Dog Grooming Tips
Dog Grooming Tips
A good-looking dog has a lot to do with how much people are willing to pay for their pet. This article about dog grooming tips will help you with anything you want to know about keeping your dog’s skin, fur, nails, teeth, ears, and paws healthy and clean.
This is what she does to keep herself looking and smelling clean. Sometimes, though, she might need a little help from you to look and smell her best. You’re in good hands. We’re here to help. Read on for tips about keeping your dog’s fur, skin, nails, and teeth. Dog grooming tips are very necessary to keep your pet healthy and smart.
Bathing Your Dog
Bathing your dog should be done at least once every three months, but some dogs will need more frequent baths if they spend a lot of time outside or have skin problems. Bathing your dog is the 1st from Dog grooming tips that is very essential to do on daily basis.
Follow these steps to get started.
- First, brush your pet thoroughly to remove all dead hair and mats, and then place him in a tub or sink filled with about three to four inches of lukewarm water.
- Next, use a spray hose, large plastic pitcher, or a breakable cup to thoroughly wet your pet.
- Be careful not to spray or pour water directly into his ears, eyes or nose.
- Gently massage in the shampoo, working from head to tail, and rinse and repeat as needed.
- Dry your pet thoroughly by rubbing it well with a large towel. Voila, clean pet.
Dogs that have loose facial skin or wrinkles—such as Shar Peis and Pugs—need special attention. Shar-Peis and Pugs need extra attention. Their loose facial skin makes them prone to skin cancer
Keep your folds clean by keeping them dry. Wipe them down with a damp cotton ball to prevent irritation Don’t forget to thoroughly dry the areas between the folds.
Bathing a Puppy
A few pups think that bath time is the perfect time to act goofy. Young puppies will wiggle and bounce all over the place as they. Floating toys are great for helping dogs who get into trouble when they start chewing things like furniture, clothes, and shoes.
Choosing a Shampoo
Pet shampoos are best. Human shampoos aren't toxic to pets, but some of them may contain fragrances or other chemicals that can irritate your pet's skin. For dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other animals, a product that's specially formulated for their species may contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful when ingested. Find one that's safe for your pet.
Before using any type of shampoo for your pet, you should always talk with your veterinarian. It's important to know what kind of shampoo is right for your pet to get the results you're after.
Protect or Cover Your Dog’s Eyes and Ears During Bath-Time
There are many ways to care for your pet's skin. The best shampoos and soaps are kept away from your pet's eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. If you suspect your pet has dry eyes, your vet may also prescribe an eye lubricant for the bath.
You can also use a sprayer or shower head with a long hose, which allows you to control the flow of water while rinsing. Try not to shampoo your pet's head, using a damp washcloth to gently remove any dirt or debris. To protect your pet's ears while bathing, place a large cotton ball in each ear until the bath is finished.
Brushing Your Dog
Regular grooming with a brush or comb will help remove dirt from your pet's hair, spread natural oils throughout his coat, prevent tangles, and keep his skin clean and irritation-free. Also, grooming time is a great time to check for fleas and flea droppings — those tiny black spots that indicate your pet is hosting a family of fleas. Brushing you dog is at the 2nd Dog grooming tips.
The way you brush your pet—and how often—will depend on its coat type.
Smooth, Short Coats
If your dog has a smooth, short coat (such as a Chihuahua, Boxer, or Basset Hound), you only need to brush it once a week. Use a rubber brush to loosen dead skin and dirt and follow with a bristle brush to remove dead hair. Polish your low-maintenance pooch with a chamois cloth and he's ready to shine.
Short, Dense Fur
If your dog has short, dense fur that is prone to matting, such as a retriever, brushing once a week is fine. Use a slicker brush to detangle and grab dead hair with a bristle brush. Don't forget to comb his tail.
Long, Silky Coats
If your dog has a long, luxurious coat, like a Yorkshire terrier, he will need daily attention. Every day you will need to detangle with a slicker brush. Next, brush your puppy coat with a bristle brush. If you have a long-haired dog with a coat like a Collie or Afghan Hound, follow the steps above, but be sure to comb the fur and trim the hair around the feet.
Long Hair That's Frequently Matted
For long-haired pooches, it's a good idea to have a daily grooming routine to eliminate tangles and prevent mats. Gently tease out tangles with a slicker brush, and then brush your puppy/ dog with a bristle brush. If the mat is particularly thick, you can try clipping the hair, being careful not to get too close to the skin.
