Dog Grooming – Part 1
August 1, 2008 
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What do you know about properly grooming your dog? Dog grooming is extremely important and your responsibility as a dog owner. Dogs generally need to be bathed once a month, brushed weekly, have their nails clipped, and some dog breeds need to be taken to the groomer every couple of months to have their coats trimmed. A properly groomed dog is a happier and healthier dog and makes for a happier dog owner!
Many dog breeds do not need regular visits to the groomer. Shorter-haired dogs like Labradors, Boxers, and Bulldogs do not need to have their coats trimmed, but longer-haired dogs such as Collies, Scottish Terriers, and Poodles do need to visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks for a trim. Regular visits ensure that your dogs coat is free of tangles and well-maintained.
Dog grooming also includes brushing your dogs coat, whether he has long or short hair. Regular brushing removes your dogs dead hair. This dead hair is what normally will shed, but with regular brushing you can brush out most of the dead hair and your dog will shed much less as a result. Brushing your dog also distributes the hairs natural oils, which makes the coat shiny and healthy looking. Its amazing what a good brushing can do in making your dogs coat shine. Not to mention, what dog doesnt like a good brushing?!
Proper dog grooming also means trimming your dogs nails. This may seem like a daunting task to some until you and your dog get used to it. You can buy a good nail clipper at any pet store. Make sure to buy one that fits your dog. Some dogs have small nails like Chihuahuas; other breeds like Labradors need a much larger nail clipper. If you dont feel comfortable clipping your own dogs nails, many pet stores offer this service for a reasonable price. Proper exercise of your dog should keep his nails at a good length but they will need to be trimmed occasionally. Be very careful not to trim the nails too short as dogs have a fleshy material inside their nails called quick. If nails are trimmed too short and you cut the quick, it is painful for your dog.
Are you bathing your dog once a month? This is a general rule of thumb. If your dog spends a lot of time outside running around or going to the beach, chances are he will need to be bathed more often than a dog that spends most of his time indoors snuggled up at your feet. Its important to spend a little bit more on dog shampoo, especially if your dog has any kind of skin conditions. Unfortunately, the less expensive brands of dog shampoo have harsher ingredients that can strip away too much of your dogs natural oils, drying the skin and possibly causing skin irritations. You may want to ask your vet for recommendations for the best shampoo for your particular dog.
Dog grooming is of the utmost importance in dog ownership! Most dog owners take pride in having a healthy, well-groomed dog. Bathing your dog, clipping his nails, and brushing him are also good bonding experiences for dog and owner. Take your time in grooming your pooch and enjoy the experience. A happy, healthy, well-groomed dog makes for a happy owner!
