Knowing how to properly groom your dog at home can save you time, money and the hassle of a dog feeling uneasy being around someone else.
There are some very basic guidelines to follow when grooming your dog at home.
We will discuss specifically just the ears and teeth.
Let's start with the ears.
The maintenance on your dog's ears is very easy.
The ears should be checked weekly for insects, bugs, parasites and any open wound.
The inside of an ear is an easy place for a bug to nest, which will obviously cause issues for your dog and can lead to pain.
There are different cleaners you can buy from pet stores for the inside of your dog's ears.
Check with your vet to ensure you are buying the correct cleanser.
Gently clean the inside of the ear with a cotton ball.
You never want to use a Q-Tip because if your dog unexpectedly moves, the Q-Tip could get lodged in its inner ear and cause some permanent damage.
A cotton ball is much gentler on the dog.
Cleaning the ear gets out ear wax, odors, prevents infection and can help heal lesions.
There are certain dog breeds that must get their ear hairs plucked, such as Shih-Tzus.
Talk to your vet or do some research to make sure you're properly handling your dog's ear grooming.
For as low maintenance as ear cleaning is, cleaning your dog's teeth is even easier.
Just like humans, dogs need their teeth to be watched after and taken care of daily.
It is very easy for pet owners to incorporate teeth cleaning into everyday activities for a dog.
Although most dogs don't like getting their teeth brushed, some don't mind it.
Your vet can recommend the best type of toothpaste and brush to use on your dog's breed.
The more you brush your dog's teeth, the more used to it they will get.
In addition to brushing your dog's teeth, there is an array of dog treats designed specifically to help keep your dog's teeth clean.
There are many different types of denta-bone type treats, bones, and toys for your dog.
If you find that your dog is reluctant to getting his teeth brushed, you might try giving him some treats designed to keep his teeth cleaned instead, and maybe brush his teeth fewer times a month.
If you feel that brushing less could be damaging to your dog's health, ask your vet what the best possible route to go would be.
There are some very basic guidelines to follow when grooming your dog at home.
We will discuss specifically just the ears and teeth.
Let's start with the ears.
The maintenance on your dog's ears is very easy.
The ears should be checked weekly for insects, bugs, parasites and any open wound.
The inside of an ear is an easy place for a bug to nest, which will obviously cause issues for your dog and can lead to pain.
There are different cleaners you can buy from pet stores for the inside of your dog's ears.
Check with your vet to ensure you are buying the correct cleanser.
Gently clean the inside of the ear with a cotton ball.
You never want to use a Q-Tip because if your dog unexpectedly moves, the Q-Tip could get lodged in its inner ear and cause some permanent damage.
A cotton ball is much gentler on the dog.
Cleaning the ear gets out ear wax, odors, prevents infection and can help heal lesions.
There are certain dog breeds that must get their ear hairs plucked, such as Shih-Tzus.
Talk to your vet or do some research to make sure you're properly handling your dog's ear grooming.
For as low maintenance as ear cleaning is, cleaning your dog's teeth is even easier.
Just like humans, dogs need their teeth to be watched after and taken care of daily.
It is very easy for pet owners to incorporate teeth cleaning into everyday activities for a dog.
Although most dogs don't like getting their teeth brushed, some don't mind it.
Your vet can recommend the best type of toothpaste and brush to use on your dog's breed.
The more you brush your dog's teeth, the more used to it they will get.
In addition to brushing your dog's teeth, there is an array of dog treats designed specifically to help keep your dog's teeth clean.
There are many different types of denta-bone type treats, bones, and toys for your dog.
If you find that your dog is reluctant to getting his teeth brushed, you might try giving him some treats designed to keep his teeth cleaned instead, and maybe brush his teeth fewer times a month.
If you feel that brushing less could be damaging to your dog's health, ask your vet what the best possible route to go would be.