do's & dont's of dog grooming - by adrienne fitzhenry ......professional styling and...

Do's & Dont's of Dog Grooming - By Adrienne Fitzhenry (Dogs in Canada)

Written by Brian AdamSaturday, 16 November 2013 10:32 - Last Updated Saturday, 16 November 2013 10:49

A WELL-GROOMED PUPPY is happy & healthy. There is no downside to keeping a puppyclean and brushed; it well help you bond – and it will even save money at the grooming salonand veterinary clinic. The puppy will look better, get more pats and be welcomed in moreplaces.

DO gradually familiarize your puppy with grooming Good grooming involves more thanjust having nicely brushed fur – there are the nails, teeth, ears and skin to attend to. Even small,fine-coated or hairless breeds need a surprising amount of care. Research breed-specificgrooming requirements and any skin, fur and dental issues that apply to your breed. CKCbreeders and national breed clubs are excellent resources.

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DO consider whether you have any ambitions to show your dog A puppy destined forthe show ring might need different care to achieve the correct style and texture of coat. Petcompanion puppies have more options. Investigate local grooming salons for breeds that needprofessional styling and trimming, but any breed can go to the groomer regularly if you are notable to groom at home. Some groomers have puppy programs and/or special grooms availableonce vaccinations are complete.

DON’T leave grooming until your puppy is a tangled stinky mess, then show up at thegroomer with your disaster.

DON’T over-trim the nails and cut the quick Have styptic powder, pads or gel in yourgrooming kit. Remember to trim front and rear dew claws.

DON’T scissor out mats close to the skin This is a classic way for a puppy to end up atthe vet’s needing sutures.

DO set yourself up for success Exercise your puppy before a grooming session. Usepositive rewards and have realistic expectations. Several short sessions work better than onelong one. Have your puppy either lying down or standing on a non-slip steady surface. You canuse a grooming table, or a piece of rubber-backed carpet, or a rubber doormat on a table or thefloor. Wherever you groom, the puppy needs to be relaxed and comfortable.

DO regularly trim your puppy’s nails Nail tips should be trimmed once a week. Getsomeone experienced to assist you, and always use a size and style of trimmer that isappropriate for the size of your dog – and comfortable for you.

DO brush your puppy Brush in the direction of hair growth and use a brush suitable for thehair type and size of your puppy. Use a cloth or rubber hound glove, or a soft-bristled bodybrush for the fine- to short-haired breeds. Use bristle brushes, soft slickers or pin brushes forlonger hair. For harsh-coated terrier breeds, use a terrier palm brush, pad or slicker. Use awide-toothed dog comb to check your brushing has removed all tangles down to the skin.

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As your furry puppy gains experience, line brush methodically from the feet upward, holdingthe upper section of fur out of the way with one hand, then brushing each lower section out inthe direction of the hair growth.

Pay special attention to the hair and skin around the eyes, ears, elbows, bottom and privates.Some breeds need daily wiping around the eyes to prevent staining. You can purchase specialeye-wipe pads. Keep skin folds or wrinkles dry and clean. And always clean your dog-groomingbrushes.

DO examine and clean the teeth Use poultry- or beef-flavour enzymatic doggy toothpasteon a finger brush or pad. For larger puppies, a small soft toothbrush will work. Ask for ademonstration of correct tooth brushing technique from your veterinarian, and advice on safechew items for your breed.

DO regularly check your puppy’s ears They should be clean and smell leathery. If there isabundant brown waxy discharge and your puppy is rubbing or shaking its head, go to the vet.Some breeds need ear wipes only once a week, and others need special cleaning andpreventive care. Ask the vet to recommend an ear-cleaning regime and cleansing solution.

DON’T brush too hard and cause a slicker or brush burn Practise brushing on the insideof your forearm. Dog skin is very fine and sensitive.

DON’T let your puppy bite and play with the brush This might seem cute – but wait untilyou’re holding sharp scissors!

DON’T leave your finger or toothbrush around for the puppy to eat!

DON’T use human toothpaste, which may contain ingredients toxic to dogs.

DO rinse out and spot-clean a dirty puppy Use plain warm water or a no-rinse spray

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shampoo that is safe for puppies. The feet, belly and bottom are areas that may need extrawiping down. Mostly this is all a puppy will need, but these are also training opportunities togradually work up to a full bath. Make sure your dog’s coat is tangle-free prior to any rinsing orbathing – otherwise the knots will tighten.

Always leave a water-safe collar on your puppy during any bath training. A wet dog is slippery!Ensure that your puppy is able to stand on a secure slip-free surface in the tub. Then practisehaving the puppy stand in a dry tub first for some treats. Once the puppy has mastered that, youcan practise having the water go on and off.

DO have a good hand-held shower nozzle Always turn it on facing away from the puppy,check the temperature and start by rinsing the feet. Work your way up the puppy and save theface for last. Do not get water or shampoo in the eyes or ears. Use a gentle shampoospecifically for puppies, rinse very thoroughly, then rinse again. Fine-coated breeds may need apuppy moisturizing rinse. Hand-wring excess water from the coat, thoroughly towel dry and putthe puppy in a draft-free area to rest, play, shake and be further towel dried. Investigate usefulaccessories like bathrobes and hooded towels. Ear snoods, special bowls, boots, belly vestsand outdoor coats can minimize the need for bathing.

DON’T use medicated shampoos or insecticidal shampoos on a puppy unless prescribed byyour vet.

DON’T use a human shampoo for puppies. It’s too harsh, stripping natural oils from the coat.

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do's & dont's of dog grooming - by adrienne fitzhenry ......professional styling and...

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