Shedding
Although shedding old or damaged hair is a natural process for most dogs, the amount and frequency of shedding may also depend on their health, breed type, and seasonal factors. Many dogs develop a thick coat during the winter that is then shed in the spring. Dogs that are always kept indoors, however, tend to have smaller fluctuations in coat thickness and shed fairly evenly throughout the year. It is present at the 3rd place of Dog grooming tips.
Steps to Minimize Shedding
While you can't prevent a healthy dog from shedding normally, you can reduce the amount of hair in your home by brushing your dog regularly. Ask your vet or groomer for a recommendation for the right type of brush or comb that will work best for your dog's hair type.
Excessive Hair Loss
Shedding is a normal process for pets. Excessive shedding can also be prevented with proper nutrition. Quality pet food manufacturers work hard to include the right amount of nutrients so that supplements are not needed, but pets with allergies or sensitivities may need to experiment with different brands to find out. Find out which food is best for them.
However, excessive hair loss or bald spots can be caused by any of the following:
- Parasites (fleas, lice, or mites)
- Fungal or bacterial infection
- Inhalation or food allergies.
- Kidney, liver, thyroid, or adrenal disease (including Cushing's)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Some medicines
- Self-inflicted trauma due to licking
- Cancer
- Immune Disease
- Sunburn
- Contact with irritating or caustic substances.
If you notice any of the following conditions, consult your veterinarian for treatment.
- Skin irritation, including redness, bumps, itching or rash
- Any open wounds
- Bald spots or thinning of the coat
- Dull, dry hair that breaks out easily.
- to scratch
- Constant foot licking or face rubbing
Skin Problems
Your dog's skin is an indicator of his overall health, so it's important to keep it in prime shape. When there is a skin problem, your dog may respond by excessive scratching, chewing, and/or licking. A wide range of causes – including external parasites, infections, allergies, metabolic problems, and stress, or a combination of these – can be to blame. Here Dog grooming tips also tells about the problems and cure.
Odor
Check your pet's ears and teeth first, as these are often the source of pet odor-causing bacteria. Keeping your dog clean by bathing him regularly is key to preventing odor.
Perfumes for dogs are not a toxic concern for most pets when used according to label directions. However, dogs with skin allergies may develop skin irritation and those with nasal allergies may be affected by the smell. If you choose to use pooch cologne, use only as directed and consult a vet if the pet has a history of allergies.
- If grooming proves fruitless and your dog's odor persists, please consult your veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying cause or an infection.
Other Skin Problems
- Scratching, licking, or chewing the skin
- itching
- Redness or inflammation
- Hot spots (a specific area where the itching is severe)
- Round, rough patches on face and paws
- Dry, flaky, or otherwise irritated skin
- Hair fall, bald spots
- The spots
- Lesions
- Discharge of blood or pus
- Swelling, lumps, or discoloration of the skin
- Rubbing face against furniture or carpet
Causes of Skin Problems
One of the following could be causing your dog to have an abnormality with his skin and should be investigated by a veterinarian.
- Fleas
The flea Bites and bites from these pesky insects can irritate your dog's skin, and some pets can have an allergic reaction to saliva after being bitten. Some dogs may also be sensitive to flea treatment products. Some flea collars, for example, can cause redness and irritation around the neck.
- Ringworm
This highly contagious fungal infection can cause inflammation, rough patches, and hair loss. You'll want to treat it right away to avoid infecting other pets and people in the household.
- Seasonal or food allergies
Your dog's itching may be caused by his sensitivity to allergies to common substances such as pollen, weeds, dust, mites, trees, molds, or grasses. Many dogs, like people, get dry, itchy skin in the winter. Many dogs develop allergies to common ingredients in dog food, such as beef, chicken, wheat, corn, or soy. Even fillers and dyes can be seen as foreign by your dog's immune system and cause itchiness and itching.
- Skin infections
Dogs can develop annoying bacterial or yeast infections when the skin is damaged due to the presence of another skin disorder.
- Sarcoptic mange
Caused by infection with the Sarcoptes scabies mite, this skin disease results in extreme itching and skin inflammation similar to an allergic reaction.
