Grooming Your Dog

All breeds require some grooming. Even the most ‘wash and wear’ dog needs to have his teeth cleaned, toenails clipped and coat brushed. Some dogs, like Poodles, need more extensive treatment to look (and smell) their best.

Start the grooming process early in your dogs life. Get her used to being touched all over - later you or the vet will have to check her ears and paws for foxtails, and her teeth for plaque, so begin now. This process also teaches her to trust you completely, an important part of her training.

Before you wash, make sure your dog is tangle-free. Your choice of brushes and combs depend on the type of coat your dog has, so check what is suggested for her breed. Make brushing a regular habit - it not only gives you a chance to check your dog all over for problems, it’s also a wonderful way to make her feel pampered and loved.

Baths are fun - at least that’s the message she should understand. Get the right dog shampoo; human shampoo is too harsh, no matter how mild. Shampoos vary depending on specific breed requirements, a dogs age, if there are flea problems, the type of coat, so pick well. Opinions vary on the best place to actually wash. We suggest you use the “Dirty Dogs” bathtub with a hand-held shower attachment. That way we can lather and rinse well with great control.

Once the soap is completely rinsed out we gently squeeze the water from the dogs coat, then blot dry. Rubbing can cause tangles and knots, but each breed has slightly different requirements. Then we blowdry.

Never use a human hair dryer. It’s too hot and will damage your dogs coat. Use a good pet dryer. They dry by blowing the water off with a very gentle heat. We blow dry the coat to straighten it out, but even if it’s not a trim day, it’s nicer to have a dry dog around the house.

Ears need to be checked often, especially if your dog has droopy ears (like Cocker Spaniels). Once a week, check for parasites and gently clean her ears , have the vet show you the safest way to do this. Regular ear cleaning helps cut down on ear infections too.

If things beyond basic dog maintenance are more than you’re comfortable with, ask other dog owners for groomer referrals, and visit several to find the right one for your dog, particularly important if your breed requires a specific cut or has a coat that needs stripping. A well-socialized dog in the hands of a talented and gentle groomer will be a thing of beauty.

Prevention and Treatment of Oral Disease in Dogs and Cats

If the following steps are taken, your dog and cat will have strong, healthy teeth and gums. Always consult with your vet.

First, examine mouth, gums and teeth of your pet regularly.

epending on your answers, you may find your pet already has problems enough to warrant a vet visit. But if your pet is young and healthy, or just had a professional periodontal treatment, home care to prevent dental and gum disease is what you need.

Dental home care

Home care is an essential part of maintaining a healthy mouth. Brushing your pet's teeth is the most effective way to remove dental plaque, and a plaque-free mouth allows for healthy gums and periodontium.

Plaque is made up of a combination of bacteria, food debris, saliva and some inflammatory cells and bacteria by-products.

Daily tooth brushing eliminates most plaque and dramatically impacts on oral health. The toothbrush should be soft to medium texture, sized for the pet's comfort, and tasty toothpaste may enhance acceptance (also, since pets don't spit, fluoride toothpastes aren't recommended).

Brushing in a circular motion at a 45 degree angle allows for the bristles to penetrate the gingival groove where plaque quickly accumulates.

Stand beside a large pet; consider placing a small pet on your lap. Rather than opening the pet's mouth, at first just pull the lips apart, which lets you see what you're doing without too much discomfort for your pet.

Start with a few teeth, then make the sessions longer and more thorough.
Start with very young pets - it's easier!
Reward your pet afterwards; play a game, go for a walk, give them extra attention!
Diet is important for healthy teeth and gums

Dietary recommendations. It is mainly because of composition and consistency of commercial pet foods (which contain refined grains and often sugars) that our pets now also need to brush to prevent plaque formation. Their wild ancestors, feeding on raw meat, bones and vegetables, wouldn't have this kind of problem.

Chewing for extended periods will stimulate the flow of saliva, which contains antibacterial agents that keep the mouth clean. Chewing also is likely to strengthen the alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments that hold the teeth in place.

But chewing on cooked bones is hazardous, since they become devitalized and hardened. When they break, they can shatter into jagged shards and hurt the pet's digestive tract. Hard bones also may lead to dental fractures. Soft, raw bones, however, are not only nutritious and delicious to chew on, but also will fracture into small, harmless pieces and then be swallowed, supplying your pet with minerals, bone marrow, and amino/fatty acids from meat clinging to them. They could become impacted between teeth, but are easily removed if so.

Feeding your pet a natural, raw, balanced diet that includes raw bones, and brushing several times per week should keep your pet's mouth clean and breath fresh!