much.
hope i helped if u need anymore advise, add additional details to your question and i’ll try to help i little more x

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by windygig

It is important that you have the basic dog grooming supplies to take good care of your dog. There are several varieties of dog grooming supplies in the market. However, if you are not familiar with them, you could end up buying the wrong ones. Here is a list of basic dog grooming supplies that every dog owner must purchase.

Brushes and combs are two of the most basic, but important dog grooming supplies. They help keep the coat tangle free and shiny. A slicker brush helps in removing mats and dead hair from the coat. On the other hand, using a pin brush you will be able to untangle the knots in the coat without causing too much pain. You could also consider purchasing a medium and coarse wired metal comb.

All dog grooming supplies should include a good pair of nail clippers.

Next in the list of dog grooming supplies is shampoo and conditioner. Choose the type that will suit your the skin and breed of your dog. In addition, if your dog is prone to ticks and fleas, you will need to get special medicated shampoo and conditioner. You must buy these only after consulting with your local vet.

Dog grooming supplies are not complete without ear cleaners. Ear infections are quite common in dogs and hence, it is important that you clean its ears every time you give it a bath. Use ear wipes, medicated powders and drops for a thorough ear cleaning.

In order to keep fur well groomed and out of the eyes of your dog, you will need a good pair of scissors. You can use it to trim the fur on a regular basis. If the fur is too thick, you could consider buying electric razors or shears instead.

The health of your dog depends on how well you take care of it. A basic set of dog grooming supplies will you keep your dog clean and promote good canine health.

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Like most people, I assumed the Standard Poodle was a sissy, fru-fru dog, fit only for pampering and spending time in the show ring. However, I quickly changed my mind when I had the opportunity to meet some real Standard Poodles, when a groomer/breeder/trainer moved into the house next door with her pack and assorted guests. I soon developed a new appreciation for the breed (as did my two manly-mutts!)

Poodles originated in Western Europe – Germany, France or Denmark depending on who you ask – as hunting dogs, used for retrieving waterfowl. Their hunting-heritage is the origin of the world-famous “Continental Cut” seen in the show ring. The goal was to keep the dog warm and protected from sharp objects while hunting, while giving them freedom of movement.

Appearance

Standard Poodles are at least 15 inches tall, but some are much taller, and weigh from 45 to 70 pounds. The coat is curly, and comes in white, brown, gray, apricot and black. Only solid colors are acceptable in the show ring, but there are also two-toned “party poodles”. They have long, delicate faces, dark, very intelligent eyes and long fluffy ears. The legs are long and graceful, and Standards have very delicate feet.

The Continental Cut is features “bracelets” around the ankles, pom-poms on the hips and tail, and a full length coat around the chest, back, shoulders and head. The face, legs and feed are trimmed very short. A more practical cut for the family pet is the Puppy cut (or “lamb” cut) – the feet and face are trimmed close, but the rest of the body is left a short, uniform length.

Temperament

Standard Poodles are delightful dogs, good-natured, intelligent and full of fun. They enjoy learning and are easily one of most trainable breeds. They are good with children and strangers and generally good with other animals.

Health problems

Poodles have a very long life-expectancy (often over 15 years), but they do suffer from a number of health issues, including eye and ear problems, bloat, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and skin problems (often exacerbated by bad grooming practices).

Exercise requirements

Though not as demanding as many dogs, Standard Poodles are still very active and need a daily romp, but then are happy to camp out on the sofa most of the day. Walking on the leash is fine, but a chance to run and explore would be even better received.

Grooming

Regular grooming is required – bathing trimming and brushing – and if your Poodle is allowed to be a “real” dog, burrs and dirt can be a problem. But they are willing to please, so baths and grooming doesn’t need to be a major struggle, and the basic cut is not difficult to master – or there are many good, economical groomers who will do the work for you.

Lifestyle

Poodles love to be the center of attention and the life of the party, so don’t expect them to stay happily in a kennel. And it would be a waste not to tap into that Poodle intelligence and trainability, and most Standards would excel at obedience, agility or hunting

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Importance of Regular Home Dog Ear Care

Routine home dog ear care is very important to the health of your dog. Performed between your regular checkups with the veterinarian, it will help keep your dogs ears healthy and pain free. If you see signs of trouble you may be able to head them off before they require an extra visit to the vet. Excessive wax, foul odor, redness, constant scratching, excessive matting of hair in the external ear, rubbing the ears against other objects, head shaking, and disorientation can all be signs of ear problems.

Inspect Your Dogs Ears Regularly By Using Your Eyes & Your Nose!

