A little brushing does much more than make your precious pooch look good!
It’s also a chance for you and your pooch to spend quality time together.
Grooming time will also help them learn to trust you and feel comfortable with your handling.
Brushing is also the trick to a puppy’s healthy skin and coat. Not only does it remove tangles and knots, but it also stimulates the oil glands in the skin. This allows oil to spread into the coat, making each strand of hair more glossy. Besides that, brushing allows you to uncover any parasites like fleas, or other skin problems.
Exactly what type of grooming your puppy needs will depend on the breed and type of coat. Dog brushes are great for any type of fur, while longhaired pups may do better with a comb to tackle those knots. Some breeds may also need to have their coat clipped, which is best done by a professional groomer.
Washing your Dog
If puppies are anything like our two-legged little ones, they’re feelings about baths could go either way. The good news is, how often you bathe them is completely up to you. If they’re out in the outdoors and dirt then maybe you’ll do it more frequently. But if they’re mainly indoors then a good bath every few weeks should do the trick.
Tips for Bathing your Dog
- Use a good dog shampoo. Canines have sensitive skin, and our human shampoos and soaps can cause irritation.
- If you are bathing more than once every two weeks, it’s best to use a conditioner afterward.
- Always rinse well after you have washed your puppy. Residual shampoo left on the skin can cause the irritation and itchiness.
- Some puppies do have skin problems, so if you find your pup has red or itchy skin, sores, or a strong ‘dog’ smell even after bath time, check with your vet.
How to Clip your Dog’s Nails
Your dog may need their nails clipped before going out, particularly if most of their exercise is on soft surfaces, like carpet. If you’re not sure if you should be clipping their nails, how often, or how to do it, we’d recommend asking your vet.
Firstly you’ll want to get some good quality nail clippers. Then we’d suggest having someone to help you to hold your pooch in a comfortable position.
Starting slowly, gently hold your terrier’s toe with one hand. If the nail is clear, you’ll be able to see the pink tissue or ‘quick’, which you’ll want to avoid as you cut. If the nail is black, however, you may have to judge where the pink tissue is.
Take off a small amount from just one or two nails, and if you notice your pup is starting to look like they may start struggling – then stop.
When you finish, make sure you give them verbal and physical praise, including a nice tasty dog treat.
