Dog's Life
Mini Facial: do it at home!
You wouldn't dream of letting a day go by without washing your face. Guess what? Your dog feels the same way, except you have to make it happen. A gentle face washing is just the first step in a daily facial routine.
Facial: Hair, skin & eyes
Step 1
Start by using a warm, wet face cloth to wipe your dog's face and clear hair and dirt from its eyes. This healthy indulgence is practically effortless, but one your dog will thoroughly enjoy. No soap or shampoo necessary. There are even disposable wipes specially made for this purpose-no rinsing necessary.
Step 2
While a flea comb is typically used to remove parasites, it can also make a handy, extra-fine-toothed facial comb. Use it to remove dirt and dust and residue that can get caked in the hair surrounding your dog's eyes.
Step 3
Although it's important to remove tangles and matted hair around the face and eyes, resist the temptation to use pointy scissors to do so. If trimming is necessary, always use blunt-tipped scissors.
Step 4
Dogs' eyes are very sensitive, so you should use extreme care during all aspects of the grooming process. There are even sterile ointments or eye drops that you can apply before bathing to safeguard your pet's eyes because even "tearless" shampoos can damage your dog's sensitive corneas.
Step 5
If tears are staining the hair beneath your dog's eyes (a common problem is some breeds, especially in dogs with white hair), check out the many products available at your pet supply store that are specially designed to combat this problem. Or ask your veterinarian or groomer for tips.
Facial: Teeth
Step 1
After cleaning your dog's face, move on to he's teeth. Have your veterinarian perform a yearly dental scaling, then maintain those pearly whites by instituting daily tooth brushing.
Step 2
You may want to ease into tooth brushing a step at a time, to get your dog used to the idea.
Step 3
Try dipping your finger in chicken or beef bouillon or some other flavored liquid that your dog would enjoy, and then run your finger over your dog's teeth and gums. Repeat this for a day or two, then try dipping a washcloth or a piece of gauze in the bouillon and give the teeth a rubdown.
Step 4
Finally, introduce a soft bristle toothbrush dipped in bouillon. Eventually, you can switch to a special dog toothbrush and paste.
Step 5
Note that the fluoride in people paste isn't good for dogs. Besides, some dog toothpastes come in flavors dogs actually like, so it can make this chore more pleasurable for you both. What a smart way to spoil your dog!
Facial: Ears
Step 1
Don't forget the ears. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol works wonders when used twice a month to clean inside ears. Play it safe though, and stay away from the ear canal.
Step 2
There are also disposable wipes specially designed for keeping your dog's ears clean and healthy. Check for them at your pet supply store.
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