GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF DOG GROOMING

 

GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF DOG GROOMING

Post no-1451 Dt-12/01/2020
Compiled & shared by-DR RAJESH KUMAR SINGH, JAMSHEDPUR, 9431309542,rajeshsinghvet@gmail.com

Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, TVO, Jahanabad, Bihar

Abhishek Rai, President,PAWS,Jamshedpur

Pet grooming has seen a rising trend as the career of choice, especially among people who are avid pet lovers. With the variety in pets, temperaments, and grooming requirements, every day as a pet groomer is interesting, at the very least!

However, before you begin to convert your passion for pets into an active profession and make your mark in the pet grooming business, there are a few things you need to know. Like any other business, pet grooming is not all cute dogs and well-behaved cats; there are a ton of other serious things one should know about  pet grooming.

Americans spent more than $72 billion dollars on pets in 2018, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), and that number is projected to top $125 million in 2020. The category of other pet services, which includes grooming, accounted for more than $6 million, or about 8%, of the money spent.In India too,pet lovers spend crores of rupees on grooming and the trend is growing day by day.

Pet services are the fastest-growing sector of the pet industry, and the APPA projects that pet services will continue to grow.

That  is why, we have complied a list of the 8 points  you ought to know before you start your own pet grooming business.

 

A good looking pet dog no doubt qualifies to be ‘the neighbor’s envy and owner’s pride’. This section of IndiaKennels.com is invaluable in particular for those of you who like to flaunt your dogs!

In general, dog breeds in India do not enjoy the kind of care that their counterparts in other parts of the world do. Concepts such as a dental floss for dogs may come as an absolute shock for some of us while these are accepted norms elsewhere.

Besides having a high degree of educative value, the topics discussed in the articles here are good to be used as pointers for those of you who really believe in taking care of your pet dog the way they deserve to be.

All about Dog Grooming

There are several fundamental issues that are involved with successfully grooming and maintaining your dog in peak condition. These issues include preparation for grooming, how to bathe your dog, what to watch for while using clippers, looking after his nails, dental hygiene and more.

All of these things are important to keep your dog looking his best and to ensure that you pick up any potential problems or illnesses as early as possible.

Different types of dog coats require different grooming methods and equipment to maintain his coat in great condition. It however is important to understand that grooming is only part of the dog maintenance picture and that exercise and good nutrition are equally important in ensuring that your dog lives a long and healthy life.

 

1.Handling and Preparation

 

It is essential that you get your dog used to being handled by humans at an early age. If you manage to regularly play with and handle your dog as a puppy, there are far lesser chances of problems cropping up later on in your dog’s life especially with regards to grooming.

This is because grooming invariably calls for a human (either you or someone else in your family or even someone at a pet grooming parlor) to take care of this aspect for your pet.

Another important factor that is a prerequisite for successful grooming is your dog’s ability to obey the stand, sit and stay commands. Using these commands when you are grooming your dog is also a great way to ensure that your authority is reinforced. Train your dog well from an early age and grooming is likely to turn into an exercise you’re your dog will enjoy rather than loathe.

Where and how you groom your dog will depend to a great extent upon his size and his temperament. Ideally you would like your dog to be standing still on a table, so that you can easily groom him without having to bend over or be overly restraining him. It is recommended that you use a non-slip mat on the table so that your dog does not damage the table or himself by slipping off.

A general grooming kit must consist of scissors or clippers along with the appropriate types of brushes and combs for your pet. Make sure that you have your grooming kit ready to avoid uncomfortable delays and mishaps owing to these.

 

Picking Up Warning Signs Early

 

Grooming no doubt is all about keeping your dog looking his best at all times. After all, who likes an unkempt, smelly dog?

There however are more vital reasons why regular grooming sessions must be carried out for your pet. Not only is this a chance to interact with your dog and improve your bonding with him, but also a chance to scrutinize him carefully for any signs of impending ailment or any other health disorder. Through regular grooming, you will be able to notice any warning signs that there may be something wrong with your dog.

