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Dog
Grooming Tips to Consider
By Bark
n Bath
Grooming
considerations before getting a new dog: Can you regularly
groom the type of dog you want yourself, or can you afford to
have it done professionally? Inquire about the cost with your
local groomer before deciding, and talk to others who own such
dogs.
Start
grooming early and keep it up: Starting from a young
age, praising your dog
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during and after the grooming process,
and brushing and bathing on a regular basis will help to ensure
that you both enjoy this time together. Your dog may not enjoy
being bathed at first, but remember that you aren't doing your
dog a favor by letting him get so stinky that you don't want to
cuddle him! Dirty skin, matted hair, and uninspected wounds can
also lead to more serious problems. Praise him effusively, of
course, and keep grooming sessions short when he is a puppy so
he doesn't become bored.
Professional
Groomers: Before you take your dog to the professional
groomer, remember that grooming your own dog is part of the bonding
process that occurs between the two of you! That being said, choose
a groomer carefully. You want to find someone that both you and
your dog will be comfortable with. Watch a groomer work (on another
dog) to see how calm she is, and how the other dogs respond to
her. Don't change groomers on your dog unless you have to. Being
bathed is a submissive experience for dogs, and they will feel
far more vulnerable with someone they haven't built trust with.
Where
your dog will live will affect her coat: Consider where
your dog will sleep and spend most of her time. If she is to sleep
outside, she may have to contend with skin irritation from dampness,
insect bites, and debris. You will need to check her coat regularly
for burrs, and her skin and pads for irritation. Wherever she
sleeps, wash bedding and floors regularly with mild products.
Save
your back when brushing: Teach your dog to stand on a
table to be brushed if you have an appropriate one. Use a mat
so he feels safe, and keep one hand on his collar while brushing.
You may need to have him lay on his side and use both hands to
remove mats. Afterwards thank your dog for being so good on the
table.
Basic
Brushing: Start at the bottom of one of your dog's legs
and work your way up, brushing out one section at a time. Ensure
that you are getting their coat all brushed out right down to
their skin while using caution to not make their skin raw with
a hard bristle brush. Use a soft bristle brush on the head or
on sore areas. Pay special attention to under legs, and tail area,
where hair can become tangled. Don't pull on matted hair, but
use fingers to pull apart without pulling skin. A detangler may
be helpful. Spray on, let sit for 10 minutes, and try again. Serious
mats should be trimmed out, as it is simply too hard on the pup
to pull it out. Brushing often is necessary to prevent such problems
in dogs with longer hair. Ensure you coo at your friend the entire
time.
Basic
Bathing: After your dog has been thoroughly brushed,
place him in a tub with a rubber mat. You may wish to have a second
person to help you if you have a large dog or an 'escape artist'.
Wet your dog's coat down completely, down to the skin, using lukewarm
water, and respecting his head. It is necessary to have some sort
of hose or removable shower head for the bathing process. Next
massage in a natural dog shampoo, ensuring you get his chest,
stomach, anal area, and feet. Use caution not to get shampoo or
water in your dog's eyes or ears. After he is all shampooed, rinse
well. Shampoo residue commonly causes itching after bathing. If
you have a shorthaired dog, brush him out again while he is still
wet in the tub to remove more dead hair. Next, use an absorbent
towel to get most of the water out of his coat. Take him outside
or into a utility area to do another, final comb out. If he permits
you, you can use a hair dryer on the cooler setting to help dry
the rest of his coat. Never use a hot setting nor aim the air
directly on his skin, only away from it. Most dogs will also not
enjoy getting the dryer in the face! Finally, sincerely tell your
dog how much you love her and give her a goodie.
Wrinkles:
If you have a Shar-Pei, Bulldog, or another dog with wrinkles,
they should be washed weekly with warm water, dried thoroughly,
and powdered with baby powder using a cotton ball. Dirt or oil
can become trapped in these skin folds and cause irritation otherwise.
Remember to praise her for allowing you to wipe her face.
Really
Stinky Dogs: If you are bathing your dog on a regular
(monthly) basis, and she still has an odor 'above and beyond'
the normal doggy smell, see your vet. It could be an indicator
of internal trouble.
Dull
Coats: Coats are affected by genetics and nutrition as
well as grooming. No shampoo in the world can make the coat of
a dog with a deficient diet shine. Ensure that your dog's diet
is appropriate by talking to your vet. Worms can also cause deficiencies
and a dull coat.
Itchy
Dogs: If your dog is plagued with itchy skin, be sure
you are brushing daily to remove indoor and out door irritants
and that you are using a low-lather shampoo that will rinse completely.
