Use conditioner for mats only—a dime-sized blob is enough—not for dog hair overall. Rub it into the mat and let it sit for 15 minutes before combing out the tangle.
Small or shorthaired dogs can take a dip in the bathtub, but large, and/or double-coated breeds are best bathed outdoors or in a special tub in the laun- dry room, to keep fur out of the drain. A spray attachment will help get water all the way to the skin for breeds like a Keeshond, Malamute or Siberian husky. Bloodhounds, pugs, bulldogs and shar peis need extra care. “Separate the wrinkles, suds up, rinse thoroughly and be careful to dry between the folds,” says Immordino. “These breeds can develop yeast infections between the wrinkles.” Have several towels ready and dry
the dog’s entire body before open- ing the door, because most will bolt to shake themselves dry and rub on rugs and furniture. A hair dryer on the coolest setting can help if it’s kept away from the dog’s skin and the buzzing rush of air doesn’t cause anxiety. Plucking. Harsh-coated, non- shedding dogs such as the Cairn terrier should not be bathed; strip their coat instead. “Plucking removes the soft, dead undercoat, allows a healthy, vibrant coat to grow and maintains a proper rough texture that repels dirt and water,” explains Patti McCully, a Cairn breeder in Arvada, Colorado. “Baths soften the coat and would elimi- nate this auto-clean feature. Stripping doesn’t hurt the dog. There’s no stinky smell, either.” Nails. If an owner is squeamish about cutting a dog’s nails too short, local rescue clinics often offer nail trims for a small donation. At home, use a handheld grinding tool with a dome safety feature from the hard- ware store, instead of grab-and-crunch clippers. “The easiest way to do a dog’s
nails is to have the dog do it himself, dragging its nails across a filing board,” counsels M. Shirley Chong, a clicker trainer in Grinnell, Iowa. “I teach people how to do this and it’s easy to train the dogs, because they enjoy it.” The trick is to put the board out of reach between supervised sessions
(
ShirleyChong.com/keepers/nailfile.html). Finally, when the family dog is
having a bad hair day and time is an issue, a professional can save the day. Mobile groomers make house calls, and regular grooming contributes to a sweet-smelling dog.
4800 NE 20th Ter, #401, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Connect with freelance writer Avery Mack at
AveryMack@mindspring.com.
Doggie Grooming Recipes
Skunk Odor Remover Formula
1 quart 3-percent hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup baking soda
1 tsp liquid dish soap, formulated to remove food oils
Mix together at time of usage and immediately apply foaming mixture to affected areas. Avoid the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Discard excess solution by pouring it down the drain while running water; never store it, because pressure buildup can cause the container to burst.
Natural Citrus Flea and Mosquito Repellant
1 large lemon, including thick rind, sliced paper thin
1 Tbsp crushed rosemary leaves or 6-inch sprig
1 Tbsp aloe pulp or juice, as needed 1 quart hot water
Place lemon slices in a bowl and add rosemary. For dry skin, add aloe pulp. Pour a quart of near-boiling water over mixture, lightly stir and let steep over- night. Strain into a large spray bottle and refrigerate until needed. Shake well before spritzing the dog, at least twice a week or more often when bugs are most prevalent, including stomach and paws.
Primary source:
VetLocator.com natural awakenings May 2012 47
Inner beauty should be the most important part of improving one’s self. ~Priscilla Presley
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