Some of the signs that indicate that not all may be right with your dog include the following:

• Swelling of the stomach can indicate a variety of complaints. These can be a simple case of indigestion of something more serious like something your dog has swallowed which is causing an obstruction of the normal functioning of the digestive system. Inflammation in any internal organ can also translate to a swollen stomach and this must be taken seriously always.
• Report any unusual lumps to your vet immediately as they could be the sign of a serious illness such as cancer. Routine checking to see if these lumps are growing in size or number are also equally important.
• If you see flaking, scabs or rashes on the skin then it could be a sign of an allergy, fungal infection or even a more serious skin disorder. It is quite possible that your dog will start to scratch and itch more than he normally does as well. Remedial action must be taken as soon as possible to avoid cases of serious skin infections.
• Labored breathing may indicate respiratory problems or even something your dog has swallowed which is obstructing the wind pipe. Instant medical care is advisable in such cases.
• If your dog squints, has bloodshot eyes, has cloudy eyes or a discharge coming from the eyes then your vet should check him over immediately for a potentially contagious eye infection. Glaucoma and conjunctivitis are relatively common in older dogs – regular check ups to rule these out are recommended.
• Unusual bowel movements, such as loose motions, constipation or else blood in the stools may need medical attention.
• If he has yellow teeth or bad breath, it is probably time to get his teeth cleaned.

In simple terms, utilize every opportunity with your dog to further your relationship!

 

2. Importance of Bathing

 

How well your dog is groomed and ‘turned out’ is a clear reflection of the kind of person that you are and hence it is not worth risking your reputation owing to a shabby dog.

Regular cleansing sessions along with a well planned and wholesome ‘beauty’ regimen is almost always the key to a good-looking dog.

The importance of maintaining the best possible degrees of hygiene in your pet dog cannot be emphasized enough. Apart from the ever looming threat of falling prey to diseases owing to poor hygiene, unkempt dogs also pose the risk of transmitting an infection to the humans that form part of its family.

Seemingly simple infestations of ticks and mites can cause serious allergic reactions in some of us and hence keeping a well groomed dog is of huge importance.

While our intentions might be of keeping a clean dog, the process can sometimes take the shape of a nightmare because most dogs loathe bath time!

Either its fear of becoming wet or else it is the tendency to roll in dirt as soon as you have spent a lot of your time and energy scrubbing him clean; in any case, your efforts go wasted at times.

What is important is to keep the efforts going against all odds and do the best that you can to keep your dog well groomed.

 

The Bathing Process

 

Bathing your dog before you start the grooming process is a great way to ensure that you achieve the best results. There is specialized equipment that you will require to make the bathing process as easy and effective as possible for both parties.

Here is a generic list of items that you will need:

1. A suitable bathing tub for the size of your dog
2. A non-slip mat
3. A plastic jug
4. Either a towel or a hair dryer
5. Specially formulated canine shampoo

Note:

• If your dog does not like the sensation of being immersed in water, the tub can be replaced with a bucket filled with warm water.
• Canine shampoos as recommended by your vet or pet store are best for your dog since these are made especially keeping them and their special requirements. You can also buy medicated shampoo if your dog has a particular condition like fleas or ticks that needs to be attended to or else if he has sensitive skin. There are also especially formulated canine shampoos to provide relief from arthritis and muscular pain in case your dog requires them.
• You may also require a nylon leash and collar, which can be used to tie your dog in the vicinity of the tub so as to prevent your dog from running away if he has a dislike for being washed and shampooed.
• For larger dogs it is often a good idea to bathe them outdoors as a large wet dog can cause problems indoors if he gets unduly excited in course of the entire process.