- Manufacturing products
Some shampoos and grooming products can irritate your dog's skin. Be sure to only use grooming products that are intended for use on dogs.
- Stress or boredom
A dog may lick his skin (especially his legs) excessively for a number of reasons. Some lick when not given an adequate opportunity for an activity or mental stimulation.
- Metabolic or hormonal problems
Several common hormonal problems can cause changes in skin color, coat consistency, thickness, and distribution.
Knowing When to See the Vet
Check with your vet as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your pet's skin or hair, or if your pet begins to scratch, lick and/or bite their fur excessively. Should.
Your vet may perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your dog's symptoms, including a skin biopsy, a test for ringworm, a microscopic examination of the hair and skin for the presence of parasites or infection, and your dog's overall health. Blood tests to assess health.
Mange
Mange is a skin disease caused by several types of tiny mites, common external parasites found in companion canines. Some mange mites are normal inhabitants of your dog's skin and hair follicles, while others are not. Although most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences, mites can cause mild to severe skin infections if they reproduce. Dog grooming tips help your pets to show normal and in better conditions.
There are two types of mange: "sarcoptic" mange and "demodectic" mange. Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabei) is also known as canine scabies and is caused by mites that are oval in shape, light in color, and microscopic. This type of arrangement is easily transferred between hosts.
Normally all dogs raised by their mothers have demodectic mange (Demodex canis) mites on their skin, which are passed from mother to litter within the first few days of life. There are 03 types of demodectic mange that affect canines family:
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Localized cases occur when particles spread over one or two small, confined areas. This results in isolated itchy bald spots — usually on the dog's face — creating a polka dot appearance. It is considered a common disease in puppies and dogs under 18 months of age. About 90% of cases resolve without treatment.
- Common cases, in contrast, affect a large area of the dog's skin. Secondary bacterial infections make it a very itchy, and often foul-smelling, skin disease. This form of mange can also be a sign of a compromised immune system, a genetic problem, an endocrine problem, or another underlying health problem. Treatment depends on the age at which the dog developed the disease.
- Demodectic pododermatitis, one of the most resistant forms of mange, is limited to the feet and is accompanied by bacterial infection. A deep biopsy is often needed to find these masses and make a proper diagnosis.
General Symptoms of Mange in Dog
- Demodectic mange causes hair loss, bald patches, itching and sores, and bacterial infections can cause an itchy and painful condition.
- Sarcoptic mange results in restlessness and a tendency to scratch, symptoms that usually appear about a week after exposure. It can also result in hair loss, reddened skin, sores, and rashes on the body. The most commonly affected areas are the dog's ears, elbows, face, and legs, but it can quickly spread throughout the body.
- Demodex mites can be passed from one dog to another, but as long as the dog is healthy, the mites add to the dog's natural mite population, and skin disease does not result. Even in the most severe cases, it is still considered unnecessary to isolate dogs. Although rare, dog-to-dog transmission is possible. Transmission of the mites to humans or cats is rare.
- When sarcoptic mange is detected, the dog is usually isolated to prevent the spread of the condition to other pets and humans. When transmitted to humans, sarcoptic mange causes red spots similar to mosquito bites.
- Treating Mange
Take your dog to a veterinarian, who will perform a physical exam, analyze skin scrapings and try to confirm the presence of mange mites through a microscope. They can be difficult to identify if they are buried deep in a dog's fur, so your vet may rely on clinical signs or your pet's history to make a definitive diagnosis.
Depending on the type of mange and breed of dog, the medication can be given orally or topically by injection, shampoo, or dip. Some affected dogs may also require special treatment for secondary skin infections. Treatment should be done every two weeks with skin scrapings.
Please note: many skin treatments can be toxic to your dogs, so check with your veterinarian before beginning any treatment program for mange.
Preventing Mange
If your dog is diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, you will need to thoroughly clean or change his bedding and collar and treat all animals that come into contact. If you suspect that a neighbor's dog may be infected, keep your pets away from the disease. Be sure to bring your dog to the vet periodically as prescribed for skin rashes to make sure the mites are gone.
