As a pet owner you are probably aware of the usual benefits of grooming you pet. You know that grooming helps you get rid of the knots and tangle in the coat and makes your dog feel cooler due to the air that flows through their fur. Of course, grooming also makes your dog look healthy and shiny. But there are many other known benefits that come from grooming your dog.
It may come as a surprise for some dog owners to know that the simple act of grooming can do much more for their pet than just improving their looks. Grooming as a regular activity provides a lot of health related benefits for your dog. Let’s see what these benefits are.
1. Grooming will help your dog get rid of the dead hair and enhance the beauty of its coat. Since the air circulation improves, your dog will find it much more comfortable, even in hot weather. Grooming also helps with the tangled hair issue often found with dogs that are very active and playful.
2. Grooming helps in improving the blood flow in the follicles of hair thus improving the health of their coat. The way massage makes our skin healthy, grooming beautifies the coat of the dogs. The health effects too are similar as the dogs’ lymphatic system is also stimulated due to grooming.
3. Grooming also helps in making the bonds stronger between you and your dog. Your gentle grooming is pleasing to your dog and it improves its emotional state.
4. While grooming your dog, it is easy for you to familiarize yourself with your dog’s body. You may also be able to check if your dog has any health related issues, such as any injuries that you had not noticed before. Health problems such as ticks can also be noticed and taken care of in time.
5. It is also beneficial to groom your pet’s paws by checking the growth of its nails and looking for any injuries on its pads which may not be visible otherwise.
Pay a visit to your local pet supply store and you will find numerous grooming materials for your dog. But if you are not sure of how to groom your dog, you can always do some research using Google. You will get a number of tips and good advice on grooming your dog. Your dog owning neighbors can also provide valuable input. If there are no dogs in your neighborhood, try finding dog clubs where you will find many dog owners who can share their experiences of grooming the dogs.
If you develop a liking for grooming and if you can do it really well, you may also consider starting a grooming service for other dogs and make it a profitable business for yourself. Dog grooming is in great demand and your services will surely be valued.
Spend some time to groom your lovely dog everyday and you will gift him with good health and thus have a better looking and healthier dog. If you have never done grooming before, don’t worry, there is no better time that the present. Start now and you will learn with time.

Dog, Dogs, Groom, Grooming, Pet, Pets, Puppies, Puppy Hide

If you own a dog with a medium coat, you will want to know how to groom him. Each length of hair needs to be cared for and groomed in a different way. You can not groom your long hair dog in the same manner in which you groom your medium coat dog. If you do choose to groom them in the same way, you may end up with a dog that has a coat that does not look right.
It is important that you learn how to groom your dog properly. The proper grooming can make a huge difference in the appearance of your dog. A dog who is groomed properly looks clean and neat. You will be surprised to see the difference proper grooming can make.
One great thing about medium coat dogs is that most of them do not require you to cut their hair. The hair does not need to be cut because it does not tangle, mat, or hold onto dirt like long hair would. This makes it much easier to care for and you won’t have to worry about giving the dog a bath or a haircut everytime they play outside.
The most important thing to remember about keeping your dog groomed is that regular brushing and bathing are necessary. Brushing the hair at least once a week and bathing once a month are good routines to get in. If you can brush your dog every day, that is even better.
The best time to trim your dogs hair, if necessary, is after they have their bath. After bathing your dog, you will want to towel dry them and possibly use a blow dryer with a low heat setting. It is important to make sure your dogs hair is completely dry before attempting to trim it.
After the dog is dry, you should stand back and look at him to see if there are any stray, or long hairs that need to be trimmed. Having a picture of your breed of dog that is a show dog is a good way to know what your dogs coat should look like. Use this picture as a guide, and make sure to only cut a few hairs at a time. After cutting a few hairs you will want to step back and look before cutting any more. If you do not do this there is a very good chance that you will end up cutting too much.
Another area of concern is the dogs paws. You will want to make sure you cut the long hairs between the paw pads. You will also want to make sure you blend the foot and leg hair with the rest of the body. You also want to make sure that the dogs hair all over the body is well blended. This is why only minimal trimming is needed. The purpose in trimming your dog is to get an even look. You are only trimming a little bit to get rid of the stray or long hairs that look out of place.

