Dog's Life
Well Groomed
A do-it-yourself guide to grooming your dog. By Sarah Warren
You don't always have to be nose-to-nose on the couch or playing fetch in the yard to bond with your dog. Regular grooming can be another opportunity to grow closer together.
"Dogs really do feel good after they have been groomed," says Joan Wershaw, owner of the Canine Country Club and Feline Inn in Albuquerque, N.M. "You can tell by the way they prance about after getting all cleaned and spruced up."
Pet experts agree that it's easiest to help your dog enjoy regular nail trims, tooth brushing, and cleanings if you start when he's a puppy. But if your canine companion grew up on the wild side, fret not. You can teach an old dog new tricks.
Dr. Richard Fried of the Lincoln Square Veterinary Hospital in New York City advises his clients to work with their dogs in "short, sweet sessions." Speak to your dog in a calm, low voice, offering lots of praise and treats as incentive for good behavior.
"Start with brief periods of petting, praise, and a treat here or there," Fried says. "Being with your pet, touching, taking care of him, can be very rewarding for the owner, and very rewarding for the pet."
With any do-it-yourself grooming, talk to your veterinarian first if you have any questions or concerns. The annual exam is a great time to have your vet demonstrate the proper techniques for ear cleanings, nail trims, and tooth brushing.
Pet-icures
When you're teaching your dog about nail trimming, let him get used to having you spread his toes and touch his nails. As with all grooming, back off if your dog starts to look anxious or panicked. This could mean only trimming one nail a day, but don't worry. You're gaining trust and strengthening your bond.
Bathing Beauty
Bath time is a great opportunity for fun in the tub. Washing a dog periodically can help keep his coat shiny and skin clean. Be gentle as you work shampoo into your dog's fur, starting at the head and making your way towards the tail. "Dogs get into the massage process and really do enjoy it," Wershaw says. "Dogs are no different than people who like to be touched. The touching and petting of the pet during the bathing process is so important in the process of trust, love, and affection."
Here's a tip: Bathe your dog once a week to avoid drying out his coat.
The Better to Hear You With
Keeping your dog's ears dry during bathing goes a long way toward protecting them from trouble later on. Fried advises that you gently tuck a cotton ball into each ear canal during bath time, making sure to remove them afterwards. Experts recommend examining your dog's ears for signs of infection, like waxy residue or a sharp odor, and cleaning them on a regular basis. To prepare for cleaning, you may want to wrap your dog in his favorite blanket and hold him close to you, which helps to lessen his stress and reduce wiggling. The ASPCA recommends removing wax and debris from your dog's ears with a cotton ball moistened with water, or a little mineral oil.
Sparkling Smile
Tooth brushing is another essential element to grooming. "Clean teeth are extremely important," Fried says. "It's a health issue more so than nail trims or bathing."
When you head into the bathroom before bed to brush your teeth, make sure to polish those of your four-legged friend. Daily tooth brushing reaps rewarding, long-term benefits for your dog, including healthy teeth and gums, fresh breath, and a reduced risk of periodontal disease.
"A lot of dogs will put up with using an electric toothbrush," Fried says.
Also, make sure you have a toothpaste formulated especially for dogs. Toothpaste made for people contains fluoride and isn't meant to be swallowed. After all, Fried says, "You can't ask a dog to swish and spit."
Maximizing your grooming time together not only strengthens your bond, it also can help your dog live a happy, healthy life with you, keeping him prepared for your adventures together.
For more tips, see the Smart Spa section.
About the Author
About the Author: Sarah Warren met her Chihuahua, Bruiser, on a ranch in Benson, Arizona. It was love at first sight. They enjoy short walks, having their hair brushed, and cuddling.
Comments:
On September 12th, nancy wrote:
I have a senior dog who wouldn't eat the dry food I used to give him--or even table food. I tried many foods that did not work until I found BENEFUL READY MEAL. I tried all of them, and he loved them. Thank you.
On September 4th, Jeannie from California wrote:
My two Yorkies are, and always have been, Beneful dogs. I'm blessed in that they are both extremely healthy. I keep their coats short all year long, and receive lots of compliments on them.
On July 26th, cheryl schulthi wrote:
We have 9 dogs, and were feeding them another kind of food. I had wanted to change, and had received a sample of Beneful. They love it!
On June 12th, hannah from Louisiana wrote:
Saturday is the day when I groom both of my dogs. I give them baths, clean their ears, brush their teeth, and brush their coats. Afterwards, we take naps and have a big playtime together--oh, and don't forget the walk!
On March 29th, Renee from Arkansas wrote:
We just adopted our dog from the humane society. He is scared to death of anyone besides the ones who live in our household. I appreciate the tips - and will try to incorporate them into our routine.
On December 3rd, Calypso from Arkansas wrote:
After having surgery to correct a torn ligament, Maggie was listless, didn't want to eat anything, even favorites. But when I offered her Beneful beef stew, she perked up and regained her appetite.
On November 16th, Maddie from Wyoming wrote:
to keep my poodle looking adn feeling great i walk her every day and give her a bath with conditioner on any tangles. i also feeed her beneful twice a day to keep her coat extra smooth and healthy!!
On November 12th, Megan from Illinois wrote:
I use conditioner on my chubby beagle and that helps with the softness and good smell of his coat.
On October 12th, Yvette Barbour wrote:
Thursday is doggie day at our house. They first get the bath, then bath oil treatment. After that they get a 15 minute massage from head to toe with the shower head. Then play time & a nap.
On October 4th, Valerie from St. John's Nfld wrote:
I put leave-in conditioner on my pap's ear fringe and tail and his daily grooming is much easier for him (and me). This also prevents matting on his bum where the fringe is long and thick.
On October 4th, Tonia from Indiana wrote:
My Lhasa Apso, Rascal, used to have smelly, oily skin until we tried Beneful a few years ago--his coat is much better and we wouldn't use any thing else. He loves it.
On August 16th, Darin wrote:
Conditioner helps untangle my dog's coat.
