Brushing Up On Dog Grooming

By Author: Margaret Svete Ph.D.
Total Articles: 1
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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.
About the author:

Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog Enquirer, at http://www.allaboutdogcare.com