Your Dog’s Grooming Needs
Content provided by Purina®

In addition to keeping your dog looking his/her best, grooming is a great way to assess a dog’s health. Learn what is normal for your dog and what characteristics distinguish him/her, as any changes in appearance or behavior may be signs of illness. In general, the kind of routine you establish will depend on how much time he/she spends outside, weather conditions and whether he/she is a longhaired or shorthaired breed. It helps if grooming is introduced early in life, but if that is not the case, you can build your dog’s comfort level with grooming by engaging in frequent grooming sessions.

Start with short sessions and reassure and praise your dog as you groom him/her to reinforce it as a pleasant experience. Get your dog used to opening his/her mouth for inspection and having his/her ears and paws handled. If you acquire a dog that resists grooming, he/she has likely had a bad experience but, with your patience, can be shown that there is nothing to fear.

Some other general guidelines:

LONGHAIRED BREEDS – These dogs generally require daily grooming as their hair easily tangles and mats. A sturdy wide-tooth metal comb and slicker brush are the ideal tools to use.

SHORTHAIRED BREEDS – In general, groom two-to-three times a week with a brush with natural bristles, a rubber curry comb or grooming hand mitt.

BRUSHING – All dogs, regardless of their haircoat, should be brushed. Brushing is recommended every day in the spring and fall when shedding can be very heavy. Be sure to brush down to the skin as the massaging action helps loosen and remove dandruff flakes. Brush under your dog’s body too – not just on his/her back.

BATHING – Dogs should be bathed when they look dirty and/or have a strong dog odor. Puppies or small dogs can be bathed in sinks while large breeds may require bathtubs. In warm weather, a child’s wading pool and garden hose may be
used. Before bathing a longhaired dog, brush the coat thoroughly to remove dead hair and mats. Shampoo twice with a shampoo that is specially formulated for dogs and rinse after each shampoo. ( The first shampoo loosens the dirt while the second shampoo removes it.) Be sure to use warm water. Let the dog “drip dry” for a few minutes, then cover with a dry towel before brushing dry. A hair dryer may be used if held 12 inches or more from the coat. Never leave a wet dog outside in cold weather. ( In fact, bathing is not advisable in cold weather; use dry “bathing cloths” instead.) Too frequent bathing may cause dry skin.

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