The Importance of Grooming Dogs

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Tips before getting started

• Learn where your pet likes to be combed and brushed and where he or she doesn't. All dogs have sensitive areas that need to be groomed a little more gently and carefully than others. 
• By paying special attention to these areas, you will help make your dog more comfortable while being groomed. 
• Let your dog sniff the brush and comb before you begin grooming, and then talk to your pet in a reassuring tone while grooming. 
• If the grooming procedure is made comfortable for your dog, he or she will begin to look forward to regular grooming sessions.

Health

• Regular combing and brushing will keep the coat clean and healthy. 
• It will stimulate the skin, and allow the natural oils to circulate to the coat. 
• It will also allow you to carefully check for potentially serious problems. 
• Check areas for hair loss, inflammation, unusual tenderness, or lumps under the skin. 
• Constant scratching in a particular area may also be an indication of a problem. 
• Check with your veterinarian about any unusual problems found.

Combing

• Comb in the direction of hair growth, combing small sections at a time, until the coat is tangle free. 
• For troublesome knots and tangles, use an anti-tangle comb. 
• If the coat has a particularly stubborn knot or tangle, you may have to trim it off with scissors

Brushing

• Begin brushing at the head, working toward the tail and down the legs. 
• Always brush in the direction of hair growth.
• Pay particular attention to the legs and flanks, and areas that easily mat. Brushing will help distribute the natural oils from the skin, producing a healthy, shiny coat. 
• Brushing several times a week is recommended for most dogs.

Puppies

• Select a time when the puppy is less energetic. 
• Begin with short grooming sessions, five minutes or so. 
• Constantly talk to your puppy in a gentle, reassuring tone while grooming to make him feel comfortable. 
• Be sure to check his or her ears, paws, teeth, and underside during the grooming procedure

Nail Trimming

• Never use ordinary scissors to trim your dog's nails. 
• Use trimmers that are specially designed for dogs. 
• Hold the dog's paw firmly, and cut off the tip of the nail with a single stroke. 
• Be very careful to stop short of the quick, the blood vessel inside the nail. 
• Cutting the nails right after bathing will make the quick more visible
• Applying baby oil will serve the same purpose.