Dog, Dog Grooming, Dogs, Grooming, Medium Coat, Pet, Pets Hide

There are many different breeds of dogs out there. The choices are too numerous to count. With each breed of dog you also have different colors of coat they will have, and the texture of their coat. Some dogs have short hair while others have long. Some breeds have a straight coat, while others are wavy or curly.
Tamming the Curls
No matter which dog you choose, you will need to know how to properly groom them. If you have a dog that has a wavy or curly coat, you will want to know how to take care of their coat properly. A dog with a curly or wavy coat will take more time and attention to keep looking good than a dog with straight hair.
When caring for a dog with curly hair you will want to make sure you keep the coat a good length. If you let the coat get too long it will get tangled easily, and twigs and debris will get stuck in it. This is especially important to people who show their dog, or use their dog for hunting. It is easier for your dog to be helpful while hunting if he has a coat that is well maintained.
Cutting the Curls
Most curly haired dogs will need to have their coat cut. Two inches is the best length for the dogs coat. It does take time and practice to master cutting your dogs hair. Some people choose just to use a buzzer, this is an easy fast way of cutting your dogs coat. Others choose to use a scissor, which takes more practice. If your dog is going to be in dog shows you may want to take them to a place that specializes in dog grooming.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when grooming your dogs coat yourself, or between visits to the dog groomer. First you will want to make sure you brush the dogs entire coat to get rid of as dead coat as you can, this also gets rid of the tangles. A pin brush and or slicker brush usually work the best for this. Next you will want to use a comb to make sure you get every tangle. To ensure that you do not rip any hair out you will want to take your time.
After you are sure you have removed all the dead hair, and the tangles you are ready to proceed with the cutting. The first thing you will want to do is remove any extra hair. Remember you should leave the hair about two inches long, and it should be a pretty even cut. Now you will want to proceed to the foot, and the foot pads. You will want to cut any excess hair from between the paws, the make the paw blend in with the leg hair.
After you have finished with the legs and paws you are ready to continue towards the torso. You will want to make sure you cut off excess fuzz, and shape the hair in a way that flatters your breed of dog. You will want to make sure you take your time and do a good job. Stop periodically to look at you work. Having a picture of your breed of dog will be a big help. This way you have an idea of what you are going for.
After cutting your dogs hair you will want to give your dog a bath. After the bath all you need to do is towel dry your dog. By towel drying you are allowing the dogs natural curls to show. This will look much better than if you try and blow dry it.

Dog Grooming, Dogs, Pet, Pets Hide

The best time to begin proper grooming habits is as soon as you bring your puppy of adult dog home. The earlier you begin, the better adjusted to grooming your dog will be. If a puppy is young, baths might not be necessary; however, there are other things you can do to begin conditioning your dog to future grooming. Dogs who are never handled or groomed at home will fight the process until they get used to it. To get your dog adjusted try handling him regularly. Rub his ears, move his gums to examine his teeth, move his legs, hold his paws and engage in other activities that mimic a visit to the Vet or the groomer. The more you handle your dog in this way the better off he will be when the time for grooming has arrived. Grooming basics include brushing, baths and teeth brushing. Try establishing a regular routine so you can stay on top of your regimen. Brushing your dogs coat is the most basic grooming step and its requirements vary widely depending on your dog. Some short haired dogs require no brushing while certain long haired toy breeds require almost daily brushing. If you dog’s coat is really short you can try a brush made entirely of soft rubber. This will provide follicle stimulation and remove excess hair, but will not hurt the skin. If your dog has a longer coat, consider a bristled brush or a slicker brush with curved metal teeth. This will ensure that the hair is detangled, as shorter rubber bristles will not comb through this type of coat. When you are ready for bath time, try using a removable shower head to wet your pet. Your dog will be much more comfortable if you sit beside him on the edge of the tub and keep the water stream close to his body and away from his face. When shampooing your pooch, consider turning the water off. The lack of water combined with the gentle massage of the shampoo through the coat should relax your dog. Rubber mats placed inside the tub might also alleviate stress in that they provide a more stable footing for your dog than the slippery bottom of the tub. When rinsing the face make sure to avoid getting water in the ears. Water can accidentally enter the ear canal and cause an unpleasant reaction from your dog. If this concerns you, try placing a cotton ball in each ear before bath time. When the bath is finished reward your dog with a treat or a walk around the block to dry off. The more pleasant the bath experience, the less your dog will fight them in the future. The most difficult grooming basic for some owners is teeth brushing, but it is a necessity to avoid dental problems. At home teeth brushings are also much less expensive than professional cleanings or dental treatments resulting from infection. Other grooming requirements include fur trims or shaves, ear cleanings an nail trimmings. These are often best left to professionals unless you have built a grooming rapport with your dog and he is comfortable with you doing so. In the long run, grooming makes your dog look and feel his best while providing an opportunity for the two of you to bond and strengthen your relationship.  

