Brush “with the grain”
Check his feet
Always brush your dog in the direction his coat grows to prevent pulling. If you hit a snag, resist the urge to yank. Instead, grab a comb and continue to brush gently away from him. Hold the base of the mat to avoid hurting his sensitive skin, and don’t be afraid to reach for the clippers when necessary!
Your dog’s paws take a beating, especially if you go on lots of long walks, or live in an extreme climate. Whenever you brush or bathe him, pick up his tootsies and inspect them for cuts and/or lodged debris, then apply a natural lotion to his pads to keep them supple.
Maintenance matters
Tend to his eyes
Though it may not seem like it, regularly tending to your dog’s coat, nails, ears and other grooming needs is a huge time- and money-saver. By keeping up with his care, you’ll cut down on the hours and dollars you’d have to fork over dealing with major issues, like mats in his coat or ear infections. And carefully feeling your animal’s skin during grooming is a great way to search for lumps, bumps, ticks, and anything else that isn’t normal.
Does your pup have eye discharge This is a common problem, especially in small dogs, and can be caused by allergies, tear duct problems, conjunctivitis, and numerous other factors. You’ll have to talk to your veterinarian to get to the root of the problem, but in the meantime, prevent tear stains by wiping his eyes daily with a warm washcloth and gentle eye cleaning solution.
Make a habit of brushing
Add a few drops of natural ear wash formulated for dogs or witch hazel to a cotton ball or damp cloth and use it to wipe your dog’s ears. Don’t put anything directly in his ear canal — just worry about the area around it.
Some breeds require more grooming than others (see sidebar on page xx). Even if you have a breed that doesn’t shed, it’s still important to massage the dirt and dander off his skin and move the natural oils through his coat, to prevent matting and tangling. If you have a shedding breed, daily brushing will keep his coat looking good and prevent hair from getting all over your house.
Clean his ears
Take him to an expert Even if you’re diligent about grooming, taking your dog to a professional groomer once or twice a year is a good idea. Find one you’re comfortable with through references or reviews and visit ahead of time to check out the facilities and chat to the groomer.
Get in the nooks and crannies Breeds with loose skin and wrinkles, like Pugs and Shar-Peis, require some extra grooming. To prevent moisture and bacteria from building up in his folds, clean and dry them thoroughly every few days and after he gets wet.
Cut carefully Dogs with long hair may require regular trims. If you feel comfortable doing this yourself, invest in clippers or shears that are designed for canines. Watch a few “how-to” videos before diving in, and take it slow. If your dog resists, or you have doubts about your abilities, take him to the groomer instead.
Don’t skip the nails Your dog’s nails should be done once a month or so. There are a few different types of clippers available, so choose a product based on your preference, and make a switch if your dog isn’t a fan. Trim a bit at a time to avoid hitting the quick, and use styptic powder to stop bleeding if you accidentally snip too far.
Brush those chompers Dental issues abound in dogs, and most are preventable with regular brushing! You can also keep his teeth and gums healthy with a brush-free spray, gel or water additive.
Finishing touches After your grooming session, you can choose to let your pup go au naturel, or add a few fun finishing touches. Tie a bandana loosely around his neck, or fasten a bow to her hair before snapping that “freshly groomed” photo for social media.
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