Dog Grooming Tips

By: Nicholas Hunt

No matter what breed of dog you plan to purchase there are some grooming tips you will want to know. All dogs need proper grooming for the health and attractiveness of the breed. Read on to find out what you need to do in the grooming process and learn how beneficial it is to not only to your dog but for you as well.

Coat Grooming

All dogs have coats; some are short, long, wire-haired, curly, straight, or wavy. No matter the coat, you will need to invent in a good brush. The brush you decide upon needs to be the type that will get through your dog's hair without causing harm to skin or pull on the hair. Wire steel brushing are great to use to get loose hair before it falls on your furniture and carpet. You can also purchase wire combs, which are best for smaller breeds since they tend to be a bit smaller.

Choose the size of your brush or comb in accordance with the size of your dog. If you have a large dog, choose a larger brush that will cover more area as you brush. If you have a small dog, a smaller brush will be easier to use to get behind the ears and other small areas. Bathe your dog when he is visibly dirty or has a foul odor. Shampooing dries out a dog's coat and can rip some dog's natural oils from its hair. These natural oils protect the dog's skin and in some breeds, repel water.

Trimming Nails

The frequency of trimming your dog's nails depends on if your dog goes outdoors often especially on concrete and how fast the nails grow. If your dog runs on concrete then the nails usually file down to an appropriate length. If not, you will have to purchase some nail clippers especially designed for dogs.

When cutting, place the clipper above the wick. The wick is the part of the nail where you see the nerve. You don't want to clip the nerve because it will bleed and does cause some discomfort to the dog. Sometimes it is hard to see where the wick begins so you may have to take your dog to the vet or professional groomer for clippings.

Ear Cleaning

All dogs need to have their ears cleaned. This is because wax and dirt accumulates in them, which can lead to bacteria growth. You can usually tell when your dog needs an ear cleaning if he is shaking his head often and scratching. However, if after cleaning out his ears, your dog continues to exhibit this behavior, you need to consult with your vet because he may have an ear infection or other health concern.

Tarter Control

Yes, even dogs need their teeth cleaned. They have specially made toothbrushes for dogs that you can purchase at your local pet store. You can train your dog to sit still while you brush his teeth. Some dogs will not allow their owners to do this so you may need a professional groomer help you with this task.

Spending Quality Time

Not only will proper grooming keep your dog looking nice and healthy, but also it will allow you to have one to one time with your pet. Life can get hectic and even dogs can tell that you are busy. Time spent with your dog will keep your pooch happy and will remind you why you love your dog so very much.

Nicholas writes on pet related subjects such as cheap pet insurance and online pet insurance quotes.
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The Five Top Tips on Dog Coat Health

By: Nicki Howell

Giving your dog a shiny coat isn’t just about beauty. A shiny coat is the result of your dog being healthy. And we all want a healthy dog…right? Read on to learn the top tips on dog coat health.

Tip 1: A shiny coat starts with good nutrition. Feed your dog a high quality dog food. Often generic dog foods use cheaper ingredients which may not always be great for your dog.

Remember to compare ingredients, and when in doubt, consult your vet. Also, limit the amount of dog treats to give to your dog.

Tip 2: Make a habit of checking your dog’s fur. Not only can burs and fleas interfere with a healthy coat, they can be a health problem for your canine. Make a habit of checking your dog’s fur weekly.

Tip 3: Consider the benefits of conditioner. Yes…conditioner for your dog! Some people think it sounds strange, but it can work wonders. Look for a dog conditioner that is tearless, so if it gets in your dog’s eyes, it won’t hurt.

Tip 4: Don’t be tempted to share. You paid a fortune for your shampoo, so it must work wonders on your dog…right? Wrong, often human shampoos are too harsh for dogs. Make sure to purchase a shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs.

Tip 5: Spoil your dog with the brush. Brushing your dog often will help keep his coat looking great. If your dog has long hair, you may need to brush twice a week. If your dog has shorter hair, you may brush less.