Dog, Dog Grooming, Dogs, free dog grooming tips, how to groom, Pet, Pet Grooming, Pets Hide

The Shih-Tzu is a result of the breeding of the Tibetan Lhasa Apso with the Pekinese during the 17th century and Peking. However, England wouldn’t see the first pair until the 1930s when they were allowed to be imported. Today, the spunky old dog is a popular pet as well as a show dog favorite.
Admitted to the American Kennel Club in 1969, the Shih-Tzu is part of the toy group. This breed weighs from 9 to 16 pounds and is around 11 inches tall
This breed is small and sturdy resembling the Lhasa Apso and having an abundant coat consisting of a woolly undercoat any long overcoat of hair. The hair above the nose grows upward which creates a unique shape, sometimes referred to as a chrysanthemum shape for the face. The Shih-Tzu has a mustache and beard along with a short hairy muzzle and black nose. The eyes are dark, large and round. The pendant shaped ears are covered with hair which causes them to blend right in to the rest of the dogs body. He has a plumed tale which he carries curled over his back. These dogs come in all colors, but show dogs must have white on the forehead as well as the tip of the tail.
The Shih-Tzu is a little dog with a lot of character. Sometimes they can seem a bit arrogant, but they do tend to make friends easily even when they are being obstinate. This alert and spunky breed is playful and affectionate but does not cope well if left on his own and needs to spend a lot of time with his family. They are usually pretty quiet when indoors, but have been known to be a bit stubborn and can bark when they want to.
Since Shih-Tzus have a short muzzle, they can wheeze and snore a bit and also can be prone to respiratory, ear and eye problems. In some Shih-Tzus which have short legs and long backs, spinal disc disease can be a problem. Like most small dogs, they can be prone to tooth decay and need to have regular dental care. They can also gain weight easily and should not be overfed.
The Shih-Tzu can be active in doors and is well suited to apartment living. Of course, they do need to be exercised with the daily walk and they can have a tendency to become lazy if exercise is not part of their routine.
Daily grooming is a must with this long-haired breed which should be brushed with a bristle brush. It’s also a good idea to put the hair up in a little ponytail to keep it out of the dogs eyes. You should make sure that the eyes are cleaned regularly and the ear passages as well. Even though this dog breed does have a lot of hair, it does not shed.

Animal, Animals, Dog, Dogs, Pet, Pets, Shih Tzu Hide

Dog grooming has its own significance in pet care. It not only improves the look of your pet, but also provides it with better health.
All things such as brushing, bathing, and cleaning of the ears need to be carried out regularly, and by doing so, you can keep your pet healthy.
It is important that you brush your pet every day to keep your pet’s hair dirt free. It also spreads natural oil, which in turn prevents tangling of hair and keeps the skin clean and irritation free. If you make grooming a routine, then your pet will eventually begin to enjoy it.
Another important part of your pet that needs cleaning is the nails. It is important that you trim the nails of your pet once a month. Always use a clipper that is specifically designed for the type of pet you have.
To cut the nails, make your pet sit beside you. Next, place one of your pet’s paws in your hand, and then trim the nails gently. Trim carefully, making sure you stop before the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the quick does get harmed, then use a moist cotton ball with clotting powder and press it for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
You also need to always keep your pet’s ears clean. Unclean ears may result in infection, which is not only painful but can also cause hearing loss. Infection can be identified by recognizing signs such as redness, scratching, head shaking and odor.
You should check your pet’s ears twice a month. The skin of the ears must be pale pink in color. If you notice a foul odor or change in color, take your pet to a veterinarian.
Use moist cotton balls with lukewarm water or mineral oil to clean the ears.
Cleaning of your pet’s teeth is another important aspect of grooming. Your pet may get cavities in his or her teeth that can develop into periodontal disease. Clean your pet’s teeth twice a week with a soft, small pet toothbrush.
Bathe your pet at least once a month or as required. In order to remove all the matting from your pet’s coat, brush your pet before and after each bath.
Place a rubber mat or a small towel in a bathtub so that it is not slippery for your pet. Use cotton balls to prevent water from going into your pet’s ears, and use warm water to bathe your pet in. You can use a spray nozzle, but be sure that you keep the nozzle close to your pet’s body when spraying, and do not spray your pet in the face.
Use shampoo that is made specifically for pets. Use a small quantity, and wash from head to the tail. Clean the rectum, between the toes, backside of the ears and under the chin. After washing, rinse your pet thoroughly with warm water, and then dry with a drier, or pat dry with a towel.
It is important that you regularly give proper attention towards the grooming of your pet. It will keep your pet healthy and active, both physically and psychologically.