 

Recommended Procedure:

1. Place the non-slip mat in the tub before placing your dog in it and while holding his collar use the plastic jug to pour warm water over him. Make sure that you wet him thoroughly before you shampoo – this helps break down the surface tension from the grease in the coat and makes it easier to remove dirt and grime. It can be a good idea to lightly block his ears with cotton wool (take care not to insert the cotton too deep into his ears) to prevent soapy water getting into his ear canals.
2. Mix 15-20 ml of shampoo in a jug of water and massage the shampoo mixture into your dog’s coat and work up a rich lather. At this stage avoid putting any of the shampoo mixture on your dog’s facial region.
3. Now move on to the face; be very careful about not letting shampoo get into your dog’s eyes or mouth. It is a good idea to use a sponge to apply the shampoo mixture to his facial region. You may also use a sponge to clean under his tail as this is an area where bacteria and fungi often spread leading to complicated skin infections.
4. Rinse and dry your dog’s head first using the towel; continue with rinsing the rest of the body thereafter. This should take approximately 3 minutes for a short haired dog and 5 minutes for a longer haired one. It is important that you rinse your dog thoroughly so that there is no shampoo left in his coat.
5. Dry the rest of your dog with the towel or use a hair dryer set on low heat. Be careful not to irritate the skin by overly vigorous toweling or having too high a heat setting on a dryer.

Use praise to give your dog reassurance at all stages of the bathing process. Bath time can well be converted into fun time for your dog by being patient and understanding.

 

3. Clipping Your Dog’s Coat

 

Many people who have dogs as pets often think that clipping or grooming their dogs are a mere mechanical activity for which they will require grooming sheers.

There are very few dog owners who realize that grooming a dog is actually an art and grooming the dog’s nails or fur needs to done in a very careful manner so that no injuries are caused in the process.

Trimming a dog’s fur needs to be done in accordance with each breeds’ specific characteristics. When the coat is not properly groomed, it could lead to accumulation of dirt in the coat leading to matting of the fur.

When the dog’s coat is well groomed, it will help to get rid of fleas, ticks and mites to a greater extent with proper shampooing containing flea and tick medications.

Also, when improperly trimmed, the dog’s skin could start showing signs of skin diseases due to improper care. In case you require them, there are many pet grooming parlors available to groom your pets in a more systematic manner that will leave your dog feeling more comfortable during the process.

Most modern day dog grooming is done with the help of clippers, the same type that is used to cut human hair, like men’s crew cut styles. The advantage of using clippers over scissors is that the hair can be cut away to a specific length easily and uniformly using the different length snap-on attachments that are available with clippers. You can find a variety of grooming sheers at pet stores.

You will want to use the modern sheers when grooming your dogs. In case you are grooming your dog yourself, you will want to make sure the blades of the clippers are sharp. It is best to avoid using blunt grooming instruments because they will not clip the hair as well and will require a lot of repetition with the grooming.

As a norm avoid trimming your dog’s coat during the winter months as fur is a major source of warmth for him. Also, in case of the slightest signs that your dog is ill, avoid trimming his fur until he is in perfect health.

 

For the best results, try and implement the following:

• Have the clipper head flat against your dog’s coat.
• Move the clipper in the direction of the grain of the hair.
• Be careful not to dig the clippers into your dog’s skin, especially near the facial area and neck.
• Do not use clippers on your dog’s anal muscle as this is an extremely sensitive area for your dog. If you must remove hair from around this area use a pair of safety round tip scissors.
• For a good finished, use scissors to trim any uneven, sensitive or difficult to reach areas after you have clipped your dog.