Bonus tips: The scoop on baths. Some dogs require baths more often than others. If your dog is one that requires fewer baths, this may interfere with a shiny coat. Check with your vet on your specific bread.

And remember, if your dog continues to have a dull luster to his coat, talk to a groomer or vet. They may have additional suggestions based on your dog’s unique breed and circumstances.

For more helpful information, visit http://www.dog-health-info.net/Dog-grooming-care.html

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How To Groom Your Dog or Puppy

Dog grooming is an art that goes from basic pet care to almost spa-like pampering. The essential grooming requirements depend on the dog's breed and its characteristics. The first thing a pet owner deals with is dog hair.

Long hair dogs that shed need more frequent grooming than short hair dogs or those who only shed seasonally. Dogs with curly or frizzy hair need daily care to detangle the hair and remove debris or foliage that gets caught in the coat while the dog is outdoors.

Sending your dog to a groomer each week gets expensive. But if you want the best for your dog, you can even hire mobile dog groomers who have a full grooming station in their vans.

The groomer parks in your driveway and does the complete grooming onsite. This is a great convenience and avoids the "wet dog" smell lingering in your bathroom. To save money, you can also learn to do many of the basic grooming techniques yourself.

Dog grooming isn't just a luxury - it's a necessity. A dog that doesn't get proper grooming in a timely manner is at risk for illness, gingivitis, parasites and damage to both fur and skin.

Your dog may not be thrilled about getting a bath, but you can't let that stop you. Bathing is a health issue for dogs just as it is for people. You wouldn't stop bathing your toddler just because she screams at bath time, would you?

If you aren't sure about the right techniques for bathing, brushing and detangling your dog's fur, find a good online resource or ask if you can watch the dog groomer work. You may also take a class from a pet store or vet's office to learn the correct procedures - as well as get some expert tips on how to deal with your dog's anxiety or fears during grooming.

The skin under the dog's fur can be highly sensitive. Avoid aggressive scrubbing while bathing your dog or you can remove too much of the natural oils that protect both skin and hair follicles.

Adding powder or scents that aren't formulated for use with dogs adds the potential for skin irritation or infection. If a product isn't made for dogs or the type of fur on your dog breed, then make it a rule never to use it.

Be patient when grooming. Take time to talk gently to your pet, rub his head or tummy and lend a playful quality to the grooming session. If you're rushed or impatient, then don't even start the grooming. Your dog will pick up on your attitude and be fearful or difficult to manage.

Even if your dog spends most of his time outdoors, you still need to do basic grooming. Without regular bathing, your dog is at the mercy of fleas and parasites that thrive on his lack of cleanliness.

Use the right tools. Don't use your old hairbrush on your dog. Get special brushes and combs that are made for your dog's fur. You don't save money using your castoffs if you damage the dog's skin and create a big vet bill.

You might save some money by bringing the dog to a groomer monthly or alternate weeks, while you handle the bath and simple hair brushing on the other weeks. Dog grooming is an essential part of maintaining your dog's health - as well as his good looks.

Author Info: To find out more out dogs (specifially, dog training), check out these dog training tips at DogObedienceTraining123.com. Source: Article Depot - Search Free Articles

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Aromatherapy for Pets

by: Liz Santher

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential oils also serve many practical functions such as boosting your pet's immune system, fighting off bacteria and
viruses, preventing the growth of yeasts and molds and repelling insects.

Aromatherapy is used by enthusiasts, groomers and pet salons to trea mild ailments such as skin inflammations, itchy skin ear infections, rashes, bad breath, flatulence and motions sickness. Psychologically, certain oils also have a calming or relaxing effect on animals. For example lavender oil not only helps kitties repel insects but it also makes them feel sleepy or content. Roman chamomile can be used to treat an ear infection as well as soothe the nerves of a dog in pain.

Essential oils are also frequently used as home remedies. However before you attempt to use aromatherapy on your own pets, keep in mind that essential oils are always diluted before they are applied to a pet's skin or sprayed on their coat. Almond oil, olive oil and jojoba oil are common base oils to which a few drops of the essential oil is added. Usually all that is needed is about one ounce of the base oil combined with two to three drops of the essential oil.