Hot Spots
Hot spots are red, moist, hot, and irritated lesions usually found on the dog's head, hip, or chest area that can be quite painful for the dog. Anything that irritates the skin and causes the dog to scratch or lick itself can trigger a hot spot, including an allergic reaction, insect or flea bites, poor grooming, basic ears, or skin. infections, and constant licking and chewing due to stress or pressure. Boredom
Dogs that are not regularly groomed and mated may be prone to developing dirty coats in warm areas, as are dogs that swim or are exposed to rain. Additionally, dogs with hip dysplasia or anal sac disease may begin to lick the skin on their hindquarters. Thick-coated, long-haired breeds are most affected.
Hot spots often become dangerously large in a short period of time as dogs lick, chew, and scratch the affected areas, further irritating the skin.
Treating Hot Spots
As soon as you notice any abnormalities in your pet's skin, or if your pet begins to scratch, lick and/or bite their fur excessively, you should visit your vet for an examination. Should. Your doctor will try to determine the cause of the hot spots. Whether it's a flea allergy, anal gland infection, or stress, the underlying problem needs to be taken care of. Your veterinarian will prescribe the care and medications needed to make your pet more comfortable, and healthy and allow the hot spots to heal. This may include using an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from biting and licking existing lesions.
Treatment may also include the following:
- Shaving the hair around the wound, allows air and medicine to reach the wound.
- Cleanse the hot area with a non-irritant solution
- Antibiotics and painkillers
- Medicines for the prevention and treatment of parasites
- A balanced diet to help maintain healthy, shiny skin and coat
- Dietary supplements containing essential fatty acids
- Corticosteroids or antihistamines to control itching
- Hypoallergenic Diet for Food Allergies
Preventing Hot Spots
Make sure your dog is groomed regularly, and you can choose to keep your pet's hair short, especially during the warmer months. Follow a strict flea control program as recommended by your vet.
It’s best to have a dog that gets enough exercise and playtime with his human family or canine friends to prevent boredom and stress.
Dental Care
Regular brushing of your dog's teeth, a healthy diet, and plenty of chew toys can go a long way toward keeping his mouth healthy. Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause plaque to build up on a dog's teeth. It can harden into tartar, potentially causing gingivitis, receding gums, and tooth loss. Many pooches show signs of gum disease by age four because they are not provided with proper oral care. Brushing include in Dental care, and it is present at the 4th position of Dog grooming tips
Get your dog regular home checkups and you'll have a very satisfied pooch with a great smile. Veterinarians recommend brushing two to three times a week.
- First, you'll want to get your pet used to the idea of brushing his teeth. To do this, gently massage her lips in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks before moving on to her teeth and gums.
- After a few sessions or when your pooch feels comfortable, put a little puppy toothpaste on his lips to get him used to the taste.
- Next, introduce a toothbrush designed specifically for cats or dogs—it's smaller than a human toothbrush and has softer bristles. Toothbrushes that you can wear on your finger are also available and allow you to thoroughly massage your pet's gums.
- Place the brush or your gauze-wrapped finger on the teeth at a 45-degree angle and brush in small, circular motions. Work on one part of your dog's mouth at a time, lifting his lips as needed. The side of the tooth that touches the cheek usually has the most tartar, and a final downward stroke can help remove it.
- If your dog resists cleaning the inner surfaces of his teeth, don't fight it - there is only a small amount of tartar buildup. Once you get the technique down, brush two or three times a week.
Choosing Toothpaste
Do not use human toothpaste, which can irritate the dog's stomach. Instead, ask your vet for a toothpaste made specifically for canines or make a paste of baking soda and water.
Bad Breath
It's okay if your dog's breath isn't a lily pad. Normal dog breath is not particularly fresh-smelling. Halitosis, or bad breath, can be the first sign of an oral problem and is caused by food particles trapped between the teeth or bacteria growing from a gum infection. Some dogs - especially small ones - are particularly prone to plaque and tartar. If plaque is the culprit, your pet may need professional cleaning, and regular at-home brushing is a great solution.
Persistent bad breath may indicate that your pet has digestive problems or gum disease such as gingivitis, and should be checked by a vet. If your pet's breath is particularly foul and accompanied by loss of appetite, vomiting, or excessive drinking or urination, it's a good idea to take your pet to the vet.
Signs of Oral Disease
Once a week, lift your pet's lips and examine his gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of inflammation. His teeth should be clean, without any gray tartar. A preliminary veterinary exam can be helpful to determine if your dog has gum disease.
