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Dog Grooming: 7 Most Frequently Asked Dog Grooming Questions & Its Answers

Although it’s often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your dog’s health and wellness program. Here are some of the most frequently asked dog grooming questions our experts at PetPlace.com are asked by their 600,000 visitors per month:

1. When should I start grooming my dog?

Start regular grooming when you first bring your dog home and make it a part of his or her routine. Purchase a good-quality brush and comb and get your dog used to being handled. Praise your dog when he or she holds still and soon he or she will come to enjoy the extra attention. Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular grooming equipment necessary for your particular dog.

2. How often should I brush my dog’s hair?

Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents matting, while giving your pet a healthier and shinier coat.

Your dog’s skin and hair coat reflects his or her overall health and nutritional status. Many dogs maintain a healthy skin and hair coat with minimal assistance. Some long-haired or curly-haired breeds require regular brushing. For most dogs, a good brushing once or twice a week will do the trick.

3. How often should I bathe my dog?

Your dog’s need for bathing depends on its breed, the skin type and hair coat. It also depends on the owner’s preference and how dirty your dog gets. Bathing your dog every month or two isn’t unreasonable, but some dogs will need more frequent cleanings. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your pet only when the coat gets dirty or begins to smell “doggy.”

When bathing your dog, make sure to rinse all the soap out of the coat. If there are persistent problems with scratching or flaky skin, he or she may need a special medicated shampoo or have a skin problem that your veterinarian should examine.

4. What skin problems are common among dogs and what should I look for?

Skin problems – including fleas, ticks and mites or allergies and infections – are common among dogs. Most conditions are manageable with early detection and treatment. If you notice excessive scratching, hair loss or flaky skin, contact your veterinarian. If your pet is continuously exposed to fleas and ticks, speak to your veterinarian about products to minimize the parasite’s impact on your dog’s skin. Remember that consistently poor hair coat with lots of skin flaking may indicate a deeper medical problem.
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5. I have problems cleaning my dog’s ears. What’s the best way to clean his ears and how often should it be cleaned.

Ears also require cleaning, especially in dogs with oily skin or allergies. This is a delicate task and is probably best left to your vet. However, if your dog is easy to handle (and there is no chance that you will be bitten), you can learn to do this chore yourself. To remove excessive wax and debris from the ears, consider an ear cleaning every two to four weeks. Ask your veterinarian about products you can use at home, and be sure to ask for a demonstration of proper ear cleaning techniques.

6. I have problems keeping my dog still so I can trim its nails. Do you have any nail trimming advice?

While clipping nails is a painless and simple process, it takes practice and patience to master the skill. When you muster enough courage to trim the nails of your dog, you’ll need a good nail clipper, a nail file to rub any sharp edge away and a styptic stick to stop any subsequent bleeding easily.

Ask your vet to show you the correct technique, and then get started by getting your pet used to having his or her paws handled. Once you start using the clippers, go slowly. Try clipping just a few nails in one sitting. Maintain a regular schedule and be persistent. Your pet will eventually develop patience and learn to cooperate.

7. What is the most important thing to include in my dog grooming kit?

The most important thing required in your grooming kit is your own confidence. It will form and take shape within you and grow in time.

So, go ahead and start grooming your dog. If you can overcome your hesitation, beautiful and rewarding experiences are waiting for you. Grooming your dog properly helps to keep him or her healthy while building an important bond between you and your pet.

John Rappaport
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-grooming-7-most-frequently-asked-dog-grooming-questions-its-answers-100393.html

Sep 25, 2009 | 0 | Dog Equipment

How To Take Care Of A Dog: 21 Key Factors You Should Know

It is crucial to learn how to take care of a dog well before taking ownership. A dog requires a serious investment of the following resources:

1. Time
2. Energy
3. Finances

By the time you finish reading this article, the first level of your education on how to take care of a dog will be complete.

Below you will find 21 key factors involved. 11 are under Basic Needs, 5 under Equipment, and 5 under Treatment.

Section 1: Learn how to take care of a dog by being aware of their BASIC NEEDS

Dogs need:

1. Toilet and obedience training. A lack of training in these two areas can result in frustration and inconvenience for the owner to say the least, and at worst the dog could become a danger to their owners, the public, and to themselves.

2. To be with other dogs or people. Leaving them alone for long periods can have a serious effect on their health and well being. Even being left alone for 4 or more hours a day can contribute to destructive behavior.

3. To be brushed every day. This is especially important if their coat has long hair.

4. To have their teeth brushed and cleaned regularly.

5. Regular walks. How far and how often will depend on the size and nature of the dog.

6. A well thought out, balanced diet. You may need to get advice from your vet. A good range of high protein, fat, and carbohydrates is needed to ensure the dog remains healthy. Often the prepared foods available in pet shops or supermarkets contain the needed balance.

7. Plenty of water: A bowl of fresh, clean water should always be available.

8. Space: a fenced in area for play and exercise. The area will need to be kept clean of dog waste to avoid a health hazard.

9. A dry, warm place to sleep out of a draught. The bedding should be aired each day and preferably washed or replaced weekly.

10. Arrangements to be cared for when the owner take a vacation.

11. A vet so you can quickly take them in case of sickness or emergency. Think out carefully your choice of a vet. What equipment and facilities does the surgery offer? What costs are involved? Does the vet communicate well with you so you feel relaxed asking questions?

Section 2: Learn how to take care of a dog by obtaining the EQUIPMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. A lead for walking in urban areas.

2. A collar and/with an identity label or tag.

3. A bed and a dog blanket.

4. A scoop to collect dog waste for disposal.

5. A good quality dog brush.

Section 3: Learn how to take care of a dog by arranging for the TREATMENT they need

Dogs need:

1. Regular checks and treatment for worms and fleas.

2. Injections to protect against serious diseases: check with your vet.

3. Regular teeth checkups by the vet.

4. Optional: Neutering.

5. Optional: Microchip implanting.

Regarding the last two optional procedures, keep these points in mind:

Apart from avoiding unwanted pregnancy, some authorities say neutering can make a dog a better pet. For example, neutered dogs tend to be less dominant, and have a lesser tendency to roam and mark territory.

Dog microchipping will allow you to easily locate your dog in the event it gets lost or stolen. Regretfully many dogs end up with new owners, or are taken to dog shelters, because their owners can’t find them. The microchip can forestall that heartbreaking scenario.

The microchip is no larger than a grain of rice. The procedure is no more painful than a vaccination as the tiny chip is implanted under the loose skin over the dog’s shoulder.

The guidelines above emphasize the need to carefully think out dog ownership. However, this is just the first part of the education.

To have an in-depth understanding of how to take care of a dog, you are well advised to have a good talk with a local veterinary surgeon who can answer specific questions relating to the type of dog that is best suited for your circumstances.

Once you have decided on a particular breed, seek out other owners of that breed and learn more about the characteristics of the dog and considerations you will have to keep in mind. You will get a very accurate perspective by talking to other dog owners.

Learn how to take care of a dog well before ownership and you will be rewarded with an intelligent, loyal friend who will give you unlimited fun and enjoyment!

Michael Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/how-to-take-care-of-a-dog-21-key-factors-you-should-know-70486.html

Sep 23, 2009 | 0 | Dog Equipment