Dog Grooming

English: This is a photo I took of my Newfoundland after combing undercoat out (Photo credit: Wikipedia)  “Tools for Grooming Your Dog”

“Tools for Grooming Your Dog”

These grooming supplies for you dog is necessary to help keep up with your dog’s grooming needs. Taking care of your dog’s nails and coat is one of your dog’s basic needs. When you are out picking up general supplies for your dog, don’t forget the grooming equipment and supplies to take care of your pet’s grooming needs. These are just a few of the basics to help you pick out the best grooming supplies and equipment for your own dog.

(1.  Brushes and Combs for dogs :

Dogs have so many different hair types and it can be confusing and difficult to choose just the right one for your dog. No wonder, that there are just so many types of brushes and combs available for dogs. When choosing a brush and comb for your dog, try to choose one that fits your dog’s hair type. You may find that more than one type of brush and comb may benefit your dog.

Bristle Brushes – These work well for most hair types. The bristle brushes vary in how long or short your dog’s hair is, they also vary in the firmness and softness of the bristles according to your dog’s hair length.

Wire Pin Brushes – These brushes are better suited to dogs with medium to long hair.

Slicker Brushes – These brushes are used to break apart the mats and tangles in medium to long hair types.

Rakes or Matbreakers – These are used on more severe mats and tangles.

Shedding Tools – These have unique teeth that removes excess hair from breeds that have a double-coat and helps reduce shedding.

(2.  Nail Trimmers for Dogs :

In an earlier post I went into detail about trimming your dog’s nails, so this is a quick recap on this subject. However, trimming your dog’s nails can be quiet stressful on your dog and you as well, making sure you know the proper way to trim your dog’s nails and having the proper tools as well as knowing the right way to use these tools can ease this process for both of you.

The Claw – Style Trimmers – These are spring-loaded, they cut the nail in a scissor-like fashion.

Guillotine Trimmers – These have a blade that is replaceable, which cuts the nail while the spring – loaded  handle is depressed.

Scissor – Like Trimmers – These don’t have springs and are best used on dogs that have small, delicate nails.

Filing Tools – These grind the nails down slowly and give the nail a smoother nail – edge. The basic emery board can also be used on the small, delicate nails if you choose. However, the Rotary style tools, like the Peticure Grooming Tool, will work on all types of nails.

Styptic Powder – Like Kwik – Stop, is used to stop the bleeding, should you accidentally cut the nail too short.

( 3. Shampoos for Dogs

When bathing your dog, you should choose the right shampoo, this will make the bath more effective. You should always use a soap- free shampoo that is meant for use on dogs. Listed below is some common varieties of shampoos for dogs.

(A. Tear-free Shampoo : These shampoos help to protect your dog’s eyes while bathing.

(B. Oatmeal Shampoo : These are to help soothe slightly irritated skin and help ease itching.

(C. Natural Shampoos : These don’t have chemicals in them and most often include herbs that help to improve the dogs skin and coat.

(D. Medicated Shampoos : These are most often prescribed by a vet for dogs with allergies or other skin problems.

(E. Conditioners : These are used after the bath, they help to keep your dog’s coat tangle free, smooth and shiny, as well as moisturized. Some of these conditioners are made to be rinsed off, others can be left on the dog’s coat to dry.  However a conditioner isn’t always necessary.

( 4. Ear Care for dogs

Often the proper ear care for dogs is overlooked, although it is just as important as the up keep of the dogs hair and nails. Before you begin you should talk to a professional groomer or a veterinarian about the proper techniques to use for your dog’s ear care.  Note : You should NEVER-EVER use alcohol or cotton-tipped swabs in your dog’s ears, EVER !!

(A. The use of Ear Cleansers are to help rinse and clean the ear canal.

(B. Use Pads or Cotton Balls to wipe out the debris from the dog’s ears  after the cleanser is applied.

(C. Using Ear Powder helps dry the ear canal of dogs with alot of hair and wax, this also helps to get the ear ready for plucking.

(D. You can use Hemostats to pluck the excess hair out of the dog’s ears. Make sure you are trained on how to do this before you try it on your own!

(E. For dogs with ear conditions, like an infection or ear mites, a vet may prescribe Ear Medications.

(5. Hair Clippers for Dogs

Some dogs don’t need hair cuts. Dogs with short hair don’t need to be shaved or have their hair clipped. Dogs with medium hair, such as Golden Retrievers might benefit from a “shave-down occasionally. Dogs with hair that continues to grow, like the Shih Tzus or the Poodle must have their hair cut on a routine basis. Pet owners and Dog groomers alike will often us electric hair clippers to give their dogs a neat and uniformed hair cut. However, a more experienced professional groomer might also cut the dog’s hair with cutting scissors for neat looking trims and touch-ups of long hair. If  you are not trained to use the scissors, it might be best to stick with the electric clippers.

Note : It’s very important to NEVER cut mats out with scissors, you could gravely hurt your dog! The electric clippers or special brushes are best for getting the mats out.

Related articles

• “The Basics of Grooming Your Dog” (dixiepaws.wordpress.com)
• Choose your dog groomer [del.icio.us] (smilingdogbakery.com)