Bad breath, excessive salivation, loose teeth, swollen gums, gum tumors, or cysts under the tongue are signs that your dog may have an oral or gastrointestinal problem and should be taken to the vet.
Identifying these common mouth problems will help you tell if it's time for your pet to visit the vet:
- Periodontal disease is a painful gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and spread the infection to the rest of the body. Symptoms are loose teeth, bad breath, toothache, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
- Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused primarily by the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and disease-causing bacteria above and below the gum line. Symptoms include bleeding, red, swollen gums, and bad breath. This is reversible with regular dental cleanings.
- Gums can become swollen when they trap tartar, which collects bacteria. Tartar build-up, or plaque, develops when bacteria in your mouth produce toxins, and these deposits stick.
- Regular brushing of your dog's teeth at home and annual cleanings at the vet can prevent tartar and gingivitis.
- Proliferating gum disease occurs when the gums grow on the teeth and must be treated to prevent gum infection. A hereditary condition common to boxers and bull terriers, it can be treated with antibiotics.
- Oral tumors appear as lumps in the gums. These can be removed by surgery.
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Salivary cysts look like large, fluid-filled blisters under the tongue, but can also form near the corners of the jaw. They require drainage, and the damaged salivary glands must be removed.
- Canine distemper teeth can occur if a dog has a distemper like a dog. Adult teeth may appear chipped and are often decayed. Because the damage is permanent, decayed teeth must be removed by a veterinarian.
Other Ways to Prevent Dental Problems
Give your pouch treats that are specially formulated to keep canine teeth healthy, and ask your vet about a specially formulated dry food that can reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
Chew toys are also a great way to satisfy your dog's natural urge to chew while strengthening his teeth. Chewing on a chew toy can help keep teeth clean by massaging gums and scraping away soft tartar, as well as reducing your dog's overall stress level and preventing boredom. Ask your doctor to prescribe toxin-free rawhide, nylon, and rubber chew toys.
Eye Care
Having your dog have regular at-home eye exams will help you be on the lookout for any tears, cloudiness, or inflammation that could indicate a health problem. First, face your dog in a well-lit area and look him in the eye. The dog's eyes should be clear and bright, and the area around the eyeball should be white.
The pupils should be of equal size and there should be no tearing, discharge, or crusting in the corners of the eyes. With your thumb, gently roll up your dog's lower eyelid and look at the lining. It should be pink, not red or white or any other color.
A gentle wipe with a damp cotton ball will help keep your pet's eyes free of gunk. Wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward and be careful not to touch the eyeball — you don't want to scratch the cornea! If your pet has persistent eye discharge, please see your veterinarian. Your pet may have an infection or blocked tear ducts.
Symptoms of Eye Infection
The following are those signs that something may be wrong with one or both of your dog's eyes. Be sure to watch your pooch's body language, too — touching or rubbing his eye area can indicate potential problems. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms.
- Discharge and Christy Gunk
- to tear
- Red or white eyelid linings
- Tear-stained skin
- closed eyes
- Cloudiness or change in eye color
- Visible third eyelid
- Unequal pupil size
Common Eye Problems in Dogs
The following eye-related disorders are commonly seen in dogs:
- Conjunctivitis: One or both of your dog's eyes will look red and swollen, and may discharge.
- Dry eye: Decreased tear production can cause corneal inflammation, squinting and discharge.
- Epiphora: Erosion of tears causes staining of the dog's facial skin.
- Cherry Eye: An enlarged tear gland forms a cherry-like mass in the corner of a dog's eye.
- Glaucoma: The cornea may become cloudy and the eye may dilate due to increased pressure in the eyeball.
- Ectropion: the outward turning of the eyelids away from the eye (the lower lids may feel loose).
- Entropion: Penetration into eyelids causes discharge and tearing.
- Cataracts: A clouding of the lens of the eye can cause vision impairment and possible blindness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Due to degeneration of retinal tissue - night blindness is often the first symptom.
Preventing Eye Problems
Long-haired breeds can suffer eye damage if their locks are not managed. Carefully trim the hair around your dog's eyes to keep his vision clear and to prevent scratching and scratching. Soaps and topical medications can be irritating, so be sure to protect your dog's eyes before bathing or applying ointments or flea control formulas.
It is safer to drive with the windows only partially down and your dog's head inside the car to prevent pain or eventual injury from road debris or bugs in his eyes. Wind can also dry out your dog's eyes, potentially leading to irritation and infection.
