Grooming your dog is an ongoing process that will also give you important information about your pet´s health. Once you can touch your dog all over, and groom them with a brush and comb, you can move on to bathing your dog and caring for their paws and nails.
- Bathing Your Dog
Stert slowly. Initially, just invite your dog into the bathroom and into the empty tob, and reward him when he will do this willingly. Allow him to leave the tub afterwards. Once your puppy is getting into the tub, you can fill the tub with a few inches of comfortably warm water, perhaps with a towel or non-slip mat in the bottom. Be sure you have everything you need for grooming ready and waiting before the dog gets wet. Use products (shampoo and conditioner) meant for canine use, because dog skin has a different pH balance, and human products will dry out your dog´s skin. Be sure that your dog is always freshly brushed and has no mats before washing him -- water will make fur mats tighter. Use a sponge or a washcloth to gently and throughly wash your dog´s face and ears. Be careful not to get water or soap in pup´s eyes or ear canals. Dry your dog throughly with at least a towel drying before letting him roam.
- Paw Care
Trimming pup´s nails and fur around their pads will help them be more comfortable. Most animals do not like to have their feet touched, so this is where your practice touching your dog all over will be coming in handy. You can get dog-specific nippers and blunt-nosed shears at most well-stocked pet supplies and online. Remember, the sharper the implement, the safer for yourself and your pet. Take care to not trim claws to the quick -- it´s very painful for your pet!
- Ear Care
A healthy ear is pale pink, with no inflammation or brown spots. If anything is amiss, bring it immediately to your vetrinarian;s attention. In addition, have your vet show you the best and safest ways to clean your puppy´s ears.
- Paw Care
Grooming your dog should be a pleasure for you and your dog. If any of the above is too challenging or more than you want to do, don´t hesitate to invesigate reliable grooming services.
