"PUTTING ON THE DOG" WITH GROOMING
TIPS FOR TAIL-WAGGING ZEN
By Stacey Kumagai
Grooming your dog is important. Sure you want your dog to look great, but it has more to do with their well-being more than anything else. It's important to be up on their care to avoid complications
and health problems. Get familiar with your dog's breed, age and care requirements. Not all dogs require the same care. Some dogs require daily grooming, while others weekly. If your dog sheds his fur frequently or has other health issues, his/her grooming will depend on your dog's individual needs.
While dogs don't like being brushed, it is important to brush their coat. Not only will this keep away loose dirt, hair and outside debris in their fur, but it will also help to distribute the natural oils and make your dog's coat shiny. Be comforting and reassuring. Dogs often get scared and feel "flighty" and stressed when being brushed. Calm their anxiety, bring them Zen and be present to their fears and anxieties. It can become too traumatic for a dog to go through the grooming process they don't know what's going on. So it's up to you, the owner to keep them calm and help them to realize everything is going to be okay reassure that they can trust you.
DO NOT use metal combs. These are too harsh to be used on any animal. Pet stores sell these combs and owners purchase them because they appear to be more durable, but they are very irritating to your dog's skin. Use a small short-toothed plastic/rubber tipped comb/brush. And BE GENTLE! Go easy. Be patient. Dogs are more sensitive than humans. Make sure the bristles are rounded and gentle. Test it on your own arm and if it feels comfortable to you, it will feel comfortable to your dog. These combs are particularly helpful if your dog sheds a lot of fur.
When untangling a knot, go slowly. Longer haired dogs need to be brushed often to avoid matting. Do NOT wash your dog if he has a knot as it will only be more difficult to remove later. Take your time
trying to untangle it. Do not pull, you can cause bruising and bleeding (avoid hematomas) by pulling on a knot. Brushing your dog's teeth is very important. However, you should NEVER use human toothpaste. If
swallowed it can be toxic, just like it is for children. Use toothpaste specifically for dogs, it's natural, sugar-free and doesn't have the chemicals that human toothpaste does. Be sure to be gentle as you
use your finger or dog toothbrush. The formulation of dog toothpaste automatically breaks down the tarter and buildup so that you don't have to be overly aggressive or abrasive.
Clipping your dog's nails is important. By letting them become overgrown, not only is it uncomfortable for your dog, but it can cause even greater injury walking on curling paws and claws, adding strain to your dog's limbs and back from walking incorrectly trying to overcompensate for not being able to walk flat-pawed. Long nails can also pierce your dog's paws, and they can become infected, so be
sure to trim them regularly, at least every few weeks. If you let them grow too long, you may not be able to cut them properly and this only causes more pain for your pooch, when they are cut. When
clipping your dog's nails, pull the foot back so the dog can't see what you are doing so you don't scare the dog.
Your dog skin is sensitive. Keep watch for scratches, bruises, bumps and lumps. Watch for swelling, bites, allergic reactions to plants and shrubs, flea infestation, ticks and mites. Examine all parts of
your dog including your dog's ears and eyes. By staying on top of all parts of your pet, you can spot signs of illness immediately to get the proper care your furry friend needs. This can prevent your pet
from suffering and missing something key that can be cured, rather than waiting until a condition worsens. And it's important to comprehend how to bathe your dog properly. Washing your dog too
often will make your dog's skin flaky, itchy, irritated and dry. Constant scratching and itching will make your dog miserable and can even cause balding spots on their bodies. If you want your dog to
be clean, avoid harsh inexpensive shampoos. These shampoos are only meant to be used every 6-8 weeks. Organic formula higher end natural shampoos should be used in place of the high-sulfate ones as they are easier on your dogs skin and coat, and won't strip the natural oils which are vital for your dog's coat to shine.
Be mindful of the temperature you wash your dog in. Just like humans, we don't like showers or baths that are too hot or too cold. Dogs are the same way. A lukewarm or room temperature bath is
more favorable for dogs. Small puppies, young dogs and elderly dogs cannot endure cold baths, so throw away all you previously thought about washing your dog with the garden hose! This is a no! no!
and should not be done. You can cause serious health complications, shocking a dog's system.
Water that is too hot will not only dry out the skin of your dog, but if you raise your dog's temperature too high, you can also cause health problems. Grooming your dog can improve your dog's skin, coat and health if you do things the right way. You can help your dog live a longer and healthier life by taking careful measures to groom them properly.
Take the time to invest time learning on how to care for your dog properly to maintain cleanliness and decrease your dog's chance of getting serious health problems from being unkempt. It also will help
you bond with your pet and give your pet the ultimate Zen of comfort, security, good health and a quality life of longevity.
Now that's something we can bow and wow about!
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
ANDREW KIM, CO-OWNER HEALTHYSPOT, WEST HOLLYWOOD
www.healthyspotonline.com