The Right Way To Groom Your Dog
While dog's do have some sense of basic hygiene, they definitely do not possess the high standards of hygiene of their feline counterparts. All dogs would need some help in keeping themselves looking presentable, and as owners, it is our responsibility to keep them well-groomed. Though grooming requirements differ from breed to breed, there are some basic guidelines that all owners should follow.Bathing

- The water should be lukewarm. Avoid cold and hot water when bathing your pup
- Avoid the eyes and ears to prevent infection and discomfort during bath time
- Towel dry or use a hair dryer on low heat for pups with long, thick fur
- If you are using a new shampoo for the first time, monitor your dog's skin for any reactions. Consult your veterinarian for recommended shampoo if need be
Grooming

- Grooming may be done at home or at the groomers', depending on your dog's coat and how much time and effort you are willing to spend. Breeds such as poodles that have characteristically tight curls are best looked after by a professional groomer.
- The type of equipment you need really depends on the breed of your dog (i.e. the length and type of fur your dog has) but for the purposes of this article, I will introduce the very basic grooming tools that all owners should have at hand.
Steel Brush: To remove tangles

Bristle Brush: To remove dead hairs and remaining dirt

Fine Comb: To give a silky finish (this is optional for dogs with shorter coats)
- For silky coats, the bristle brush is particularly useful for bringing out the healthy shine in your dog’s coat. You could then use the comb to part the long hair on the back, and then comb each side straight down.
General Hygiene (Eyes, Ears, Teeth)
EYES

EARS

- Check carefully for wax, odour, inflammation or foreign materials
- Wet a cotton ball with ear cleaning solution or use a baby wipe to wipe the inside of your dog's ear. Avoid using water as it does not evaporate easily
- It is important to be very gentle when cleaning your dog's ears
- Using cotton buds is highly discouraged as they can easily damage your dog’s delicate eardrums
- The inside of the ears should be a dull pink. If you notice any discharge or odour from the ears, notify your vet immediately
TEETH

- Use a finger cap scrubber or dog toothbrush to gently brush the top surface of your dog's teeth
- Apply water or dog-safe toothpaste as you scrub. Do not use human toothpaste
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