 

Using Clippers Safely

Here are some handy tips for getting your dog used to the clippers and keeping your dog looking great:

• Start clipping your dog as early in life as possible; a pup that is used to being trimmed is more likely to adjust to the same activity later in life as against a dog that has to undergo trimming for the first time during his adulthood.
• Choose the clipper blade that works best with the specific type of coat your dog has so that you can achieve the result you are looking for.
• Compare the sound levels of various clippers and choose the quietest one. Loud buzzing noises that clippers can make would scare them just as it would scare one of us!
• Read about your dog’s breed standard for clues about how your dog’s coat should look and how to make it look that way.
• Check web sites for tips on how breed club members clip their dogs. Some breed clubs provide free guidelines on how their dogs should look.
• Have a professional groomer demonstrate to you as to how your dog’s coat must be clipped. Most groomers and breeders are happy to spend a little time helping you get the act right.
• Clipper blades can become extremely hot, especially when you use them for a long time. If you accidentally burn your dog’s skin, chances are that she will remember the mishap and associate pain with the clippers. This in turn will make your efforts to clip your dog’s coat more and more difficult each time.
• Always use clipper coolant or lubricant on the clipper blades to keep them from getting too warm and burning your dog’s skin. Some can be sprayed on the blades to cool them down before you resume work.
• Make sure though, that you wipe off any excess lubricant lest you end up getting oil all over your dog’s nice clean coat. Coolant or lubricant is available separately through pet supply catalogs and on the Internet.

4. Cleaning the Face

 

Cleaning a dog’s face is a procedure that many dog owners are apprehensive about carrying out. One of the primary reasons why this happens is because dogs can get very difficult to handle the moment you try to inspect their face.

Moreover, there are fears of how sensitive the organs like eyes and ears are that may prevent most of us from doing a regular check up of their face.

A good way of ensuring that you make it a point to scrutinize your dog’s face regularly is to clean it regularly. More importantly, a weekly inspection of your dog’s general facial area, including the eyes and ears will let you discover any potential problems or illnesses at an early stage.

It is therefore important to establish a daily or weekly facial grooming ritual that both you and your dog can enjoy.

 

Routine cleaning of the face serves three major purposes:

1. First, it keeps your dog’s facial skin, coat, teeth and gums in a healthy state.
2. Second, it helps you detect any signs or symptoms of problems or abnormalities especially on vital sense organs such as his eyes and ears.
3. Third, facial grooming allows you to spend quality time with your pet which helps create a special bond between you and your dog.

In case your dog refuses to be cleaned, command him to sit and stay. In addition, grooming should always involve a reward for your dog.

 

3 Simple Steps to Clean Your Dog’s Face:   

 

1. Eyes:Gently wipe the skin around the eyes using a piece of moistened cotton; use a fresh piece for each eye to rid the area around the eye of any mucus. Do not dab the cotton wool directly on to your dog’s eyeball. In case you notice any discharge or inflammation or else if your dog’s eyes are red or unusually tender then you should consult a veterinarian for an appropriate course of action.
2. Ears:Hold the ear open with one hand and gently wipe the inside of the ear flap with a small piece of moistened cotton. Repeat the same for the other ear with a fresh piece of cotton. Make sure that you do not probe too deeply into the ear canal.
3. Facial Skin:Wipe facial skin with moistened cotton; loose facial skin must be cleaned regularly with damp cotton in order to prevent dirt, dead skin and bacteria from collecting in the folds and causing irritation and skin infection.
4. Teeth and Gums:You will require a special dog toothbrush, cotton tips, a tartar remover tool and canine toothpaste in order to carry out cleansing of your dog’s teeth and gums. Do not use normal toothpaste (used by us humans) on dogs as canines can become sick on consumption of even small amounts of the fluoride which is commonly present in toothpastes that are produced for human consumption. Alternatively use dental chews, which clean your dog’s teeth as he chews.

 

Special Facial Care while Bathing

 

Many dog owners combine their dog’s bathing routine with facial cleaning and in the bargain they either miss out on the careful handling that the dog’s face requires or else fail to look carefully enough to ensure that there are no warning signs on his face.

