Choosing the Right Vet for Your Pet

Pet Grooming Tips: A Guide For New Dog Owners

Regularly grooming your dog can do him a world of good and help keep him neat and happy. Taking some time to gently brush your dog's hair can offer you a chance to check for subtle changes to your pet's skin, so you can identify any rashes or pest infestations early on. Tooth brushing, nail trimming and washing the dog's ears and hair can also help prevent a host of unpleasant health problems. If you are a new dog owner, read on for some grooming tips to help get you started.

Regular brushing and bathing

Using a fine-tooth comb or brush, gently brush your dog's hair at least once weekly to help remove dirt trapped on his coat. This will not only improve the pet's hygiene, but also help prevent mats and tangles. Your vet can help you pick out an appropriate brush depending on the length and thickness of your dog's hair.

Regular brushing also helps create a bond between you and your pet. If you come across any tangles in your dog's fur, don't try to pull it out or cut it with scissors, as this might cause cuts or bruises on the skin. Instead, visit your pet store and pick out a special comb designed to split mats.

Letting your dog soak in a tub every once in a while can also keep their fur soft and remove excess oils and odor-causing dirt. Ask your vet to help you create a bathing schedule that's appropriate for your pet's skin and coat.

Trim those nails

Keeping your dog's nails short can prevent injury to yourself or the pet. Overgrown nails can result in difficulty walking or cause extensive damage to furniture and carpets. Nail trimming can also give you the chance to inspect your dog's feet for swelling, cracked pads, or matted fur, so you can take him to a vet for treatment. You may want to seek out a groomer in order to learn how to safely clip overgrown nails without injuring your dog's paws.

Regular tooth brushing

Brushing your dog's teeth regularly helps prevent tooth decay and removes food particles stuck between teeth that could be causing chewing difficulties. It is advisable that you start doing so while the dog is young so as to get him accustomed to the process. If you notice persistent bad breath even after a cleaning, be sure to alert your vet, as this could indicate an underlying health problem.

For more information, contact Rush Animal Care Clinic PC or a similar location.


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