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YOU DIRTY DOG! Tips for the Grooming Impaired
by Avery Mack D
ogs can get into the darnedest messes, and when they do, these head-to-toe grooming tips will make cleanup easier—on both sides of the tub.
Shedding. Every dog needs a good comb-out to remove dead hair. When possible, do this outside, to reduce dan- der or flyaway fur in the house. Use a tool suited to the dog’s coat from a pet store—a brush, comb or saw-toothed loop to get to the undercoat. Matted Fur. Dog hair can felt up faster than a wool sweater in hot water. Always comb the mat starting from the end. If it’s especially stubborn, cut the mat lengthwise to separate into two or three pieces before combing. Don’t cut the mat out entirely, which is as noticeable as cutting a wad of bubble gum out of a child’s hair. Move espe- cially difficult mats into the tub and rub a conditioner into it (a show horse detangler works well). Ears. Red, painful, inflamed ears or dark, tarry goo inside an ear means
infection or ear mites; head to a local veterinarian for an appropriate salve or drops. “Breeds like the Maltese or poodles get ear infections from mois- ture held in the ears by too much hair,” explains Diana Immordino, a master groomer with Animal General Hospital, in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. “A profes- sional groomer can show how to gently and safely remove the excess, and advise if a drying powder is needed.” Teeth. Dogs love chicken- or liver-flavored toothpaste; using a tempt- ing flavor makes maintaining sparkling clean teeth and a healthy mouth easy to achieve at home. Brushing several times a week will reduce or eliminate the need to sedate the dog for a more costly professional dental cleaning. Feet. Make it a habit to keep fur trimmed even with the pads, so the dog isn’t slipping on long hair. Trim to make a nice, semicircular paw, as viewed from above. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are the exception to the round paw look.
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natural awakenings May 2012 53
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