Banish Bad Doggy Breath!

The most common cause of bad breath in otherwise healthy dogs is the build-up of tartar and plaque on their teeth. In order to correct this problem, there are a few things that you can do:

• Take your canine to an annual veterinary exam that includes a dental checkup.
• Feed your dog dry pet food that will help slow down the build-up of plaque and tartar.
• Give your dog a rawhide chew or nylon bone to help get rid of plaque and tartar.
• Don't neglect to brush your dog's teeth. He should have them brushed at least once a week.
• Get a mouth wash or spray specifically formulated for canines to help reduce bacteria.

Smelly Dogs

Does your dog smell? There may be a variety reasons, so before you dump them in the bath, consider the following:

• Sometimes your dog gets stinky because she loves to roll in stinky things. Regular brushing, grooming and bathing will help clean your dog up.
• Sprayed by a skunk? Try tomato juice. If the worst occurs, bring your pooch into the bath and dump on the juice.
• Some dog breeds have an oily hair coat that can become rancid and cause a bad odor. Basset hounds and spaniels both have this characteristic. If this type of dog breed is not groomed and cared for regularly, it can develop into a skin condition, so look out.
• Bacterial skin diseases are a common problem with some breeds and can cause odor. You need an anti-bacterial dog shampoo to keep bacteria off sensitive skin. You should also consult with a vet if you feel there is a bacterial cause.
• Ear infections can cause odor, especially in dogs with “drop ears.” Look for redness, irritation and itching. Frequent grooming and cleaning can help with issues like this.
• Anal glands can also cause pet odors. Anal glands should be expressed by your veterinarian, but some qualified dog groomers can do this as well.

Grooming Primer

Divide your dog grooming time into four areas: brushing. combing, nail clipping and shampooing.





* Brushing: Begin brushing at the head, working toward the tail and down the legs. Always brush in the direction of hair growth. Regular brushing will help distribute the natural oils from the skin, producing a healthy, shiny coat.




* Combing: Like brushing, always comb in the direction of hair growth. Do small sections at a time, until the coat is tangle free. For troublesome tangles, use an anti-tangle comb. If the coat has a particularly stubborn tangle, trim it with scissors. A de-matting comb can be used to remove mats.




* Nail clipping: Many dog owners wait for the vet to trim nails. But you can trim your own dog's nails with special dog nail trimmers. Do not ever use regular scissors to trim your dog's nails. Hold the paw firmly and cut off the tip of the nail with a single stroke. Make sure you do not cut too far down the nail to avoid cutting the blood vessel inside the nail. You can follow up with a nail file to make the nails round and even. If you don't feel comfortable here, or if your dog is skittish, you're probably better off leaving it up to the vet.




* Shampooing: Make sure the dog has been thoroughly brushed and combed with no snarls or tangles before shampooing. If the dog is smaller, you can use the tub. Bigger dogs will have to be done outside. Dress in clothes that are OK to get wet. If your dog is skittish about baths, make sure the door is shut or the dog is tied up to avoid flight. Do not use human shampoo, make sure to use a dog shampoo. Some prefer to use natural dog shampoo, like Espree. Ask your vet or breeder for a dog shampoo recommendation. You can protect your dog's eyes with a little Vaseline or mineral oil around the eye.




Make sure the water is warm, but not hot. Get your dog used to the water by spraying his back and shoulders. After he relaxes, wash his head with a cloth or sponge. You can use a rubber brush to work the shampoo into the coat. After thoroughly lathering, rinse with warm water. Make sure to give him treats during and after the bath to reward good behavior.

Remove Shedding Hair on Short Coats

For those of you with short-coated shedding dogs, there's a wonderful tool that helps considerably. It's known as the zoom groom or uni-groom.

It's a hand-held latex device with little nubs on one side. Run those nubs back and forth on your dog's coat in a scrubbing motion to massage your dog's skin and remove unwanted fur!

You should use this product outside or in a contained area, as the fur has a tendency to fly. This product is available at most pet stores. But the least expensive place to find it is at a horse supply store.

Clipping Nails

Clipping your dog's nails is something that is much easier when done consistently and started from a young age. Your dog will be accustomed to the sensation of getting her nails clipped and will not be frightened by it.

