Your canine companion doesn't need to wash and brush its hair as often as you do, but dog grooming in Seattle is still an important part of keeping your dog healthy. There are things that you can do at home as long as you have the right equipment. Other things are probably best left to a professional who can make sure that your dog is safe and protected while taking those steps. Here are 4 of the steps that are important for your dog's health and what you should know about each of them: Brushing How often you should brush your dog's coat and the tools that you should use to do it depends on your dog's coat. If your dog has a short coat, you should brush it once a week. Start with a rubber brush. Then, use a soft bristle brush. Finish the job with a chamois cloth to make your dog's coat shine. If your dog has a long coat, you should give it a quick brush every day. When you brush it out, start with a slicker brush to work out the snags. Be careful not to pull the hairs as you work through the snags and remove anything stuck in the air. Then, finish the job with a bristle brush. When brushing your dog's coat, don't forget to clean your dog's tail and feet, too. Bathing You should bathe your dog every 1-3 weeks depending on the weather, the activities that your dog participates in, and the breed of your dog. Some breeds, such as Huskies or Akitas, should not be washed very often to maintain the natural oils in their coats. Before starting the bath, brush your dog's coat. Then, fill the tub 3-4 inches with lukewarm water. Use a mild shampoo to wash your dog's coat. Then, rinse your dog with clean water. You can use a hose or cup to rinse your dog, but be careful not to spray your dog's eyes or nose. Also, you should invest in a bath mat to prevent your dog from slipping in the tub. Examining Your Dog Between baths and brushing, it's important to examine your dog. Check the coat for any bugs, especially ticks. Look for signs of hair loss or other unusual marks, rashes, or other things on your dog's coat. You should check your dog's ears. Give it a sniff. If you notice a foul smell, you should talk to your veterinarian. Nail Trimming Nail trimming can be a traumatic experience for you and your dog. If you're worried about doing it, stop what you're doing and take your dog to a professional. Otherwise, you should start early on. You can work to have your dog associate the nail trimming with something positive, such as a treat. Whenever you get the clippers out, give your dog a treat or some other positive reinforcement. Touch your dog's paws on a regular basis, so this becomes a familiar feeling for your dog. When choosing your scissor style, try clippers or nail grinders. If you hit the quick, your dog may bleed quite a bit. Use a syptic pen or plain flour to treat your dog. Nail trimming should be done every 3-4 weeks. Dog grooming in Seattle is important to help your dog stay healthy and strong throughout its life. If you have any questions about what you need to do for your dog, speak with a professional groomer and your veterinarian to make sure that your dog looks its best and has a healthy coat. As part of your grooming regiment, you may want to add other steps depending on your dog's breed and needs.
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