Dog, Dog Bath, Dog Care, Dog Grooming, Dog Grooming Supplies, Dog Health, Pet, Pet Care Hide

The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the “little lion” because this is a small dog with a huge heart and even bigger personality. It’s fairly well accepted that the Shih Tzu is the result of crossing the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese. The origins of the Shih Tzu can be traced back several centuries to China where this breed found favor with many of the nobles. It’s said that some kept extensive kennels of this particular breed and that some worked at furthering the breed, at least to some degree.

While many dogs were freely traded, spreading various breeds throughout the world, the Shih Tzu was protected by the Chinese for many centuries. In fact, it wasn’t until less than 100 years ago that the first of these little dogs was allowed outside their native land. During the early years of this breed, trading, selling and transporting of the dogs to anyone who would take them out of China was strictly forbidden.

The Shih Tzu has a double coat with the outer coat growing to several inches long. The hair just above the nose grows up and this feature has given the Shih Tzu another of its nicknames – Chrysanthemum Face. This nickname derives because the little dog’s face looks almost like a flower, framed by this profusion of hair.

Anyone who loves a furry dog will likely find the Shih Tzu irresistible. Most owners tie up a topknot of hair on the top of the Shih Tzu’s head. This isn’t a fashion statement, but a matter of convenience for the dog. Like unruly bangs, this hair hangs down into the dog’s face, obscuring his vision and sometimes irritating the eyes. For this reason, many owners create the topknot and use the opportunity for pretty bows or ribbons.

Shih Tzus come in a variety of colors, though it seems that black and white are among the more common. It’s been said that show judges tend to look for a white forehead and seem to prefer that the tip of the tail is also white, though that’s not an official requirement. As a rule, the color of the eyes varies with the color of the coat – darker on dark dogs and lighter on the pale colored dogs. Regardless of the color, the eyes always seem alert to anything going on around the Shih Tzu. It’s almost as if these little dogs don’t want to miss out on anything, so they remain extremely watchful.

The personality of the Shih Tzu varies from one dog to the next and is one of the best characteristics of this dog. Most Shih Tzus are very playful, but have a stubborn streak and can be a bit grouchy if treated roughly. As a rule, a Shih Tzu will act differently depending on his mood and the situation. He can appear completely above the goings on around him, or be right in the middle of everything. That’s not to say these are standoffish dogs – quite the contrary. Most Shih Tzus want to be included, but will act aloof if it seems to suit their purposes. Perhaps they simply want to be begged into play!

Chinese, Coat, Dog, Family, Grooming, Kids, Lion, Pet, Play, Shih Tzu, Small Hide

Dog grooming is an important aspect when attending to your pet dog’s care. If we do not put enough attention to dog grooming, it is inevitable that our beloved animals will develop many kinds of illness and health conditions.

First step in grooming involves the processes such as regular maintaining of fur, ears and nails.  Coat or fur maintenance primarily involved regular bathing and cleaning, drying and combing. Dog grooming supplies such as shampoos and special dog brushes should be used to properly clean and groom the dog.

There are soft brushes meant to really care for the dog fur. There is even a brush available for a specific type of dog breed. Combing of the dog fur should be done regularly. However, as many dogs shed hair quite easily, you must also be ready to regularly sweep away fallen dog hair.

One of the important dog grooming supplies is the clipper that is especially designed for dog use. When clipping the nails of the dog, it is best to placed it on a higher level for easier control. You have to be a stable position, in front of your dog while having a firm grip on its feet. This ensures safe and hassle free clipping of the nails of your pet.

