layout image layout image
 
Dog Grooming header image

How Important is Proper Dog Grooming?

Grooming your dog is a pleasant bonding experience that goes beyond making he or she look good - it is essential to good health. Your dog cannot tell you when things don’t feel right or beginning to go wrong. Grooming is a preventative medicine technique that will pay off with a healthy and happy pet. The essentials are regular brushing, bathing, dental and ear care, and toenail clipping.

 

What makes Brushing Essential? 

Your dog has an eventful life full of poking into bushes, digging up things, hopefully not the roses, and rolling in whatever! Brushing with a soft brush distributes lanolin through the fur and pinpoints any problem areas of matting. These mats need to be cut off with a clipper, then your pet should be rebrushed with a wire brush. This will remove ticks and any loose fur. A dog regulates body heat by perspiring just like a human an excess fur gets in the way of this necessary process.

Why is weekly bathing good? 

Aside from the obvious, a smelly dog, redolent of the compost heap he has just rolled in, bathing removes build up perspiration, loose hair and excess skin oils, all of which keep your pup’s coat healthy and prevent mange, an ugly and costly doggie affliction.

Why is dental care more than just chewing bones? 

Dogs can get cavities just like humans and are also subject to Gingivitis. They need yearly professional dental assessments and teeth cleaning. In-between, you should brush the teeth with a canine dentifrice and give bones, and chlorophyll chews to promote healthy gums and better breath.

Is it a good idea to clip a dog’s nails?

In a word, yes. It is essential. Regular clipping protects your floors as well as the pet’s feet and prevents nail splitting. Long toenails can actually get in the way when a dog walks and distort its balance. And while you are clipping with a quality clipper, check out the footpads and look for any cracking. If you find this, apply Vaseline and a sock to help keep the treatment on the foot, not your couch.

Is Pantene good for dogs? 

NO, NO. Your favorite shampoo is probably far too drying for a dogs skin. Please find a good dog shampoo formulated for the correct breed and use it weekly. Supplements such as olive oil, fish oil and brewers yeast added to the dog food will also help make the coat shiny and fresh.

Is it necessary to clean a dog’s ears? 

Most definitely, yes. Many breeds are susceptible to ear infections and can have hair grow into their ear canals. Gently pull any hair growing in the ear to the outside and clip away, if necessary. Clean your dog’s ears with a cotton swab and alcohol several times a month. Be on the lookout for an odor from the ear or excessive head shaking. If you notice either, head straight for the veterinarian.

Establishing a regular grooming routine will ward off many health problems and can become a fun time for you and your pet.

 

Dog Grooming Recommended Products
Snowmobile Trail Grooming Equipment Headlines

Milwaukee County bolsters grooming for skiers - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


Milwaukee County bolsters grooming for skiers
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI - Dec 3, 2008
New grooming equipment, including two snowmobiles, will be put to use this season to turn the snow into skiable tracks in Brown Deer, Whitnall and Grant ...

Read more...


DNR to take over of Otsego County snowmobile trail grooming - Petoskey News-Review


DNR to take over of Otsego County snowmobile trail grooming
Petoskey News-Review, MI - Nov 8, 2008
GAYLORD — Grooming of Otsego County snowmobile trails will be taken over by the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) this season. ...

Read more...


State hopes to cut snowmobile crashes - Schenectady Gazette


State hopes to cut snowmobile crashes
Schenectady Gazette, NY - Nov 27, 2008
He said the state provides money for the club to buy grooming equipment and other trail maintenance equipment. The state’s snowmobile program also provides ...

Read more...


Ground broken for visitor center at Pictograph park - Great Falls Tribune


Ground broken for visitor center at Pictograph park
Great Falls Tribune, MT - Nov 20, 2008
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials plan training sessions for snowmobile volunteer safety instructors and snowmobile trail groomer operators Dec. ...

Read more...


 
layout image layout image