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All dogs must be groomed regardless of their coat type. It is best to begin
grooming your dog in puppyhood to get him/her accustomed to it. Grooming
sessions are a great time to observe the physical condition of your pet by
checking its ears, eyes, mouth, feet, skin and the anal area under the tail
for any potential concerns or problems.
Grooming Supplies There are a variety of grooming supplies available. Wire brushes, combs, and stripping blades are best for removing mats and loose dead hair. Soft brushes remove dirt and dander but do not remove loose hair. Use the type of brush or comb best suited for your puppy’s hair coat. Bathing Use a pet shampoo best suited to your dog’s needs. Human shampoos are often too harsh for dogs and can lead to dry skin and hair coat. There are a number of medicated shampoos available if your puppy has specific coat problems, but a mild hypoallergenic pet shampoo should be used for routine bathing. You can bathe your puppy as often as is needed, as long as you use the correct shampoo. Puppies have a large amount of surface area relative to their size and they lose heat quickly, so be certain that they are completely dry before going outside on a cool day. Ear Care Make sure to examine your puppy’s ears regularly. Certain breeds of dogs will need to have the excess hair that grows in their ear canals plucked regularly to prevent ear infections. Dogs with heavy, long or floppy ears may be prone to having ear problems, so it is especially important to keep their ears clean and dry. Signs of ear infection include scratching, head shaking, redness, swelling, debris and odor in the ears. By examining your puppy’s ears often, you will notice if a problem occurs. Many puppies need to have their ears cleaned. We will be happy to show you the proper techniques for cleaning your puppy’s ears. Nail Trimming Since most pets do not wear down their nails on their own, it is necessary to routinely trim them. Ideally, the tip of the nail should not extend beyond the bottom of the pad (you shouldn’t hear “clicking” on the floor when they walk). The tip of the nail should be trimmed with a nail trimmer, but care should be taken to avoid cutting the “quick” which contains nerves and blood vessels. Many puppies are hesitant to allow their feet to be handled. You should handle your puppy’s feet every day to get them used to it before you start trimming nails. Hold the paws, look between the toes and touch the nails – and praise your puppy while you touch them. Positive reinforcement will help your puppy to be comfortable when you handle the paws. Ask us to give you a demonstration before you start trimming the nails yourself. |