 

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind while bathing your dog:

1. Be very careful about not letting shampoo get into your dog’s eyes, ears or mouth. It is best to use a sponge or damp cotton to apply the shampoo mixture to his facial region if you must.
2. Place cotton wool lightly in your dog’s ears so as to prevent water from splashing into them accidentally. However, care must be taken so that the cotton is not pushed too deep into the ear canal.
3. It is important that you rinse your dog’s face thoroughly so that there is no shampoo left on him.
4. Rinse and dry your dog’s head first using the towel before you continue with rinsing the rest of the body. This will minimize the chances of him catching flu because of drenching for too long.

 

Special Care

Dogs with wrinkly skin and / or skin folds, such as the Shar Pei, require extra attention and may have to be groomed more often than once a week. It is important that skin folds and wrinkles are kept clean and dry as the area in between folds are often breeding grounds for harmful skin infections and diseases.

Use warm water over the skin to start with and then use a moist cotton wool ball to probe deep into the folds. Dust antibacterial / antifungal powder to as to keep skin dry and clean.

 

5. Nail Clipping

 

Nail clipping can be another difficult task to achieve while dealing with dogs. It could be the fear of ‘losing’ a part of them that causes them to be worried about giving in to a nail clipping session. While some dogs simply squirm and yelp in anticipation of pain, some can become extremely violent and cry as if they are being assaulted.

Few dogs enjoy nail clipping but eventually with training, most of them will learn to allow their nails to be cut without a major struggle. In this respect it is best to start the exercise as early as possible; if they go through nail clipping sessions as puppies, chances are that they will get used to it by the time they are adults and it will be much easier to control them then.

You can get your vet to trim his nails or you else you can opt to do it yourself. Some of us might even consider the option of using tranquilizers to get the job done in peace but this must be a carefully thought out option. Since individual dogs vary a great deal in terms of their reactions to tranquilizers, the direct supervision of a veterinarian is imperative and must not tried at home in a casual manner.

Your dogs’ nails can grow quite long, especially if your dog is kept indoors most of the time. If he is kept outside then his claws get more worn out through digging and running and will not grow to an unmanageable length quickly.

 

The Nail Clipping Process

 

Ensure you are equipped with a sharp nail clipper and a helper whose pockets have been filled with extra-special treats and tidbits such as bits of hot dog or shredded cheese that have been proven to work very well! While most people use the single-bladed ‘guillotine’ type of nail clipper, a more functional variety is the kind that looks like a little pliers and has two blades at the top and bottom.

These cut faster with less effort. It is a good idea to replace your clippers every year to make sure they are always sharp. The sharper they are, the less they pinch the nail during the clipping process. The fact that they are inexpensive is another reason why this is easy to do.

Dogs feel most confident and in control when they are placed on the ground; this is quite understandable because that is their primary domain. It is best to place a reluctant or an uncooperative dog up on a grooming table or other raised surface with a helper supervising the dog’s head.

Your assistant need not necessarily hold his head still  since this often causes dogs to struggle more; instead just keep him occupied by tempting him with treats thereby preventing him from turning around or jumping off the table and running away.

It is best to start with the rear feet since dogs seem to be easier to handle while clipping the nails on these, probably because they can’t see what we are doing!

 

Here’s a step by step guide as to how to go about the process:

• Stand at the dog’s side, next to his rump, with your back to his head.
• Grasp the dog’s ankle just above the paw from the front with your left hand (in case you are right-handed)
• Lift the foot and turn the paw backward so that the pads are facing up and the bend of the dog’s ankle is cradled in your palm.

Note: Your grip should be firm: the dog should not be able to pull his foot out of your hand.

 

‘Once Bitten Twice Shy’

In most cases, dogs fear nail clipping because someone has clipped their nails too short in the past and hurt them. Make sure that you only cut the ‘dead’ section of the nail so as to not hurt the dog.

Unlike our toenails, dogs’ toenails have a nerve and a blood vein inside them and when cut too short, it causes pain and bleeding. The entire nail is not sensitive, though and there is distinct demarcation between the ‘live’ part of the nail and the ‘dead’ section. The section with the nerve and vein is pink while the dead part is white.

