Basic Dog Care

Grooming

Grooming a dog can be quite time consuming, but it depends on the size of the dog. Grooming includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming and brushing a dogs teeth.
Different breeds will have different requirements, but lots of dogs share the same basics, like teeth brushing and bathing.

When grooming a dog, here are some of the items you'd need:

-Nail trimmers: You'll need dog nail cutters that are the right size to cut their nails. These can be found in different sizes since dog's nails can be large or small. They're usually in most pet shops and are easy to use. When cutting a dogs nails, be careful not to cut the quick. When the quick is cut, it can cause pain and bleeding. If you cannot see the quick in your dogs nails, you can always get a groomer to cut them for you, as they have lots of training. Never use human nail cutters on your dog as they're the wrong shape and size and can damage your dogs nails.

-Dog shampoo: When giving your dog a bath, you'll need to use shampoo that is safe for them snd won't harm their skin or fur. There's lots of different brands of dog shampoo. Always make sure to read the ingredients on the bottle and make sure to know what chemicals are bad for your dog and shouldn't be used on their skin. You can always try out different brands to see which one is best for you and your furry friend. If you don't like the dog shampoo brands, you can always use non fragranced baby shampoos. Baby shampoos can be great for dogs, especially if they have sensitive skin, as baby shampoos are very gentle and not fragranced.

-Toothbrush: Each dog should have their own toothbrush. The bristles shouldn't be too harsh as this can damage your dogs gums and cause discomfort. You can find toothbrushes for dogs at most pet shops, or you can use a human toothbrush with soft bristles.

-Toothpaste: Dogs should use toothpaste specifically made for dogs. Never use human toothpaste for your dog as it can be harmful to them. Dog toothpaste can be found at pet shops or at the vet.

-Brush and comb: Dogs with hair or fur will need brushing at least once per week, but how often they need brushing depends on the breed and how much fur they have. Brushing your dogs fur helps to remove dead hair and helps you get to know your dogs body more. Brushing can remove dead skin and any dust or dirt on the dogs fur or skin.

-Soft absorbent towels: You'll need towels to help dry off your dog, and for them to stand on once they're out of the bath so you can keep your floors dry. When drying your dog, make sure to do it gently so that you can avoid causing any irritation or discomfort to the dog. You can also use a hairdryer if your dog has longer fur, but be careful as the hot air is likely to burn them, so it's not recommended. It's also not recommended to let your dog air dry, as this can cause fungus growth and other skin problems. Once your done getting most of the water off of them, you'll want to stand back, as your dog will want to shake themselves.

-Round tipped scissors: Round tipped scissors minimise the risk of cutting your dog during grooming. Always make sure to comb through your dogs fur before trimming. Make sure to cut any tangles out of their fur if you are unable to brush them out. If you groom your dog regularly, you can usually avoid these. Always trim a dogs fur when they're dry. If you are not comfortable grooming your dog, you can always take them to dog groomers and pay them to do it all for you. They're well trained, so that will also minimise the risk of any harm to your dogs sensitive areas like the eyes and paws.

When you're grooming your dog, make sure to check their skin, gums, eyes and ears to make sure everything looks as it should. If you notice anything odd, it's always good to take them to the vet and see if anything is wrong.

When bathing your dog, make sure not to do it too often. Every dog is different, and some dogs may need bathing more or less than others, depending on if they have any skin conditions or different fur. Generally, a dog can be bathed every two to three months.