Consider doing a little research to find out if your dog's breed predisposes you to eye conditions, such as glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy. Your pet should have their eyes checked at annual vet visits, but knowing about possible hereditary problems will help you take important precautions.
Ear Care
Check your dog grooming on daily basis without any negligence. This is especially important for dogs that produce excessive ear wax or have excessive in-ear hair. Don't clean your dog's ears so often or so deeply that they cause irritation, and be careful never to insert anything into your dog's ear canal — probing inside can cause trauma or infection. Pet Grooming and Dog Grooming and Care. How to help your dog or cat maintain a healthy coat and stay comfortable with a home grooming plan.
- If your dog's inner ears look dirty, clean them with a cotton ball or gauze with mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or a specially formulated liquid ear cleaner.
- Gently pinch your pet's ears and clean out any debris or ear wax that you can see under his ear.
- Be sure to pick up the dirt and wax instead of rubbing it into the ear.
- The skin on the inner ear is delicate, so allow your vet to guide you on the proper way to clean your dog's ears. Watch this video.
Recognizing an Ear Infection
Because a dog's ear canals fall downward and then horizontally through the ear opening, it is difficult to release trapped debris or water, making canines especially prone to ear infections.
Check your dog's ears regularly for signs of infection, odor, and swelling. If your dog is showing any of the symptoms described below, see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Scratching the ears
- Brown, yellow or bloody discharge
- Odor in the ear
- Headline
- swelling
- Crusted or itchy skin on the flap near the ear
- Falling of hair around the ear
- Wiping the ear area on the furniture or floor
- Nod or nod
- Losing balance
- Abnormal eye movements
- Walking in circles
- Hearing loss
Ear Care for Dogs Who Swim
Frequent bathing or swimming can lead to ear infections. Before baths, you should put a bit of cotton in each ear of your dog and then be sure to dry his or her ears thoroughly after bathing or water sports.
Your dog is prone to ear infections and your vet recommends that you try a special formula to help your dog's ears dry out and thus eliminate the possibility of infection. These ear washes are usually witch hazel based, but can also be found at your better pet supply store.
Signs of Ear Problems
Because of the twisted, curved design of a dog's inner ears, it's easy for parasites, bacteria, and yeast to hide in them, and this trapped debris can often lead to infections. Dogs with allergies are particularly prone to complications, as are those with floppy ears, such as cocker spaniels, basset hounds and poodles. Brown or black earwax—and dry, black wax that resembles coffee grounds—are classic indicators of microscopic ear mites. Only your vet can tell for sure, so please don't delay in bringing your pooch in for a checkup.
If you notice any of the following symptoms affecting your dog's ears, contact your veterinarian.
- Ear discharge
- there is a bad smell.
- Headline
- swelling
- Christie Vol
- hair loss
Nail Care
As a general rule of thumb, a dog’s nails should be trimmed when they just about touch the ground when the dog walks. If your pet's nails are clicking on the floor, or getting snagged, it is time to get their nails trimmed. For leisurely living dogs, a weekly pedicure might be enough. Urban dogs, however, can keep up with weekly clipping appointments. Dog Grooming tips and pet care information from the experts at Veterinarian pk. We provide pet advice and product reviews to help you keep your pets happy and healthy.
Finding Nail Clippers for Your Dog
When it comes to dog nail clippers there are two basic styles: a scissors type and a guillotine type. They are both great choices for designing your wedding invitations, and it's up to you which one you want to use.
If your dog is allergic to electric clippers, you can use a manual, or a rotary grinder, which grinds nails down, instead. They take longer to trim, but some people and some dogs find them easier to handle and they make less noise and vibration. Ask your pet groomer or vet for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly.
Helping Dogs with Sensitive Feet
It’s never a good idea to put your dog in harm’s way; always make sure you keep a close eye on him while trimming his claws or trimming his nails. Rub your hands over the whole length of your dog’s body and then lightly tap each individual toe, and be sure to give her lots of praise and treats.
Daily foot massage is a great way to help your dog's nails grow long and strong. Within a week or so of daily foot massages, your dog should be able to tolerate nail trim. When preparing a puppy pedicure, it's important to exercise your dog vigorously, and enlist an assistant to hold her down.
