Your Easy Guide to Dog Grooming

Grooming your dog affects not just his physical but also his psychological well-being. Sure, grooming your dog may require time and attention but as a dog owner, it is a responsibility you accepted when you agreed to keep a dog. Still, dog grooming doesn't have to be an annoying experience for you and your pet.

Dogs that are trained to be groomed since they were puppies respond to bath time or nail-clipping time without any problems. However, if you adopted an older dog who is not used to bathing, you may need to exercise more patience and attention. Not to worry. In time, an older dog can also learn to behave properly.

If you are too busy to groom your dog, you can take him to a professional pet groomer, but be sure that you will take him to a groomer who genuinely cares for dogs. However, if your dog requires a lot of grooming, it is practical to spend a few minutes of your time each day to attend to your dog's needs. In fact, it can be the perfect time for you to strengthen your bond with your dear pet.

The exact amount and type of grooming needed depends on what breed of dog you have. Some dog breeds require more grooming than others. Thus, a dog's needs is one of the things you should consider before choosing a breed. If you're a busy person, don't choose a breed that has sensitive grooming needs.

Here are some simple dog grooming tips:

• Always do a complete check on your dog's body parts -from his paws, nails, ears, nose, hair - check for any scars, bumps, allergies, fleas, ticks and any signs of infection.
• Trim your dog's nails at least once a month.
• Brush your dog's teeth using a dog's toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles at least twice a week.
• Clean your dog's face using a damp cloth every day.
• Brush your dog's coat to prevent tangles and get rid of dead hair especially for dogs who shed a lot. Brushing your dog's coat encourages new hair growth.
• Bathe your dog regularly (depending on the breed) using a mild shampoo for dogs and lukewarm water.

Remember to start grooming your dogs early so that when they grow older, you will not have a hard time. Every dog owner must remember, "A clean dog is a healthy dog and a healthy dog is a happy dog."

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