Simple Dog Grooming Basics

Every dog needs to be groomed. Whether you have a shorthaired dog that simply needs to have a brush rubbed over him or a Maltese with a long, flowing coat that requires continual care, your dog needs for you to attend to his grooming needs.

If you have a shorthaired dog then your dog's grooming requirements will be much simpler than those of a longhaired dog. For most shorthaired dogs all that is required is that the dog be brushed regularly. Brushing your dog once a week is usually sufficient. However, there are some shorthaired breeds that can be notorious shedders. Labrador Retrievers, for instance, are, perhaps, the worst shedding dogs of all breeds. They may require daily brushing during some parts of the year to keep their shedding hair from piling up in the house. Other shorthaired dogs, such as the

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer and the Beagle, also shed profusely. So, just because you have a shorthaired dog it doesn't mean that you are off the hook as far as grooming goes.

Collie

If you have a longhaired dog or a dog with a medium length coat you can count on a great deal more grooming. Some dogs with medium length coats, such as the Collie or the Sheltie, nevertheless have a thick double coat so the coat needs frequent grooming to avoid tangles and mats. Many of the Nordic or Spitz breeds also fall into this category.

Dogs with genuinely long coats, such as the

Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, the Setters and Spaniels, Afghan Hounds and other dogs, need to be brushed several times per week or even daily.

Boar Bristle Brush

If you're brushing a medium or long coat you can begin with a good brush, such as a boar bristle brush or boar bristles and nylon bristles mixed. (Boar bristles are good for spreading around the natural oils in the coat.) Brush the coat with the texture of the hair in the direction it naturally grows. For dogs with thick double coats you can brush a second time against the grain and then brush back the natural way the hair lies.

Pin Brush for Dogs

For dogs with long, flowing coats you can next use a pin brush to separate out the dog's furnishings and make sure they're free of tangles. The pin brush is a brush set with metal pins that separates the long hair. It should not be used on the dog's body since it will scratch the skin.

Next you can use your comb to gently comb out the long hair.

Dog Comb

All dogs will need to have their ears cleaned, their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed weekly. You can use a good ear cleaner from your vet or find one at your pet supply store. There are good products for brushing your dog's teeth at your pet supply store, too. Most dogs don't mind having their teeth brushed if you use one of the dog toothpastes that has chicken, peanut butter or beef flavor.

Nail Clipper

To trim your dog's nails you can use nail clippers or a rotary nail trimmer. There are several good rotary nail trimmers available to pet owners. They work by sanding the nails down a little at a time. If you introduce the trimmer to your dog in easy stages your dog shouldn't object.

Rotary Nail Trimmer

These are the basics of grooming your dog. Remember that your dog's appearance is a direct reflection on you. Your dog can't do these things for himself. It's entirely up to you how your dog looks. Make him look good.

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Benefits Of Doggy Day Care

Perhaps your new dog is too energetic to leave home alone. You love your pet, but you know that if you don't do something to keep him or her occupied you'll come home to a huge mess. Doggy Day Care is the ideal solution. There are many great benefits to doggy day care.

Keep Pet Safe

Your pet can get into trouble if he or she is left home alone. Sometimes this trouble may be hazardous. Your pet could get into something such as a poisonous plant or food item. Your pet could endanger themselves by eating through a wall or something else that they could choke on. Doggy Day Care eliminates this danger. Your pet will be well cared for during his or her entire stay.

Interaction

Your pet will have other pets to interact with and your pet will have humans on hand at all times to prevent any danger.

Stimulation

There will be plenty of activity and stimulation for bored pets. Your pet may make friends with other pets and other humans and learn to get along and play well with others. This can be a great boon to a family with young children or other pets especially when introducing your pet to new family members or new family pets.

Snacks

Your pet will have healthy pet snacks during the day. This can help to reduce the desire to get into things when your pet is at home and bored.

New Skills

Pets will learn new skills by being around other pets. Most of these skills will be good skills and your pet will be proud of him or herself.

Specialty Care

If your pet has specific medical needs such as a diabetic or other concerns, there are specialized Doggy Day Cares that can assist you in your endeavors to keep your dog on a safe and healthy diet plan. You won't have to worry about a seizure or diabetic coma while you're at work.

Grooming

Many Day Care's also offer grooming services. Your beloved pet may well feel as if he or she has been at the spa all day.

Veterinarian Services

Some Day Care's also offer Veterinarian services for pets. These services can include toenail clipping, vaccinations, teeth cleaning and more.

By taking your dog to a Day Care facility, you're ensuring that he or she is safe and well cared for while you're at work. You won't have to worry about coming home to a mess. Your pet will be well cared for, have social interactions and snacks as well as a rest period during the day while you're busy at work.

Probably the best thing that will come from Doggy Day Care is the fact that you dog will be exhausted. Yes, getting rid of all that excess energy can make home life with your dog much more enjoyable.

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