How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails
- Start by spreading each of your dog's feet to inspect for dirt and debris.
- Grab your dog's paw and hold it firmly, but gently. Hold your trimmer so that you are cutting the nail at a slight angle from top to bottom, not sideways, and insert a very short length of nail through the opening of the trimmer to cut the tip of each nail. Do not trim at an obtuse angle to maintain the existing curvature of the nail.
- Cut a little bit of the nail with each pass until you can see the beginnings of a circle—still the color of the nail—appearing on the cut surface. The circle indicates you're close to a quick, a vein that runs into the nail, so it's time to stop that nail and move on to the next part.
- If your dog's nails are black, however, the rash won't be as easily visible, so be extra careful. If you accidentally cut in a hurry, it may bleed, in which case you can apply some styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
- Once the nails are cut, use an emery board to smooth out any rough edges.
What to Do if You Cut Your Dog’s Quick?
If you’re lucky enough to hit the quick, your dog will probably yelp, but he might also be struggling. This is a good time to end the session, but don't forget to apply styptic powder or corn starch to the bleeding nail tip.
Apply a little bit of pressure while pressing the powder into the wound to make sure it sticks. If your dog starts to bleed for more than a few minutes, call your vet. Your vet will be able to rule out any bleeding disorders.
Helping Fearful Dogs
Some dogs react negatively to nail clipping. Be sure to train your dog how to react when being brushed and clipped. You may want to use a nail clipping tray to keep your nails neat and trim. Look for signs of distress, such as panting, drooling, trembling, whining, freezing, cowering, tail-tucking, growling, snarling or snapping.
Not only is it important to introduce the new dog slowly, but it is important to use gentle and positive reinforcement during this process. Some dogs need more patience than others and it can take some time to work through.
Dogs that get aggressive, vicious, or overly ambitious usually belong in this category. It is up to you to decide if your dog needs to learn to submit. See if his vet or a professional groomer has more luck getting the job done—if not, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a veterinary behaviorist, or a Certified Professional Dog Trainer to work on the underlying issues at hand.
Paw Care
It’s important to look at your pet’s feet regularly to make sure you don’t have any wounds, infections, or foreign objects lodged between the toes. If you want your kids to be able to play outside safely, be sure to remove all sharp objects and rocks from your lawn and sidewalk.
The best way to remove a splinter from your foot is to gently use tweezers. Comb and trim the hair of your dog between the toes to be even with the pads. This helps prevent the area from becoming thick and furry, which can lead to painful matting.
Using Moisturizer
If your dog’s pads are cracked, damaged,d and dry, ask your veterinarian for a good pad moisturizer and use as directed. Avoid the use of human-hand moisturizers, which can soften the pads of your hands and lead to injury. To soothe your dog's paws, send him or her a paw message. They'll be relaxed and ready to exercise more easily. To rub between the pads on your dog’s paw, then rub between each toe.
Treating Wounds
Most dogs are more likely to be injured by stepping on or into the glass, debris or other objects. If you have a cut that's less than an inch in diameter, clean it with an antibacterial wash and wrap it with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, your veterinarian can help.
Winter and Summer Paw Care
Different types of care are required for your dog’s paws depending on the season. Winter weather is the worst time of year for dogs. It causes chapping and cracking in their paws, making it difficult for them to walk or run. Rock salt and chemical ice melters cause sores, infection, and blistering, and toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws.
Winter time can bring a few problems for your dog. One of them is getting wet paws. Your dog may wish to apply Vaseline to its pads before each walk, or it may wish to wear doggie booties. During the summer, it's important to remember that your dog’s paws feel heat extremes. Never walk barefoot on hot pavement or sand, or any other surface that may cause you to burn your feet.
Watch for blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches on your pet’s paws. For minor burns, gently bathe the injured paw with an antibacterial wash. Cover with a loose bandage. If you’re a dog owner, then it's imperative that you know the signs of heatstroke in dogs. For more info on heatstroke.
Preventing Paw Problems
Whether you’ve already got an established exercise program with your dog or you just want to start a new one, you need to start out slowly and build up over time. Your dog's paws may become sensitive, chafed, or cracked. Your home and yard should be safe for your dog when you walk him. Be sure to keep them clear of sharp objects and other hazards. You should keep the following simple tip in mind—if you don't like to walk barefoot on it, neither will your dog.