Also allow your dog to dry naturally after bath time, as dryers
can irritate the skin further, and skip the finishing spray or
perfume. Remember, your dog has a far more sensitive skin than
you do, and it needs to be pampered with natural products!
References:
Geeson, Eileen (2004). Ultimate Dog Grooming. New York: Firefly
Books.
Stone, Ben and Pearl (1981). The Stone Guide to Dog Grooming
for All Breeds. New York: Macmillan
© Bark n Bath.
Reprinted by permission only.
Other Bark N Bath
Articles
What
to Look for in a Dog Perfume
When
you are shopping for dog perfume, remember to ask yourself what
you are looking for. Obviously, you want a perfume that deodorizes
that dog odor, but don't you also want a product that won't dry
out or irritate your dog's skin? Although the term "perfume"
typically indicates a product made with a high concentration of
fragrance oils suspended in an alcohol base, you should look for
a dog perfume that is alcohol free in order to keep your dog's
skin from drying out. Also, artificial fragrance oils may contain
a variety of undisclosed chemical ingredients which could potentially
irritate your dog's skin. Look for a product which uses natural
essential oil as it's scent.
Do
You Know What's in Your Dog Shampoo?
It is important to choose a dog shampoo which addresses your
dog’s grooming needs without exposing these sensitive animals
to artificial perfumes or detergents. In
today's modern society, we often expose our companion animals
to a variety of artificial perfumes, insecticides, and detergents
found in common grooming products and treatments. While these
products usually do their jobs effectively, some of their ingredients
can cause both allergic and nervous reactions in dogs. You are
left with a squeaky clean, flea free, pina-colada scented dog
that itches like the dickens, and will often rush off to find
some soothing mud to cool her skin and remove the overwhelming
perfumed scent from her coat.
Throw
a Dog Birthday Party!
Dog birthday parties are becoming increasingly popular. You can
celebrate even if you don't know your dog's birthday. Just choose
a date to commemorate the day your puppy joined your family,
and prepare to lavish him with love! You
could celebrate at a dog park, but if you have an appropriate
sized backyard, why not invite your puppy's playmates over for
a fun off-leash day right there?
Have
an itchy dog? Non Chemical Grooming Tips
Many dogs today suffer from itchy, irritated skin caused by a
variety of factors. Their owners often fret that they are suffering
from allergies and take the dog to the vet, who prescribes medication.
However, in many cases, the “itch factor” may have
a simpler cause and solution. Dogs have a more sensitive skin
than we humans do, and are often exposed to a variety of irritants
in their indoor and outdoor environments. Before turning to medicated
products, try these grooming tips, which may help to alleviate
your dog’s irritation.
How
to Create a Unique Dog Gift Basket
If you are looking for a dog gift for a pet lover, and want something
that stands out from the crowd, consider putting together a spa
gift basket for the dog! You will be providing quality products
for the owner to use on their dog's sensitive skin, and giving
the owner the gift of a great smelling dog! Here is how to make
your dog gift set look great!
Treat
Your Dog’s Feet to a “Pawdicure”
Your
dog’s feet work hard to provide traction and shock absorption
to this natural runner. Ensure you keep them in top shape with
a periodic pawdicure and these common sense tips!
Lavender
Essential Oil and Dog Aromatherapy
Lavender
is among the gentlest of all essential oils. Its light floral
scent is said to calm and relax those who smell it; it is also
purported to possess healing qualities, and is often put to use
on itchy skin as a healing aid. Essential oils are made by distilling
pure plant material. They are different from fragrance oils, which
can be made with a variety of artificial ingredients. In addition
to smelling good, essential oils are said to posses certain therapeutic
properties.
Dogs
Welcome: Dog Friendly Hotel Accommodations
If
you are one of the 29 million dog owners who like to travel with
your pet, you will be happy to know that many fine hotels will
now welcome you and your pooch with open arms and luxurious services.
We tracked down a couple of spots in the northwest where your
dog can enjoy the good life. The world's going to the dogs and
we couldn't be happier about it!
Dog
Grooming Tips to Consider
Can you regularly groom the type of dog you want yourself, or
can you afford to have it done professionally? Inquire about the
cost with your local groomer before deciding, and talk to others
who own such dogs. Starting from a young age, praising your dog
during and after the grooming process, and brushing and bathing
on a regular basis will help to ensure that you both enjoy this
time together. Your dog may not enjoy being bathed at first, but
remember that you aren't doing your dog a favor by letting him
get so stinky that you don't want to cuddle him! Dirty skin, matted
hair, and uninspected wounds can also lead to more serious problems.
Praise him effusively, of course, and keep grooming sessions short
when he is a puppy so he doesn't become bored.
