I would advise all owners to simply take the time to look and learn what EXACTLY it is they are putting into and on their pets writes dog grooming expert Jeanie Bowler.
Whatever type of dog you own whether they’re a pedigree Pomeranian primed for the show ring or a mixed bag of Beagle, Boxer and Bassett, you always like them to look their very best. A wet nose, waggy tail, glistening coat and bright eyes are the hallmarks of a happy, healthy handsome hound. Here, Better British Dogs brings you expert advice on how to get your dog into show-stopping condition.
Some Dog Grooming Basics:
Grooming is essential to ensure a healthy, good-looking and happy dog. But it is also a superb opportunity for owners to bond with and train their dogs. Some breeds clearly require more attention in this department than others, but most potential dog owners will have taken into consideration the practicalities of a longhaired or double coated dog before buying.
If you are the proud owner of a Shih Tzu or any other breed of a long haired dog then a twice weekly combing of the coat is essential. Anything less will sooner or later result in your dog developing problems such as matting, which can lead to problems called hot-spots or even insect infestations.
Any extensive matting which leads to felting of the fur may require shaving off. This must be done with great care, as the dog will probably be in discomfort already, maybe hiring a professional would be a wise choice. Breeds of dog which are prone to matting include St Bernard’s, Maltese, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Collie and other similar breeds.
Double coated dogs require a similar or larger amount of attention for the benefit of the household as well as the dog. Hair balls commonly develop on their fur and this can be a nightmare for the house-proud dog owner. It is also an irritation to the dog if he is developing hairballs. The process of malting in this type of dog begins at the haunches and progresses forwards along the body.
Dogs with a soft, silky, short coat such as the Wheaten Terrier will benefit from grooming using a fine tooth comb. This is an effective way to groom but it is also a very good method of flea control. All dog owners will have the need for one of these implements at some point in the dog’s life. It is important to note that even short haired dogs are prone to some tangling around the ears.
Effective grooming can be done at home. The best time to start, as with most owner/dog activities, is when he is still a puppy. This is useful for many reasons. It provides good interaction between you and your dog. Pack dogs groom each other and it comes naturally to any dog to groom itself, however, by grooming him yourself you are promoting subordination on his part, which is always conducive to a good relationship, particularly during puppyhood. The obvious advantage is that your dog will receive a healthy coat and should enjoy the whole experience.
Bathing is another important element of grooming. It is very important though, not to bathe him too frequently as this can dry out a dog’s skin which can lead to skin irritation and could even see the dog shedding fur almost constantly.
Specialist shampoos and gels are available too. They can enhance the condition of a dog’s skin and coat. Don’t rely on a shampoo alone in order for your dog to sport a shiny, glossy coat, as the condition of the dog’s coat is affected mostly by his diet and overall health.
Bathing is also the ideal opportunity to inspect the overall health of your dog’s skin and coat. You can also use the experience to feel the dog for lumps and bumps or any breaks in the dog’s skin.
If your dog receives proper grooming and has a healthy diet, yet has a poor coat, fatty acid supplements in his food might help. Thyroid problems often present themselves by way of a poor, dull coat and may be a possibility if your dog’s diet and grooming is not the cause. Consult your vet if you feel your dog’s condition is inexplicably subdued.
The ears are a spot where fungi can thrive if given half a chance so regular inspections are a must as more serious problems can arise from ear infections.
Dogs get very irritated when the ear is infected and they will often shake the head violently. This can damage blood vessels in the head and may lead to your dog’s ear swelling up – often resulting in the need for a vet to lance the area and your dog being left with a genuine cauliflower ear – not a pretty sight (even on a Boxer!)
Droopy ears are particularly needy of constant attention. Products are available from the vet which can dry out the ear and reduce the risk of any infection occurring or spreading.
Pay special attention to your dog’s paws. Dogs are susceptible to getting debris lodged between their pads which can be extremely painful for them and can lead to other problems such as infection if not addressed immediately.
Trimming of the claws is important if your dog does not have the opportunity to keep them trimmed naturally by walking on concrete, roads etc (chewing their own claws is not an example of a dog keeping them trimmed naturally).
Be warned, unlike ours, the dog’s toenails contain a nerve and a blood supply. So be careful if you are going to trim their paws yourself not to trim back the nail too far, or the dog could experience great pain and blood loss. If this does happen apply a small amount of corn starch to the end of the claw to stop the bleeding and take the dog to the vet. A good idea would be to ask a vet or groomer to trim their claws and watch how it is done. Also ask what equipment they used and where you can purchase it from. The last thing you want is a panicked, bleeding Great Dane running round your kitchen because you purchased a cheap pair of clippers from the supermarket!
Grooming should be an enjoyable experience for both of you provided you have trained him to accept human contact and you are confident that you are not overstretching yourself in terms of grooming skills required – remember, professional dog groomers make a lot of things look easy but that’s down to training and experience. Basic grooming is not only simple, it’s extremely important that you provide it. Grooming offers a great chance for you to bond with dog and the result should be a happier, more handsome hound.
