WHY to do it and some tips on HOW to go about it! 

Your dog’s coat and skin, teeth, and toes are essential to their health and well-being and to the health and well-being of the humans in their lives. Even if you use the services and skills of a professional groomer to keep your pup in tip-top shape, it’s a good choice to invest a little time (every day, if possible) to help out.

Let’s start at the top, with the teeth!  Most humans are taught as children the importance of tooth care and that it  often starts with regular tooth brushing.  Just like in humans, dog plaque forms significantly in 24 hrs, so regular brushing and other healthy habits help remove the buildup before it becomes tartar.  Periodontal disease is a very common issue in dogs.  Some 50-80% of dogs have been affected by age 2-3. By age 12, around 95% of dogs are affected.  Risk factors include genetics, nutrition, microbiology, and environment.  Small breeds are particularly prone, as they often pack all 42 teeth into tiny mouths.  But regular professional cleanings and home care can greatly improve your dog’s oral health.  Some home care to consider includes “passive care”, such as vet-approved bones, dental toys, dental treats, and kibble. “Active” home care consists mainly of brushing, especially with toothpaste. There are a variety of commercial tooth care products for canines, so spend some time deciding what’s best for you and your dog.

Then to the bottom, the toes! Much of what your dog perceives in this world comes to them through the feet.  Proprioception (how an individual understands their body and how that body interacts with the environment) depends a great deal on the information coming through the dog’s paw, as it feeds that information into the entire musculoskeletal system, priming the individual’s responses to their world. As such, we want to keep the paw in excellent condition, and that depends largely on the claws.  Regular “wearing down” of the nail tissue is essential to maintaining the ideal shape of the paw (which differs by breed and in individuals), and drives gait, balance, agility, and more.  There are many methods to consider to keep the nails in great shape. Traditional nail clippers are fast, efficient, and cost-effective, however these do carry the risk of hitting the quick, so ask your vet or groomer for tips.  Having something like styptic powder on hand to stem any clipped quicks is helpful.  Grinders are an excellent consideration as well, offering finer control than clippers, but taking some getting used to for humans and canines.  File boards are another popular option and work wonders for dogs who don’t care to involve humans in their pedis. Whatever the choice, keep an eye on your dog’s feet.  Make sure to inspect them regularly, looking for lesions, cracks or breaks in the nail, discoloration, or other signs of distress. For dogs with lots of toe “floof”, consider trimming excess coat between the toes and pads of the foot, especially in snowy or icy conditions.

Finally, to the largest organ, the skin, and the coat that (usually) covers it. Regular maintenance of the coat allows the human to make important observations about the overall health and condition of their canine companion.   Note the overall texture and smell of the coat and compare against the baseline of your individual dog.   Look and feel for any flaking, lesions, cuts, or discoloration of the skin under the coat (feel is important here – often the touch can often distinguish what the eye may miss). Check the ears and other delicate areas often.  This can help you perceive imbalances in your dog’s health to mention to your vet. It can also be a great bonding time with your dog and can help them to increase their overall comfort with body handling. Different breeds and mixes have VASTLY different coats and grooming needs, so be sure to consult with your vet, breeder, groomer, and/or other canine care provider as to the best routine for your individual dog. Common grooming tools, however, include slicker brushes, bristle brushes, pin brushes, undercoat rakes, and a variety of combs.  Consider using a grooming spray when you brush the coat, as it can help prevent coat breakage and moisturize both coat and skin.

If you would like help learning how to make grooming a more cooperative experience and less of a stressor for both you and your dog, please attend our upcoming seminar,   Cooperative Care and Grooming (with Special Guest Robb Horen from Dog Savvy Grooming Salon, Saturday, October 4th at 6 p.m.) or reach out to our training team for more information!