Grooming a dog is often treated as an occasional brush or wash in the bath, but grooming on a regular basic ought to be part of a pet's upkeep.
Both the health and comfort are great points to regular sessions of ear cleaning, nail trimming, and brushing. It is important that a dog becomes accustomed to the process of grooming – whether it's for a new puppy or an adult dog just adopted from a shelter home.
If a dog isn't used to such attention it might become frightened and shy away or grow at you. This is often an indication of fear seen in adult dogs that are timid by nature, but also relevant to dogs that have endured harsh treatment or limited socialization.
To begin with a dog might resist to having its ears, tail or paws examined – don’t force this issue. Offer reassurance, massage or pet him, and look once more at his ears and paws. Once a dog realizes that no harm is to come from the grooming process, his behaviour will soon improve.
Inspecting a dogs ears or feet on a regular basis can make it that much easier at times of grooming. It also helps when it comes to checkups at the vets – a dog isn't going to struggle so much if he already knows that there is nothing to be worried about.
Another benefit to these regular inspections is the ability to detect early signs ingrown nails, infections, lumps and cuts.
Dog grooming tools –
• Nail Trimmer – a good quality tool is necessary to trim nails fast and easy.
• Brush – select a brush that's suited to the dog's coat. For example, breeds with long, rough, or double coats can use a steel serrated shredding comb to easily remove lose hairs.
• A purpose made cleaning solution, cotton balls, and q-tips – can make the process of cleaning ears a simple duty. Yeast Infections and painful bacterial build-up are possible consequences of not cleaning the ears.
Once a dog realises that the grooming process can be a pleasurable experience – he will come scampering over as soon as the grooming tools are seen.
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