Another sure shot way of identifying the safe length to cut is to look along the bottom side of the nail, for a groove in the nail. It begins at the tip of the toenail, where its outline is very sharp, deep and distinct and then continues toward the toe, becoming wider and shallower until its outline blends in with the rest of the nail and seems to disappear.

The part of the toenail with a deep, distinct groove is the dead area with no nerve or blood supply in that section and you may safely cut it off without harming the dog.

 

Nail Trimming Tips

 

Here are a few tips that you can use to help with the nail trimming process.

• Buy a sturdy pair of sharp clippers. Small flimsy ones may break after a few nail clipping sessions.
• Invest in a muzzle, especially for the first few times, as you both get used to the nail clipping process.
• Start trimming your dog’s nails when he is a youngster to avoid resistance later in life.
• The first few times trim a very small amount of nail off so that he gets used to the process on a more regular basis.
• Trim his nails every six to ten weeks on a minimum or more frequently for an ‘indoors dog’.
• Be careful not to cut into the live part of the nail.
• Make sure that you trim the pointed end of the dewclaw (the dog’s thumb).
• If in doubt, you can always consult with your vet or groomer for help with clipping your dog’s nails.

 

6. Teeth and Gums

 

Another weekly grooming task that must be done is to inspect and clean your dog’s teeth and gums. You must also get your veterinarian to check them once a year even if you think that there are no problems yourself.

Dental problems do not only happen to humans; dogs too have dental issues and it is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.

Over 70% of adult dogs require some form of dental attention or the other.

Usually this involves removing decayed teeth or medication to cure gum disease. An early warning sign of dental attention is when your dog has bad breath bad due to food particles trapped between his teeth. There are several products available that can be used to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

As a bare minimum you should have a special dog toothbrush, cotton tips, a tartar remover tool and canine toothpaste. These items are easily available at most local pet stores. It is a good idea to use them as early on in your puppy’s life as possible so that he is well used to it by adolescence. You can also buy dental chews, which clean your dog’s teeth as he chews.

Of course, cleaning your dog’s teeth does not mean you can disregard the need to maintain high levels of safety in the premises frequented by your dog. You need to make an active effort to remove tough substances such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves that can damage his teeth / gums and mouth. Invest in dog chewing toys that are safe instead so as to keep him from looking for things to chew.

 

Attention:

• Do not use normal toothpaste on dogs as they can become sick if even a small amount of the fluoride, which is commonly found in toothpaste produced for human consumption, reaches their blood stream.
• Note that the modern day domestic dog often has trouble chewing real bones, as his teeth are not strong enough. Letting your dog chew on real bones can end up with the need for a trip to the vet to fix broken teeth or else to remove bone chips stuck in gums.

Clean teeth and gums are very important of the overall health of your dog. Here are some tips on the most common dental problems of dogs and different ways of treating them:

Periodontitis: This is one of the most common dental problems for canines, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors including plaque, food debris, cell mucus and a mixture of bacteria.

This results in the formation of a milky-white film on the dog’s teeth as well as the gums. When this film combines with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, which is very hard to remove.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, occurs when gum tissue suffers from inflammation. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening and ultimately, loss of teeth.

Tooth Fractures: Tooth fractures occur when dogs chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves or simply hard bones. The fractures result in infections inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease.

How to Prevent Dental Problems

Your dog can fight off these dental problems by removing plaque regularly before it actually develops into tartar. The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your dog to remove most of the bacteria in the mouth along with making your dog’s breath smell sweeter.

Additionally try to make regular check-ups of the teeth of your dog to identify any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, refer to the veterinarian promptly.

Use tooth products that are made especially for dogs. Brush your pet’s teeth using dog toothpaste, which is safe enough to swallow unlike fluoridated human toothpaste that is designed to be spit out.

A finger toothbrush is a good bet if your dog is comfortable with it instead of a special dog toothbrush. Dog mouthwashes are ideal for help to kill the bacteria in your dog’s mouth and heal damaged gum tissues.

