A puppy submits to you during grooming, establishing
you as the dominate dog. Reinforcing the fact that you are the
leader.
Grooming provides an enjoyable
bonding experience.
Regular grooming includes brushing the
coat, brushing teeth, bathing, checking the eyes, ears and
paws, and examining the skin. But while that might not sound
like a list of things your dog wants to do, you can make it
enjoyable.
Brushing: For many
dogs, brushing is an enjoyable experience. It feels good. And it
gives you a chance to look for unusual lumps under the skin, rashes,
bald spots, sores, or dull or flaky skin. While a few flakes may not
require medical attention, you will want to ask your veterinarian
about anything you find that's unusual or about which you have
questions.
Brushing
Teeth: Make it more enjoyable by using special flavored
toothpaste made for dogs, and plenty of praise for letting you look
at and clean his teeth. Always check for strong breath odor, red or
bright pink and swollen gums and excessive tartar on the teeth,
which turns teeth yellow or brown.
Bathing:
Many dogs enjoy the water. Bring toys and make it fun. Also, use
special dog shampoo. Remember not to bathe too often.
Baby wipes work perfect for a spot clean or
between baths. The smell good too!
Checking Eyes, Ears, Paws and Skin: Make
all these part of a routine. Reward your dog for sitting still while
you make sure his eyes are clear and free of discharge, his ears
don’t have a strong odor or sign of infection, his paws don’t have
cuts or material packed in them and his skin is free of rashes or
lumps.
With
rewards, praise and a good attitude, you can make grooming something
your dog looks forward to, and that makes it easier for dog
and owner alike.
How to Bathe
A few
tips:
Make it fun. Praise your dog often, and
start while your dog is young so he gets comfortable with
it.
Select a location based on breed size and time of year. A
sink or a washtub works just fine for puppies and small dogs. Big
dogs need the bathtub. If it's warm outside, use a child's wading
pool or a hose.
Put a rubber mat in the bottom of your tub. Your
dog will feel more secure.
Before starting, gather all the things
you need: shampoo, towels, possibly a bucket. Don’t turn your back
on a wet dog unless you want to be involved in a chase.
Make sure
the water is lukewarm.
Apply shampoo that has been formulated
specifically for dogs. Use tearless dog shampoo products if
possible.
Avoid getting water or soap in your dog’s eyes.
Wet
your dog’s head last as that will minimize his desire to
shake.
Rinse well. The flaky, itchy discomfort many dogs
experience after a bath comes from inadequate soap removal. This can
also be caused by too-frequent bathing.
Be careful when rinsing
that you don't get water in his ears or eyes.
In the winter, keep
your dog inside until dry. A blow dryer, set at warm or cool - not
hot - to avoid burning, can speed things
along.
Dogs love a good shake to remove excess water. A shake starts
at the dog’s head, so if you hold his head still, shaking will
be limited. Tossing a towel over your dog immediately after
the bath is done can prevent too much water on the walls. If
you want to avoid getting an unwanted shower entirely, teach
your dog to shake on command. This takes a little patience and
training, but it’s possible. Once you’ve completed the bath,
put your dog in a sit/stay. If he starts to shake, quickly
guide him back into his sit. Resume sit/stay and get out of
the way. Tell him to shake and praise, praise, praise.
Also:
Bathing is a good opportunity to check your dog’s skin.
Feel all over for lumps or rough areas. Contact your
veterinarian if you find any.
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