By performing a home dog ear care inspection; you will be able to detect problems early. Use both your eyes and your nose. If you need help seeing inside your dogs ears you may want to invest in a pet scope. A tool very similar to the kind your doctor uses to check your ears. Check for redness, excessive wax build up or any other foreign matter.

Sniffing your dogs ears is another way to detect problems early. Normally a dogs ears shouldnt smell foul in any way. If you see a dark waxy discharge this may be a sign of ear mites. On the other hand, if you see a pus-like discharge along with a foul smell this may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Allergies are also known to cause some dogs to have smelly ears. If youre new to this and are unsure have the vet check your dogs ears. Right after the vet gives your dog a clean bill of health make sure you inspect your dogs ears. This way you will learn how your pets ears should normally look and smell.

Is Your Breed of Dog More Susceptible To Dog Ear Care Problems?

Due to the warm, damp, and dark environment, as well as poor air circulation, your dogs ear canal can be the prefect breeding ground for mites, yeast or bacterial infection. This is why, for certain breeds, home dog ear care is even more important. Some pets may require routine applications of dog ear care products to keep their ears free of mites, yeast or bacterial infections.

Some dogs ears stand straight up which allows for more air to flow into the ear canal. Dogs with floppy ears, like spaniels and bloodhounds, are very prone to ear infections because very little air flows into their ear canals. There are also breeds, like the Lhasa, that have a heavy growth of hair inside their ears. This hair must be routinely removed as a prevention against chronic ear problems.

If Excess Ear Hair Is A Dog Ear Care Problem Learn How To Remove It

If you suspect that excess ear hair is a problem, you may need to pluck the hair that grows inside your dogs ears. This is a routine dog ear care task that can be performed at home and is much easier then it sounds. You will want to apply dog ear powder to the inside of both ears. Make sure that the hair is completely covered, especially at the base. Once the powder has dried start plucking a few hairs at a time with your fingers or a tweezers. Plucking just a few hairs at a time will be less irritating for the dog.

You may want to stop a few times to give your dogs ears a good rub. Make sure you give your dog lots of praise and a few dog treats too. Once all the inside hair has been removed, follow up by cleaning and inspecting the ears. If you are unsure about this dog ear care procedure, have your vet or a professional groomer show you how to do it.

Things You Should Know About Cleaning Your Dogs Ears

Some vets recommend that owners routinely flush their dogs ears with warm water at the slightest hint of odor. Other home dog ear care cleaning remedies include mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or a combination of equal parts of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. If your dog has open sores it’s best not to use the vinegar and alcohol because it will cause a burning sensation.

If your dog is prone to ear infections you may want to use a pet ear care product that is specifically formulated to clean and dry up excess moisture in the ear canal. A dog ear wash containing Tea Tree Oil, which is also formulated to dry the ear canal is an excellent choice. Tea Tree Oils natural antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties can help keep your dogs ears problem free.

Its also a good idea to use a pet ear-drying agent after bathing or swimming especially if your dog’s ears retain moisture and don’t dry promptly. There are many good pet ear care products available for routine ear cleaning that will dissolve wax, remove foreign debris and dry the ear canal. There are also home dog care treatments available that will kill pesky ear mites and ear ticks.

A dogs ear canal is L-shaped. It descends vertically and it makes a 90-degree horizontal turn before it reaches the eardrum. Even though your dogs eardrum is better protected than a humans, you should still proceed with caution when cleaning the ear canal. Many vets urge caution when inserting anything into the ear canal, especially cotton-tipped swabs. They can actually push dirt and foreign matter deeper into the ear if not handled properly. You can even lose the cotton tip in the ear canal.

Start cleaning the external part of the ear by swabbing inside the earflaps and all around the gnarled area at the entrance of the ear canal. If you choose to use a cotton-tipped swab you will need a long type since a dogs ear canal is much deeper than ours. If your dog will tolerate it, gently and carefully swab the inside of the ear canal. A much safer method is to fill the ear canal with a pet ear cleaning solution and gently massage the outer ear. After a few minutes allow your dog to shake his head to help clear the ear canal. If youre using a commercial pet ear care product be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Make Ear Inspections An Important Part Of Your Home Dog Ear Care Routine

Checking your dogs ears only takes a few minutes so make it a part of your dog grooming routine. And when your dogs ears need a cleaning dont put it off. Remember regular cleanings can prevent many common ear problems. If you think a problem may be developing that is beyond the scope of your home dog ear care routine, take your dog to the vet for a check up immediately. An infection, if left untreated, can be very painful for your dog and could even damage your dogs hearing.

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