Whether your dog is long or short haired, brushing your pet is important. It's recommended that you do so on a regular basis. (Twice a week is ideal.). For long coats, use a slicker brush. For short hair, use either a slicker brush or bristle brush. Both stimulate the important sebaceous glands in a dog's skin. These secrete an oily substance to keep the coat soft and shiny. If you'd rather take your dog to a professional groomer, schedule the visits on a regular basis. That way, the groomer will use all the proper tools and administer the proper techniques to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Bathing your dog during the cold season is fine. Just be sure to know that lukewarm water is better to use than regular warm water. That's because you will avoid the risk of opening your dog's pores, which can lower Fido's resistance and expose him to a cold.
Keeping your pet's ears immaculately clean is another specific care process that should be at the top of your list. Always look for dirt inside your pet's ears, as well as flea or mite excrement. If Rover is shaking his head or constantly scratching his ears, there's an ear problem. A 50/50 solution of green alcohol and white vinegar can take care of the problem right away. Dip a large cotton ball into the solution, squeeze out a little of the excess and lightly swab the remaining liquid on the cotton into the ear. A few seconds later, wipe out any excess liquid, being careful to not go too deeply into the ear canal. If you are too squeamish or afraid to perform this procedure, just let me k
Some breeds of dogs require more focused grooming than others. For instance, the Shar pei (a Chinese bred dog) requires intricate cleaning in their deep wrinkles. Bacteria tends to set in them and can cause skin problems, if not properly cleaned. Using a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar weekly keeps the problem at bay.
Knowing how and when to trim your pet's nails is very important. If your pet walks with a limp or the feet are spreading, it's time to trim the nails. Otherwise, nails should be trimmed roughly twice a month. Trim them outside of where the vein stops. Sometimes, this is easier with white or pink nails. If the nails are black or dark brown, it will require two people and a flashlight. One person can shine the light under the paw while the other person trims the nails. This will help you see where the vein actually stops. The other way is to call me to schedule an occasional or regular nail trimming for your pet.