Essential oils can also be diluted in a spray bottle and misted onto the pet or the pet's bedding. You can simply dilute a few drops in distilled water or you can use water and a mixture of aloe, witch hazel or cider vinegar. The traditional recommendation is to use 20 to 30 drops of oil per eight ounces of liquid. Any less might not be effective and any more might be toxic to the pet.

Oils can also be diluted in vodka or brandy and dabbed on the bottom of the pet's paws or on an acupressure point such as the tips of the ears. This is the technique to use if you are dealing with a panicky pet. Never feed your pet alcohol or essential oil directly.

Essential oils are also effective flea and tick repellents and are nearly as effective as sprays and powders that contain a lot of toxic chemicals. Oils such as peppermint, citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, geranium, bay and myrrh have been components of herbal flea sprays and flea collars for many years. You can easily make your own flea and tick spray by combining about 25 drops of any of these oils into eight ounces of water. Shake the mixture well and spray it on your pet, being careful to shield its eyes from mist. This mixture can also be sprayed anywhere that you suspect there may be a breeding bug infestation.

When using essential oils it is also essential for you to remember that a dog or cat's sense of smell is much more acute than our own. Signs that an aromatherapy treatment is too overwhelming for your pet are tearing eyes, sneezing, pacing or whining. Cats may lick themselves excessively and dogs may rub their head on the ground in order to escape the smell. Many pets also have allergies to essential oils. For instance, chamomile is related to the ragweed plant, which is a common allergen for both pets and humans. This is why it is so important to use a mild solution at first and use your powers of observation the first few times you use an essential oil mixture on a pet.

About the Author
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(c) 2005 Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.

http://www.aromatherapysecret.com/

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Common Mistakes in Home Pet Grooming

By: Estee Andrew

When dog owners attempt pet grooming at home, there are several common mistakes that are made. Pet grooming is a skill, but with the right equipment and patience it can become a household duty that will save both time and money. You have to be careful. A slip of the clippers can cause injury to your animal. This is not only physical injury, but emotional. Trust is loss once pain is inflicted and your pet may not treat you the same afterward.

The first common mistake is getting to close to the skin while shaving. The clippers can leave a nasty razor burn that can open its way to later infections. If you accidentally give your pet a burn while grooming, stop and apply first aid. Put on some anti-bacteria salve and if possible clean the wound. Hug you pet and let it know that you are sorry and it was an accident. Though they might not understand the words, your pet will understand the tone and will react accordingly. The emotional pain is just as bad as the physical. Watch the wound carefully and if it becomes red or issues puss, contact your veterinarian immediately. If the animal licks or otherwise irritates the wound, you might want to get a protective plastic collar to stop the behavior.


Another mistake in novice pet grooming is getting shampoo or other chemicals in your pet’s eye. Either from your mistake or from the animal’s head movement soap can splash. This unintentional act will sting your pet’s eyes and lead to an unpleasant pet grooming experience. Wash the soap out with water or saline solution and dab the corners of the eye with a sterile cloth. Sooth you animal and try to take the focus off their eyes and maybe gain their attention by showing them a favorite toy or ball. Hold the toy up so the pet can see it. Move the toy back and forth. As your pet tracks the toy, look into their eyes for signs of irritation.

A possible fatal mistake in pet grooming is leaving your animal unrestrained or loose during grooming. Some animals, especially cats hate baths and will run at any opportunity. Your dog and cat can put themselves in dangerous situations by trying to escape the pet grooming activity. They may run out in the street and be hit by a care or be attacked by a stray animal. Make sure your dog is at least on a leash. You may even want to put a muzzle on your pet to protect both you and them. If you wash your dog outside, wash it in a fenced yard so that the temptation to run will be short lived and safe.


Pet grooming is best left to a professional. The temptation to do it yourself may lead to a successful experience that will be cheaper. The bonding time with the animal is another perk to grooming your pet yourself. It can be rewarding for both parities involved if the proper safety tips are followed and you as the owner fill comfortable in the enterprise.

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