Dog Grooming Instructions

Dogs are fun, but any dog will require some work to keep looking sharp. Some dogs require very little in the way of grooming while some require almost constant care. For example, the Greyhound has very short hair and needs only to be brushed off occasionally. The Yorkshire terrier, although having a longer coat also needs very minimal attention. By contrast, poodles and Shih-Tzus have hair that grows constantly, and need to be groomed often.

Whatever kind of dog you have, following these dog grooming instructions can make the job easier.

Brushing your dog's hair is just one of several aspects of grooming. Dogs such as the German Shepherd that have a thick double coat especially benefit from brushing when they shed their thick layer of underfur. If your dog has long hair, it's probably a good idea to brush it daily. With short haired dogs, brushing of the hair is probably only necessary once a month or so.

Trimming nails is an area of grooming that is a least favorite of dogs and owners alike. Dogs don't like it because if done improperly it can be very painful, and owners don't enjoy it because it can be very difficult. Some dogs do not need to have their nails trimmed if they spend a lot of time walking on hard surfaces. It's best to get the dog used to you touching his paws long before the nails need to be trimmed.

Dogs need to be bathed whenever they start to stink or once every month or so, whichever comes first. If your dog has skin allergies, it might be a good idea to use oatmeal shampoo or other hypoallergenic shampoos. A regular bath is a great way to cut down the external parasites that dogs get, such as fleas. To deal with internal parasites, make sure to give your dog vaccinations.

Haircuts are often necessary for dogs with continuously growing hair. Many dogs that have long hair shed it annually and do not need a hair cut. However, often long haired dogs living in a warm climate can benefit from having a shorter cut. If you attempt to cut it yourself, make sure that the dog is used to the idea of having noisy, vibrating clippers close to his body. It might also be a good idea to get some dog grooming instructions from your local grooming professional. After watching them clip your dog, it will be easier.