 

Professional Dog Teeth Cleaning

 

In case you don’t want to do the cleaning yourself, you could take your dog to a veterinarian and have its teeth cleaned professionally.

A good veterinarian will take additional measures to ensure your dog’s clean teeth by anesthetizing your dog, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gum line and adjoining areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling pearly finish.

Do remember to ask your vet for advice on the best dental care products for your dog.

 

7. Equipment

 

Taking care of a dog comes with a large set of specialized equipment that is necessary to keep your dog looking great as well as maintaining effective control over him while causing him minimum discomfort.

Kennel, Leash and Collar

Based on whether your dog spends most of his time indoors or outdoors, a suitable sized kennel is a necessary investment.

A sturdy collar and leash with a comfortable grip are absolute must-haves when you take your dog out on a walk. A variety of leashes and collars in conventional leather, trendy natural fibers or durable nylon are available to choose from. In case of large dogs that tend to chew on leashes, special nylon extra strength leashes is a good bet.

 

Bathing and Cleansing

• A suitable bathing tub for the size of your dog or a bucket and mug in case your dog is not comfortable being dipped in water
• A non-slip mat to ensure he does not fall despite soapy shampoo lather
• Either a towel or a hair dryer to dry his coat after the bath

 

Dental Hygiene

 

Dog toothbrushes do require a certain degree of getting used to. A good way to get your dog acquainted with the feel of the brush is to let him chew and play with one for a while before beginning to use it. Dog finger toothbrushes are a good alternative, although nothing could replace the traditional toothbrush.

The finger brush fits onto the fingertip and lets you brush the dog’s teeth effortlessly. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your dog’s teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gum-line’s margin as effectively when compared with a regular toothbrush.

An effective tartar remover tool is a good investment in case you would prefer to carry out the exercise yourself. Many of these are liquids that are easy to use.

 

Coat and Nail Trimming

 

In order to obtain the best results it is important that you use the correct equipment when grooming your dog. Listed below are some of the common items that professional groomers use to trim dogs’ coats. In case you desire professional results, it is a good idea to invest in these, all of which are easily available at your local pet store.

Before embarking on a coat trimming session, it is important that your dog’s coat is clean and tangle free. A soothing bathing and drying routine is recommended before brushing your dog’s fur to be followed by the trimming exercise.

 

There are a variety of brushes that can be used to disentangle and groom:

 

• A slicker brush is used to prevent matting and remove tangles.
• Bristle brushes are coarse brushes that are used to take fine foreign matter off of your dog’s coat.
• Pin brushes are used for long haired dogs as they help remove tangles and twists in spite of the extra hair length.
• Stainless steel brushes are efficient and durable along with being versatile. They come in a variety of sizes and lengths, which can be chosen based on the special requirements of your dog.
• A rubber brush is a soft brush that is good for using against a dogs hide making them particularly good on short haired breeds.

For the actual process of trimming your dog’s coat, there are several options that you can choose from:

• You can buy specialist dog clippers from your local pet store.
• Alternatively, you can use normal hair clippers, similar to those used in barber shops; you may need to buy specially sized snap-on attachments depending on the length of your dog’s fur though.
• Stainless steel scissors are also recommended if you are confident of being able to achieve a uniform length without conventional clippers. It is a good idea to get safety round tip scissors if you are trimming in sensitive places or else your dog tends to fidget when you are grooming him.
• Stripping knives can be used on dogs with wiry coats. Use this type of knife in the direction of your dog’s coat grain. Hand stripping of dogs with wiry coats need to be carried out as frequently as once in three months usually; you may ask your vet or pet store owner for a demonstration of the correct technique if necessary.