However, if your dog is older or still resistant, you can try using a nail grinder, which works much like a sander for toe nails. Some dogs may be more amiable to shortening their nails in this manner.

Always trim your canine's toes when she is relaxed and not hungry. It may help to have someone assist holding your pooch. Try offering her a treat or chew toy during the trimming process.

Summer Heat

When the temperature rises in the summer, don't forget to help keep your dog cool. Make sure your canine companion has access to plenty of fresh water and a shaded area to lie. Avoid taking her for long walks or exercising her during midday, when temperatures are the hottest. And always be careful of hot asphalt and cement, which could burn feet quickly.

Short nosed breeds such as Pekingese or Pugs are especially susceptible to overheating. Also watch out for older dogs.

If your pooch is overheating, keep her in a breezy spot, apply cold water with towels or put her in a chilled water bath. Hydrate her as soon as she is responsive to it.

Guide to Brushing Your Dog

Brushing provides benefits to your relationship between you and your dog (packs often groom each other) and gets your dog's coat shiny and clean. Here are some different types of dog brushes and ways that they should be used:

• For medium and long coated dogs, you can use a pin brush or a wire dog brush. Beware of putting too much pressure on your dog's skin while you are brushing. If you press too hard, you may scratch their skin and create a rash irritating your dog – this is not the purpose. You want to angle the brush near the skin and not against the skin. Brush down the dog from head to tail, with the grain of the coat hair. Note that the stomach, male genitals and back end area are sensitive to brushing.

• If you have a hound with a short, smooth coat, you don't need to use a wire brush. Rubber dog brushes are just the thing. They will remove any shedding hair and dirt as well as increase blood circulation to the skin and coat oils all over the dog.

• Remember to always brush your dog before you bathe them. Get the right tools and be careful to make it a pleasant experience for both you and your pet. Finally, enjoy grooming your pet and treat it as a wonderful bonding experience.

Give a Better Bath

You can do a few things to make bath time for your canine a safer and more pleasant experience. Put a non-slip mat in the bathtub to make your dog feel more secure. She may be frightened and fidgety during a bath and the mat will keep her from slipping and sliding.



• Always use dog shampoo and conditioner and not a product made for people. Dog shampoos and conditioners are specially formulated for your dog's needs. Pay extra attention to the underside of your dog. Check for pests and irritations.


• When bathing your dog, protect her eyes from shampoo by rubbing a cotton ball saturated with mineral oil around the eye area. This prevents shampoo from entering her eyes.

Your Dog's Skin

Although your dog may be covered in fur, she may still have sensitive skin. Some canines develop skin conditions such as dandruff, eczema, and rashes caused by skin allergies.

Skin problems can cause extreme itching, fur fall-out, and even painful skin sores unless treated. On a short haired dog, you can often spot these problems developing early whereas on a long haired dog, the problems may be hidden for some time.

If your pet seems to be scratching the same area a great deal, check her skin under her fur. Make sure you also check beneath her undercoat. If the problem appears to be caused by a poorly trimmed undercoat or fur matting, you can approach a professional groomer.

In the case of fur matting, don't bathe your dog right away and don't treat with a medicated dog shampoo if you canine has a longer coat and an undercoat. You may actually cause more harm than good because water will actually increase matting in an undercoat instead of cleaning it.

Additionally, you can experiment with diet, a main cause of skin problems. Check the nutritional labels of the food you are giving the dog, and try to transition her into a different diet or add a dog nutritional supplement.

Finally, you should approach your veterinarian if the problems persist.

Choosing a Groomer

Time to find a groomer? To make sure that you're leaving your pet in good hands, here's a checklist to go by.




• Get a referral from someone you know. It always helps when a friend or family member can recommend a service that they're happy with to you. And don't hesitate to ask someone on the street if his dog looks great, who the groomer is.



• Get your groomer's background. Where did he learn his craft? How much experience does he have?



• Does the groomer keep records of pet information on file in case of emergency? Your dog's veterinarian, vaccination records, and any health problems should be something that the groomer can have handy.



• Check to make sure that the groomer has a clean facility.



• Can the groomer handle the styling needs of your pet?



• Are the groomer's prices competitive? Do his hours of business meet your needs?

