Grooming your pet is one of the most important functions in their overall care, as it helps to ensure that they remain in good health. While grooming your pet, you will be able to notice any irregularities (lumps, rashes, bald spots…) in the condition of their skin and coat. These irregularities are early signs of potential problems, which can be corrected before they become serious and possibly expensive to treat.

To keep your pet looking and feelings its best you should remember the following…

A. Your pet requires a well balanced, nutritional diet to maintain a healthy skin and coat.

B. Do not allow your pet to exceed the ideal weight level. Obese pets are much more likely to have health problems, including problems involving the skin and coat.

C. Train your dog to stand and/or lie down to be groomed, at an early age. This makes it much easier and more enjoyable for the both of you.

D. Pets should be bathed only when necessary, as excess bathing tends to dry out the coat by eliminating the natural oils. When bathing, use a mild shampoo (there are numerous pet shampoos on the market), being sure to rinse it out thoroughly with clear water. Take care not to let any of the shampoo get into your pet’s eyes.

E. Regular brushing is necessary to eliminate the dead coat. Smooth haired dogs should be brushed once weekly, with a bristle or rubber brush. Long-haired dogs require more frequent grooming, ranging from once daily to twice per week, depending upon the type of coat. There are a variety of ‘slicker’ and ‘pin’ brushes available for long-haired dogs, and a metal comb is a necessity.

Do not allow your pet's hair to become badly matted, as this prevents the air from reaching the skin…serious sores may develop and parasites will enjoy the warm and dark hiding place.

F. Your pet’s nails should be trimmed regularly. If you trim your own dog’s nails, a jar of ‘quick stop’ is handy to have. ‘Quick stop’ is a blood stopping powder for those times you accidentally clip your pet’s nail too short.

G. Tarter may form on dog’s teeth if there is lack of an adequate amount of hard dog biscuits in the diet. You may clean the teeth with baking soda or salt. There are also finger brushes and tooth paste available at pet stores.

H. Keep your pet free from parasites. Parasites include fleas, ticks, lice and worms. Your vet will have suggestions on preventative measures.