Dog Skin Care / Skin and Coat
Dog Skin Care / Skin and Coat Grooming your dog accomplishes much more than just making his coat look nice and shiny. It will provide you with the opportunity to spend some "quality time" with your dog, combing, brushing, bathing and generally bonding with him.
You will be able to check your dog closely for any problems while grooming. Move the hair aside and examine the skin closely for signs of flea, ticks or skin irritations. Look for any unusual problems with the coat such as mats, tangles, dandruff, etc. Mats and tangles can be carefully removed while grooming. Learn where he likes to be combed and brushed and where he 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 and he will not resist future grooming sessions. You will also become familiar with areas that he enjoys having groomed. This is helpful if you need to calm him during stressful times such as veterinary visits. 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 will begin to look forward to regular grooming sessions. Caring for your "best friend's" coat and skin shouldn't feel like a terrible chore, yet often pet owners and pets dread brushing and bathing day. There are several keys to making coat and skin care painless - even fun! The first is to begin grooming your dog while he's still young. Puppies become accustomed to grooming and as they grow up, won't fight you at every turn. Keep in mind that puppies are like children and have short attention spans. 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 ears, paws, teeth, and underside during the grooming procedure. In time, this will make him accustomed to being handled and examined. Eventually, he will be quite comfortable being groomed, and will look forward to these sessions with you. If you approach coat and skin care with a positive attitude, your dog is likely to enjoy the process more, and the very best of all: bonding takes place! Keep the tone of your voice positive, and praise your pet constantly. A gentle touch is the most important approach to grooming your dog, especially when you're handling sensitive areas such as the face, belly, and tail. Try not to hold your dog's legs and paws too tight when you brush them so he won't feel restrained.
Check areas for hair loss, inflammations, 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. Brushing, Combing, and Bathing doesn't have to be complicated! Dog Brushing Related Pages Back : Dog Skin Care |