Different needs for different breeds when it come to canine grooming

Grooming your dog should not be a harrowing experience. Some dogs enjoy the routine and time spent with you, while others would prefer to skip it entirely. One definite piece of advice we can give is to start brushing your buddy while he’s still a puppy. Make sure it’s a pleasant experience, and keep it short at first.

How often you will need to groom your dog depends on what kind of breed you have. Poodles, bichons and cocker spaniels, to name three, require frequent brushing and regular professional grooming. Short-haired dogs will also need occasional brushing and bathing.

A grooming routine is also an excellent time to inspect your dog’s skin for anything unusual that should be brought to the attention of your vet, and to check for and remove any ticks you might find.

Dogs, like children, can benefit from an established routine. If you are able to brush your dog on a regular schedule, you may find him looking forward to it.

Regardless of the breed, brushing can help maintain a healthy coat. You will be removing dirt and dead hair, as well as preventing tangles and distributing the natural oils throughout the coat. Remember to always brush your dog before bathing him (this especially applies to furry breeds such as the bichon). Bathing a dog with tangles will only make the knots harder to remove when the coat is dry. You will also not be able to thoroughly rinse the shampoo out of tangled fur. Never bathe your dog with harsh detergents or soap. Find a gentle, natural, dog-specific shampoo for the job, one that will also be good for his skin, and avoid using shampoos with added pesticides. There are much safer ways to control fleas and ticks.

If you are cutting your dog’s toenails, be sure to use a clipper specifically made for doggie nails. Watch out not to cut into the “quick,” which is usually the dark part of the nail. However, some dogs have all-dark nails which make it tough to figure how far to cut. When in doubt, keep them longer. If you do cut too far and the nail starts to bleed, try applying pressure with a cotton ball.

One more grooming tip: if your dog is a typical ‘male animal’, please don’t make him wear a bow after his bath. Hey, dogs have a sense of pride, too!