Proper Pet Grooming

      Proper Pet Grooming is a good way to enhance the health of your loving pet. All dogs need a little grooming at least, and whether or not you want to be the one to groom them or whether or not you want a groomer to do the job. If your dog doesn’t like water, it's time for the groomer. If your dog doesn’t like to sit still while you comb his hair, it's time for the groomer. If your dog doesn’t like for you to clip his nails, it's time for the groomer.

     Dogs that have a problem with flees are almost always scratching. A groomer might have some good advice that will help. However, not all scratching dogs have that many flees, especially after a bath.

     Many types of dog shampoos will cause your dog to have very dry skin. That is what they are biting and scratching at. The best shampoo that I have found was Dawn Dish Detergent, it definitely helps control the flees, and prevents flee infestation. Regular baby shampoo, especially if it has aloe in it is nice, and it helps prevent itching.

     Always start grooming your dog as soon as possible. This not only keeps him looking good but it gets him used to taking a bath on a regular basis, and he is not afraid to get his nails clipped.

     Knowing how to groom your dog is important, if you are going to do the grooming yourself. You should buy the grooming tools that you will need as soon as you can. There are brushes especially made for long haired dogs as well as short haired dogs. Nail clippers are an essential for keeping their nails clipped so they do not cut you when they are jumping around or playing. There is a membrane in the nail that will bleed if you try to cut too much of the nail off, so use caution when clipping.

     Your dog doesn’t really need a bath once a week; in fact, you can over bathe your dog. One bath too much may cause your dog to have dry or extra dry skin, resulting in the dog scratching and biting at its skin continuously. Normally, giving your dog a bath once a month is sufficient enough to clean the hair and kill any flees.

     Most groomers will treat a dog bath sort of like you would if you were bathing a baby. Comb any knots out of the coat. Then they put just enough warm water in the tub that will be comfortable to the dog. Then using a cup or glass they will continuously pour water over the dogs body until it is soaking wet all the way to the skin. Use aloe based baby shampoo to lather the entire dog except his face. Then rinse it thoroughly with water and let the dog drip dry, while you wash its face with a damp rag. Be sure not to get water and soap directly in its eyes as this tends to make a dog a little skittish of water, and might make it hard to give it another bath later.  

     Whether you do your own grooming or you have it done by a professional, your dog's health is going to benefit the dog and you.