In Part 1 of this article, we looked at proper diet, daily exercise and vaccinations. In part 2 we considered the necessity of providing plenty of water and a safe environment. In part 3 we are going to look at grooming and dental care.

Grooming
Grooming your dog is not about vanity. It is not solely about having the best looking Labrador, Afghan or Mutt on the block or in the entire city. It is not about making you look good. It is about keeping your dog’s coat healthy.

Grooming involves different aspects of dog care. There is the coat. Every dog’s coat, short or long, smooth, wiry or wavy, needs brushing. The amount of brushing it requires depends upon the nature of the coat.

You need to talk to groomers and other dog owners to ascertain the exact amount of brushing and combine your dog’s coat will need. Discussing the type of coat with a qualified groomer will also provide you the right information on the basics of grooming. This includes the types of combs, brushes and gloves you should have to make your dog’s coat look its best.

Different types of coats require different kinds of grooming equipment. There are wide-toothed combs, medium-toothed combs and fine-toothed combs. You should have a slicker brush and a soft bristle brush. A stripping comb is great for short wiry coats. A pin brush is used on short double coats. Grooming Equipment

It is a maze out there. There are plenty of choices and you will want to make the right one. Overall, there is only 1 definitive. Brush your dog’s coat thoroughly at least once a week.

Grooming also involves bathing and nail clipping. Both tasks can be met with aversion or they can be enjoyable. It depends upon the conditioning of the dog, the experiences with the event and the nature of the dog. Some dogs love bathing; others abhor it.

Most dogs do not need a weekly bath. If your dog is a show dog, bathing is more common. It also becomes a frequent event if your canine is into rolling into unpleasant smelling objects. Some experts recommend a bath once a month. Others say it is okay once or twice a year. All agree it is not a good thing to over bathe. If you over bathe, you can strip the dog’s coat and skin of vital oils.

Besides brushing and bathing, nail care is another aspect of grooming. Clipping or trimming nails can be a problem. If your dog regularly walks on concrete or hard surfaces, trimming needs are less frequent. If they do not, you will need to trim them to prevent them from being a hazard. Before you embark on cutting your dog’s nails, consult an expert. You do not want to cut too short. This results in bleeding. Professional Pet Grooming at Petacular, London, ON

Dental Health
Your dog has clean white teeth. You want to keep them this way. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste will help them maintain their strength and beauty. Start this practice at an early age or you may have trouble doing so.

Your choice of food and treats will also ensure your dog’s teeth are kept in excellent shape. Kibble is better than soft food for the teeth. Certain types of dog chews are designed to help with dental care. These are preventive measures. As is usually the case - they are cheaper than the alternative. Pet Dental Products

Conclusion
Your dog’s health, safety and happiness is in your hands. It is your responsibility - and it should be your pleasure and joy, to ensure this. If you follow the above basics, you are on track to keeping your dog healthy, happy and secure.

Information provided by Sherri Johansson of ohmydogsupplies.com, where you can find a extraordinary collection of donut dog beds online.

Birds, Cats, Dogs Canadian Small Animals