Nail Trimming Accidents

It's very easy to accidentally clip into the "quick" of a dog's nails when trimming them. This is especially true when the nails are dark. If you cut into the quick and there is bleeding, it's a good idea to use some styptic powder, which will aid in clotting.

• Dip your finger into the powder and gently dab it onto the tip of the nail. Styptic powder can be obtained at most pet stores in the grooming section.
• If you are caught without any powder you can try using a little cornstarch or flour in the same manner.

Brush your Dog Correctly

How many times have you told your groomer that you brush your dog all the time, only to find his coat is still matted? The problem is that you may not be brushing effectively.

First, teach your dog to lie on his side for grooming. Brush in layers starting at the feet and belly and work up toward the spine.

After you think you've got it all brushed, go back with a metal comb and comb through to check your work. Any knots will show themselves with the comb.

Also, the sound of the brush going through the coat will tell you if there are knots. You'll hear that the sound will be harsher when matting is present.

Dog Health and Grooming

Dog grooming is not just about the way your dog looks or smells. Grooming is about the regular care of your dog.

Your dog will receive numerous benefits, including good hygiene, bonding time with you, and enjoy the preventative measures of spotting any skin problems. Additionally, dog grooming enhances healthy nails and paws, healthy skin, a healthy, tangle free coat, clean eyes and ears, and flea and tick control.

If you have a dog with a medium or long coat, consider having your dog professionally groomed at least twice a year. You should also maintain your dog's coat with regular brushing at home.

Don't consider your dog's grooming needs as optional. She's counting on you to keep her healthy and clean.

Grooming Process Explained

Groomers offer a wide variety of services and they're not just for fluffing up that fancy poodle. Here's the lowdown on some of the services they offer to spruce up your canine.





• Inspection – The groomer or bather will examine your pet for areas that need specific attention. They'll check for any fur matting, ear dirt or wax, and nail length. This is the time that they'll figure out what's needed for the grooming style of your dog.



• Brushing and Combing (Removing Mats) – Long haired dogs and their undercoats are prone to fur matting. Water will make fur matting worse, especially in the case of curly, long hair. The coat must be combed or brushed out and any mats removed prior to bathing.



• Nail Trim – Unless your dog gets a lot of pavement time, she'll need a nail trimming every so often. If your dog hates getting her nails trimmed, the groomer can handle this for you.



• Cleaning ears – Cleaning the ears will remove any wax or dirt buildup that may be sticking to your pooch's ears. This will help keep her from getting any ear infections.



• Coat pre-clipping – If you have a Chow chow with a style to maintain or Bichon Frise who needs a trim, she'll get the main part of her trim during the pre-clipping.

Bathing your Dog

Unless your dog frequently runs through the mud, it generally is not necessary to bathe him too often. A bath every month or so should suffice. Keep in mind that too many baths can dry out your dog's skin, causing flaking and itching.

Always use a shampoo specifically formulated for a dog's skin and fur. Veterinary dermatologists or skin care specialists say you can bathe your dog once a week with a dog shampoo, but be wary. If your dog seems to have skin irritation or itchiness, it may be from over bathing!

Brush Your Dog's Teeth

It's a good idea to brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis to avoid cavities, gum disease, and the loss of teeth. Chewing rawhides, rubber dog toys, and dry dog food, may slow down some plaque and tartar build-up, but brushing your dog's teeth is vital for keeping them in top shape. It's always best to start when your dog is young. You can use a regular human toothbrush or a latex thimble with bristles for toy breeds.

Start by massaging your dog's lips and gums for a few weeks to get him accustomed to the sensation of having his teeth brushed. Then, you can begin using a dab of canine toothpaste on a toothbrush and start your canine on his way to good dental hygiene. Always brush in a small circular motion and make your way from one side of the mouth to the other.

De-skunking Recipe

If your dog tangles with a skunk, you and he both may be feeling the pain of the stench. Here's a de-skunking recipe to soothe the olfactory senses:

• 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap

(This recipe can be doubled for bigger breeds)

Wet your dog down with water and work the mixture through your pooch's hair. Leave the mixture on for three to four minutes and rinse. Be sure to throw away any excess mixture.

You can also try soaking your dog in tomato juice in the bathtub. Or, if you prefer, there are many dog odor removal products on the market that specifically target removing a stinky skunk spray!