Grooming
Grooming should be a regular part of your dog’s routine. It helps to keep him in good shape, while you stay in touch with his physical condition and general health.
Just as it is important for the puppy to get used to being handled from an early age, he should also get used to regular grooming right from the start. Little and often is the secret. Start by using a soft brush and covering only small areas at a time using short, gentle strokes. As you groom, give your puppy plenty of treats and praise, especially whenever he patiently stands still and lets you groom him. Don’t let him play with the brush (or other grooming tools). This can quickly become established behavior that is hard to break, so don’t let it start in the first place. If necessary, give him a toy to play with while you groom him.
If you’re working on a table, cover it with a mat so the puppy has something for his paws to grip. A shiny, slippery surface makes a puppy feel insecure, and he will be more difficult to groom if he is agitated. For most puppies, a soft brush is sufficient until they are about five months old, when you can start using a rake or comb to remove some of the old, dead hairs and keep the coat from becoming matted. For long-haired breeds, such as the sheltie, you will need to introduce a stiff brush and the comb much earlier than this. Start gently and work on small areas at a time. All breeds need to be groomed regularly, even breeds with smooth, short coats. Long-haired breeds will shed more than smooth-coated breeds.
Give particular attention to the chest, ears, and hindquarters. Once the puppy is used to being groomed, you can create a system to keep his coat in good condition, such as:
1. rake (or comb)
2. fine-toothed comb
3. brush
4. grooming glove to finish
If your puppy has long fur, trim the hair around the eyes regularly to ensure good vision and avoid any irritation. Even though your dog may show discomfort, it is very important that you take special care to groom around the anal region. This helps to prevent matting due to fecal buildup, which could cause serious infection.
A rake is ideal for removing dead hair and parasites. It is particularly important for thick-coated and double-coated dogs like retrievers (shown here) as it reaches down to the undercoat.
Step 1
Your puppy should be in a standing position. Make sure he is relaxed and comfortable—gently place your hand on his chest to steady him. Begin grooming with the rake, using long, even strokes. This prevents matting and is very good for his undercoat.
Step 2
A fine-toothed comb is very useful for checking to make sure that your puppy’s coat us free of ticks and fleas. Do this by running the comb through his coat, and then holding it up against a light background. Check the comb for any gritty substances, which may be signs of flea dirt.
Step 3
Next use a brush to condition your puppy’s skin and coat. This promotes hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the skin, ensuring that your puppy’s coat is full and healthy.
Step 4
Gentle, steady strokes with a grooming glove will remove any remaining old or dead hair, and polish and finish your puppy’s coat, leaving it with a healthy shine.
Dental Hygiene
Dental cavities and periodontal gum disease are potentially serious problems with dogs. It is important to start your dental hygiene program as early as possible. Your puppy will first need to get used to the touch of the toothbrush and the taste of the toothpaste. (Always use an enzymatic toothpaste specially for dogs, not toothpaste for humans.) Start with a little toothpaste on the brush and gently touch his teeth with it. Once the puppy is relaxed with this, start to brush his teeth, slowly and gently, until the puppy is used to the movement. Use a soft brush and take care to brush the outer surfaces using a gentle circular movement, taking particular care over the gum line where tartar buildup is common.
Avoid brushing too vigorously or you may damage his gums. There is no need to brush the inside surfaces. They are very difficult to reach, and the dog’s normal chewing and tongue-rubbing action automatically keeps these surfaces clean.
Introduce your puppy to toothbrushing as soon as possible. Start slowly, and begin by just touching the teeth lightly with the brush until the puppy is used to the taste and sensation. Then use a gentle, circular motion.
Raw Bones
Some owners give their dogs raw bones to chew to keep their teeth in good condition and reduce the need to brush (as well as providing nutritious marrowbone jelly). Ask your vet to advise you on this. Never give a dog cooked bones to chew, as these easily splinter into sharp pieces that can lodge in his throat or stomach.
Regular examination of your puppy's teeth and gums will alert you to any cavities or infections. Ask your vet for advise on simple and gentle ways to inspect your dog's mouth.
Grooming Equipment
1. Rake. This is good for thick-coated and double-coated dogs (such as huskies), since it grooms the undercoat.
2. Metal tooth “poodle” brush. This is good for curly coats (such as poodles — hence the name).
3. Grooming glove. One side is covered in brush-like teeth to remove dead hair, the reverse side gives the coat a glossy shine. (A silk scarf can also be used to polish the coat.
4. Fine-toothed flea comb. Use this regularly to make sure that the coat is parasite-free.
5. Tick remover. As the name suggests, this is used to remove parasites embedded in the skin. Make sure the whole tick is removed, as any part left behind in the skin can cause infection and inflammation.
6. Toothbrush. Choose from a range of soft dental brushes specially designed for puppies.
7. Finger toothbrush. You may find this method easier to follow than using a conventional toothbrush.
8. Enzymatic toothpaste. This helps prevent tartar buildup. It is specially flavored for dogs and is specially designed to be swallowed (because dogs can’t “rinse”)!
Claw Tapping
Once your puppy is used to having his paws handled, you can start getting him used to the idea of having his claws clipped. Begin by tapping the claws with the scissors so he is used to the sensation. Then it won’t be such a shock when the vet or owner actually clips his claws.
Back to "Bringing Your Puppy Home"Puppy Grooming Tip
If you pick up any grit on a grooming comb, drop it onto a damp paper towel. If it turns red, it is indeed flea dirt, and you should consult your vet about this.