 

Nail Clipping

 

• Buy a sturdy pair of sharp clippers. Small flimsy ones may break after a few nail clipping sessions. While most people use the single-bladed type of nail clipper, a more functional variety is the kind that looks like a little pliers and has two blades at the top and bottom.
• These are inexpensive, cut faster with less effort. Replace your clippers every year since the sharper they are, the less they pinch the nail during the clipping process.
• Invest in a muzzle, especially for the first few times, as you both get used to the nail clipping process.

 

8. Types of Coats

 

Dogs have a huge variety of coats based on its pedigree and the variations can be on a range of factors including color, texture, patterns as well as skin type. The state of the coat is one of the best ways to judge the health of the dog.

One with a shiny clean coat is normally a robust and active dog that eats right and gets the adequate amount of exercise; a dull coat and / or skin infections most often are a reflection of some sort of a health concern that requires immediate attention. A good coat is also an indication of the animal’s breeding.

Coat Types

In the widest classification, a dog’s coat can either be double or single coated. A dog is said to be double coated if it has both a soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat while some other dog breeds are single-coated in the sense that they have only one type of coat or the other – most often only the topcoat.

Shedding Patterns

Most dogs are seen to shed their undercoat every spring and grow it back as colder weather sets in; this process is also referred to as ‘blowing the coat’. Several other domesticated breeds shed their coat twice a year or else depending on the climates, the topcoat and undercoat might shed continuously in greater and lesser quantities all year.

Coat Textures

The variety does not end here – while some dog breeds’ coat is more like human hair than like other animals’ fur in the sense that they continue to grow long as is the case with the Poodle, which calls for frequent trimming, others need constant grooming to ensure that the coat does not form clumps due to the accumulation of dirt and grime. Coat textures can be very different as well ranging from smooth to rough, curly or wavy to straight and silky, crispy to broken and frizzy.

Here’s a look at the ways in which different types of coats can be cared for:

Smooth Coats

In order to groom a smooth haired dog you will need a rubber brush, a bristle brush and a chamois; brushing against the grain of your dog’s hair is recommended.

The rubber brush must be used first to remove any large foreign matter and dead hairs. Thereafter use the bristle brush to remove the finer dirt / dust particles and hair. Finally use the chamois to polish your dog’s coat and bring out the luster and glossy sheen. This should be carried out once in every 3 to 4 days to keep your dog looking in great condition.

Long Coats

Long haired dogs require grooming at least twice a week, using standard grooming equipment like a slicker brush, bristle brush and a steel wide tooth comb. Lack of regular grooming for long haired dogs will cause their coat to matt, making it much harder to set right when you do decide to groom them. Some dogs that have long silky coats do not have the downy undercoat that other long haired breeds making it essential that you are extra careful not to scratch or cut them while grooming.

On a daily basis, begin with a slicker brush to ensure that your dog’s coat does not become twisted and matted. After this, use a pin brush to go through your dog’s coat more thoroughly. Use the wide tooth comb to remove any left over tangles; after this you may use a finer tooth comb after this for finishing off the coat.

Avoid pulling too much on your dog’s hair as far as possible and be careful while untangling hair under your dog’s legs as this area is more sensitive and gets missed easily. It is a good idea to trim any excess hair from around your dog’s hocks and feet as these areas are more susceptible to gather foreign objects, like mud and dirt from the ground.

Short Coats

Short coated dogs require a comparatively lesser amount of grooming than other breeds. However as all dogs molt they need to be brushed on a daily basis. For this you will need a slicker brush, bristle brush and a steel comb. With short hair breeds a fine tooth comb rather than a wide tooth comb is a better bet.

As with long haired dogs, the slicker brush is used to remove any tangles as well as to prevent coat matting. Then the bristle brush removes any remaining dirt and other foreign matter. The comb can then be used to run through any straggly parts that are left, like the tail and underbelly.

Wiry Coats

Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting in dogs with wiry coats as well. Slicker brushes, pin brushes and wide tooth combs are good choices for this purpose. Stripping knives can be used on dogs with wiry coats in the direction of coat grain once in three months to keep your dog well groomed.