Is your dog due for a makeover? Has she been enjoying the great
outdoors a little too much? Here are some simple tips for helping
your dog put her best paw forward.
It all begins with the brushing:
– Brush your dog regularly. Daily is best. Be sure to also
brush against hair growth direction to check for fleas and
ticks.
– The right tools. For short-haired dogs, most groomers
recommend stainless-steel combs because they slide through
coats very easily.
For medium to long haired dogs start with a slicker brush and
then follow with a stainless steel comb.
In hot months consider investing in a flea comb to make sure
your dog has not become a flea hotel.
To make your dog”s coat really shine, finish with a soft
bristle brush.
– If your dog hates being brushed it sometimes helps to brush
after play time. Start by brushing in the hair growth
direction. When you are finished, reward your dog with a
treat. Each day brush your dog a little longer. And if you
are lucky, your dog may even begin to like being brushed.
Now for the bath:
– Brush your dog from head to toe making sure all mats are gone.
For small dogs a sink works great. For medium to large dogs,
a tub or shower works best. Use only warm water and a good
shampoo made for dogs. People shampoo is too harsh and can
irritate your dog”s skin. Most groomers recommend working
from the back end forward, lathering the head last.
– Rinse, rinse, and rinse again to make sure you have removed
all shampoo.
– Short-haired dogs dry quickly and only need to be dried off
with a towel. If your dog has long hair, you may need to
brush him while he”s drying to avoid tangles.
The Grand Finale:
– Finish by giving your dog a treat.
– Then celebrate! You and your dog survived the bath, and you
have a clean dog.
