Developing a regiment of good grooming practices is a must for puppy owners who want to insure that their dogs are well taken care of.
A healthy coat of fur is one sign of a healthy puppy. As a pet owner it is important that you check your puppy’s coat frequently. The proper tools can make the job easier. You may want to confer with a reputable dog groomer for recommendations of tools best suited to your breed of dog.
The first order of business during a grooming session is a puppy examination. Use this opportunity to check for dental problems and to make sure there are no signs of ear infections and/or skin problems.
Consider the following items when you put together a puppy grooming kit:
1. A good brush is a must-have puppy grooming tool. Brushes come in many sizes and shapes. You will have to choose the one that is best suited to the breed of the puppy. Longhaired puppies will require more brushing than shorthaired dogs. It is important to choose a brush that can get down to the puppy’s skin without causing the dog any discomfort.
2. A stainless steel fine-toothed comb is a good tool to have. It can be used for daily combings as well as the removal of fleas and ticks.
3. An item known as a shedder can be a helpful tool, especially among puppies with long hair. The shedder implement is a good means of removing loose hair that can cause matting.
4. A dematter is most needed on puppies with longer hair. There are many styles of dematter tools available, so choose one that is best suited to your puppy’s hairstyle.
5. Warm water is a must when bathing your puppy. A bath in cold water or water is that is too hot will be an unpleasant experience for your puppy and it will make the task of grooming a lot more unpleasant. Your puppy will not be cooperative if you start out on the wrong foot. Check the water temperature frequently!
6. A hose that is hooked up to a spigot where warm water is available is one means of bathing. However, your puppy may prefer being bathed in a tub. Some even like a nice warm shower.
7. Be sure to use shampoos and conditioners that are recommended for puppy use. Some products are produced for adult dogs and may prove to be too harsh for a puppy.
8. A soft towel or washcloth is a good tool to use to keep water and soap out of the puppy’s eyes.
9. A hair dryer can be a helpful tool. It may take a while for a puppy to adjust to the noise it makes, so use patience when introducing a hair dryer. Use the lowest temperature setting to avoid burning the puppy’s hair and skin.
10. A nail clipper can be beneficial to have on hand. Not all puppies will need to have their nails clipped. However, if your puppy does require nail grooming, be careful to avoid cutting too much. Clipping too much off of the nail can cause bleeding. If you are new to clipping a puppy’s nails, it is advised that you ask your veterinarian to instruct you in the proper method of nail clipping.
Whatever you do, maintain a level head and utilize gentle movements when grooming. The process should be one that your puppy comes to anticipate with pleasure.
Related posts:
- Puppy Grooming
- Hair Loss – Common Causes and Solutions
- Detecting Early Signs of Common Puppy Problems
- Time Savers – Grooming Early On
- Common Types of Puppy Sicknesses
