Grooming your dog yourself is a bonding experience and is good for your pet, but it can be challenging at times. Grooming at home builds trust between you and your pet. Using a professional dog groomer is good decision because professional dog grooming companies are familiar with the correct way to groom dogs and they know what is best for your particular breed. How often you should take your dog to the groomer depends heavily on the breed of your dog. It also depends on your dog's lifestyle. Ask your pet groomer how often they think you should bring your dog for grooming to keep him or her looking and feeling their best. Between visits, it is important that you continually groom your pet as well. The following tips are from a professional dog groomer and they will help you to maintain your dog's teeth, skin, fur and overall health.

BRUSHING:

Between visits to your groomer, brushing your dog not only removes the loose fur and helps with shedding, but it also stimulates the skin and helps with circulation. If you have a long haired dog, brushing is especially important. Brushing your doggies fur will also help to prevent mats and tangles and protect him or her from having to be shaved or from endless brushing (which your pet will not appreciate!) A groomer will brush your pet, normally before shampooing, and will let you know if they detect any parasites on the skin. Shedding is a natural process for your pet. Many groomers use a Furminator to remove loose fur from your pet. The tool comes in many shapes and sizes so that it will work with any fur type. Your dog's coat will look great once all the old hair is removed during brushing and grooming!

WASHING & DRYING:

After brushing your pet, it is time for a bath! It is a good idea to place a cotton ball inside the dog's ears prior to bathing. This will help to prevent ear infections and it will keep the ears dry. Most dogs should be bathed every four weeks. Human shampoo should never be used because the pH balance is harmful to your dog's skin, which can lead to rashes and skin irritations. If you and your dog have very active lifestyles and more frequent bathing is necessary, be sure to use a very mild shampoo that is chemical free with a natural base such as Earth Bath. Don't forget to use a conditioner on your dog's fur! Be sure to thoroughly wash the shampoo and conditioner from your dog's body. Residue from the products can dry out your furry friend's skin and can cause irritation. After the bath, you need to dry your pet. Air drying your pet is best, especially if you have a long haired dog as wet long fur easily creates mats. If you are drying your dog with an at home hair dryer, be aware of how hot the air is on your dog's skin. If your dog is afraid of the air dryer, try to introduce him or her slowly and towel dry in the meantime. If you are not a professional pet groomer, a towel dry is an option as you can easily dry out or burn your pets skin with an at home hair dryer.

EAR CLEANING:

Cleaning your dog's ears is also important. Your dog groomer will use a mild cleanser around the entrance of the canal, which will simultaneously clean the ears and reduce any odor. If your dog is prone to ear infections, veterinarians will often prescribe and ear solution which is used to clean the ear canal. As a dog owner, you should check your pet's ears often to make sure they are not infected. Breeds such as Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds with fallen ears often suffer from ear problems because of the lack of air ventilation. Ears that are not kept clean and dry could lead to ear infections and sometimes even deafness at an early age. If you notice an odor or if your dog has very dirty ears, you should see your vet to determine the problem and to get the right medication for your doggie.

NAIL TRIMMING:

Most dog owners prefer not to take a chance when it comes to nail trimming which is 100% understandable. Trimming your dog's nails can be tricky, especially if your pet has black nails. The inside of a dog's nail houses a nerve and the nerves are different lengths depending on the dog. An inexperienced executor could accidentally cut the nerve, and the nail will bleed when it happens. If the nail begins to bleed and the nerve has been severed, the dog will feel pain and will fear having his or her nails trimmed. Most dog's nails should be clipped every four weeks. If you are unclear, unsure, or have never clipped your dog's nails, be safe and allow your professional groomer or your vet to cut your pet's nails! If you choose to trim your dog's nails yourself, remember to always use a clean, sharp nail trimmer. Also, trim the nail at a 45 degree angle and cut slowly. Watch your dog for any signs of pain or bleeding and if you notice any, stop immediately as you are too close to the nerve. Always keep quick stop near to stop any bleeding in case of a mishap.

TEETH CLEANING:

Maintaining your dog's oral health is also important. Between visits to your groomer, brush your dog's teeth. This should be done at least twice a week. Brushing your K9's teeth will keep his or her breath fresh and will help to avoid gum disease. Your local pet store will have tasty toothpaste flavors like beef, chicken or peanut butter!

FACE WASHING:

It is important to wash your dog's face. Your dog investigates everything with his face and nose, so keeping it clean is essential! Washing your dog's face is especially important if you have a flat faced breed like a Pug or a Bulldog. These type dogs have many folds in the skin, which attract dirt and oil. Regular face washing will prevent any smell.