Page 305 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

GR OOMING 305

GROOMING TOOLS
A rubber brush or glove removes
shedding undercoat in smooth-coated
breeds. For all other breeds, a slicker
brush is the best general tool,
although a bristle brush may be
preferable for long coats. Use a comb
on all coat types as a finishing tool.
Fine-
toothed
comb

Bristle
brush

Rubber TAKING A BATH
Slicker grooming Brush any knots out of your dog’s coat, then wet him all over—
brush glove avoid getting water into his eyes and ears. Massage dog shampoo
into his coat; never use human shampoo, as it can cause painful
skin problems. Rinse the shampoo out completely before drying
him thoroughly, and finish off with a good brush.
Work your way round it right through the coat, but be careful not to scrape it
Stick to a routine when you brush your dog to ensure that painfully on the skin. Work your way up the leg and along
no areas are missed. Start at the foot of one of his hind legs your dog’s side, then down the front leg to the foot and
and use an appropriate tool (see above) to brush from the across the chest. Repeat this process on the other side,
bottom of the coat outward. Keep tension on the skin with then finally brush the tail and around your dog’s head.
your other hand to prevent the coat from pulling painfully Mats can form in a dog’s long coat when loose underhairs
as you brush. Whatever tool you use, make sure you work wrap together or when the coat tangles. Matting that occurs
in movement spots, such as the armpits, can be very painful.
To deal with mats, you need a de-matting comb to break up
the clumps so that they can be removed with a brush. As
well as being time consuming,
de-matting can be a very TEETH CLEANING
uncomfortable experience ■ Never use human
for your dog and may make toothpaste; buy special dog
him resent grooming. It is far toothpaste instead.
better to prevent the mats ■ Clean one tooth per day
from forming in the first to get your dog used to the
place by brushing your dog sensation.
at least every other day. ■ Some dog chews are
designed to help clean
your dog’s teeth.
COAT CLIPPING
Clipping the coat is the usual
practice for many breeds. Find
a professional dog groomer
who can do this for you. A good
groomer will not rush a new dog
and will spend time getting him
used to the sound and feel of the
clippers, using treats to help him
feel comfortable.

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