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How To Groom A Dog
By Polly Hamilton
How to groom a dog:
Ever noticed how at friend's houses the dogs you like to play with the most are the ones that are clean and don't have a funny smell? Well guess what! That same goes for your dog! Not only is it polite to keep your dog clean and malt free, it's good for its health and fitness. Some dogs are harder to groom than others, and this article is going to show you how to keep your dog grooming under control.
How to groom a dog's mats:
Imaging a cotton wool ball: if you wet it, it shrinks. Mats on a dog are the same. Every time a dog with mats gets wet, its mats shrink even smaller (and more fur gets added to it). This is bad for two reasons: it makes grooming harder and pulls on the poor dog's skin! Eventually your dog can get inflammation (especially when they exercise with bad mats) and infection, if the skin tears, ouch! Often dogs (and cats too) will try to bite of mats and groom himself badly, this will only aggravate side effects. Consider also dogs with 'fringes'. If you don't keep their fringe length under control with regular grooming (or even worse let them have a matted fringe) they won't be able to see very well! So if your dog already has mats, cut them out very carefully when your dog is very calm. If they don't like the idea of grooming with scissors you may have to buy a muzzle and tie him up (gently!). If you still can't manage, you may have to take him to a professional groomer to get rid of the worst of the damage. If your dog doesn't have mats yet it is still important to prevent them. That is done by following the next few grooming instructions!
How to groom a dog with bathing:
Don't bath too often! A dog needs to replenish its natural skin hair oils, and over bathing will cause it to have dandruff and dry skin. Trips to the beach and the river are ok. You'll do a better job with brushing than regular bathing. Some people are lucky and have all the suitable bathing materials around their home. If you are stuck for suitable tools think outside the square: buckets (for small dogs), clean recycling bins, or just on the lawn. Some people go so far as to groom dogs in their bath or shower (very convenient). Remove any mats before you start otherwise you will shrink them. To protect your dog's eyes, rub a little petroleum jelly around them. This will prevent shampoo from going in them. Use a shower head, it's definitely the most practical. And don't do it on a cold day! It's probably best to wear gloves because you first need to clean around the dogs bottom and ears (prevent parasites from escaping); after that work all around the body, the head and the ears. Don't use human shampoo, spend a bit for your dog and groom him with proper dog grooming shampoo. Rinse thoroughly!! If there is residue left it could irritate his skin. Once you are finished towel dry and brush. Play some catch or go for a run with your dog so he dries quickly and doesn't get sick. Only wash your dog when he really smells.
How to groom your dog with brushing:
Buy a good quality dog brush suitable for your dog's hair type. Brush your dogs frequently. It will help with his coat and bonding! And don't think your short haired dog doesn't need brushing; all dogs malt and even a thorough stroke with your hand will help him to get rid of his thicker winter coat.
See Also:
More info on how to groom a dog
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