When it comes to the ear canals of the dog, it has to be checked too on a regular basis. When you need to have them cleaned, you must have some clean and sterile cotton. Cleaning must be done on a slow and gentle manner. Do not go deep enough lest you might unnecessarily inflict harm or damage to the ears. 

For more pet grooming, dog care and other pet and dog articles, do visit our Pinoy Pet Blog site.

Brush, Care, Coat, Dog, Fur, Grooming, Nails, Pet, Supplies Hide

The Lhasa Apso makes a beautiful family pet. She can live in an apartment as long as she gets walked for exercise. She makes a good watch dog and gets along well with other pets. She likes older, respectful children. She is a faithful family pet. She is generally healthy but does needs quite a bit of grooming.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Lhasa Apso is 10 to 11 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 13 to 15 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Lhasa Apso is no exception. Although considered a healthy breed, be on the lookout for ear infections, bleeding ulcers, kidney problems, allergic reactions to fleas and hip dysplasia. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
*Grooming. The Lhasa Apso has a long, straight, hard and very dense coat. She should be brushed daily. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Some people clip the coat to lower grooming time.
Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
*Life Span. The Lhasa Apso can live between 13 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. The Lhasa Apso comes from Tibet where they were kept by the rich as watch dogs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1935.
Some Registries:
*The American Lhasa Apso Club
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 4 to 5 Lhasa Apso puppies
Terms To Describe: Wary of stranger, happy, hardy, gentle, intelligent, affectionate,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Excellent watch dog.
Very gentle.
Beautiful coat.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
High coat maintenance.
Can be noisy.
*Other Names Known By: Tibetan Apso, Bark Lion Sentinel Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Bark Lion Sentinel Dog, Dog, Lhasa Apso, Pet, Puppy, Tibetan Apso Hide

Dog grooming refers to the practice of maintaining the appearance of a dog for public showing or personal hygiene reasons. Grooming dogs includes things like shampooing, hair clipping, hair styling, powdering, nail clipping and teeth cleaning. Grooming is healthy for your dog and can be somewhat pleasing to the owner. It also helps reduce shedding and odor. Grooming further serves to reduce allergies for both the dog and their owner.
The health benefits derived from regular grooming are numerous. It keeps the dog’s coat glossy and the skin healthy. It also serves to improve circulation and helps keep the their coat free from fleas, ticks and other parasites.
The first step in grooming dogs is to find a clean and comfortable area with adequate lighting to use as a workspace. Being groomed must not be a traumatic experience for your dog. It’s also very important to purchase high quality pet grooming equipment and supplies.
Dog grooming and dog health go hand in hand. If you have a dogs that sheds a lot, regular grooming will speed up the shedding cycle and stop all those floating hair tufts. Dog grooming is not only healthy, it helps you to create a bond of trust and love with your dog. Pet grooming is an expression of your affection and if started early in your dog’s life will server to establish a regular routine that will contribute greatly to the future health and well-being of your pet.
Here’s a dog grooming tip; when trimming your dog’s coat, don’t forget about the hair around legs, ears and eyes. However, these areas are important to remember. Dogs should be bathed about once a week. Be sure to remove any tangles before starting a bath and don’t get water and soap in their ears or eyes. You can clean the ears with a damp cloth or use a dog ear cleaner that can be purchased at any pet store.
Clipping your dog’s nails once every month is enough to keep them in fine condition. However, be sure to use only good quality nail clippers. Trim each nail while be careful you don’t cut back too far as this may result in pain and potential infection. If you’re uncertain how far back to cut, just cut back to the point where the nail starts to curl and you should be okay.
Dental health is very important for dogs as well as humans. Even though you are having your dog’s teeth look at on your regular vet visits, you still need to take care of their teeth at home also. You should brush your dog’s teeth once a week with one of your old discarded toothbrushes. You can find special dog toothpaste at your local pet store. Don’t use your toothpaste because dogs do like the taste and will fight having their teeth brushed.
Regular dog grooming can become a integral and relaxing part of your life and your pet will love the extra attention. Regular grooming provides many positive health benefits and helps the dog to understand its place within the family social order. This leads to a healthy, happy and well adjusted pet who will appreciate your affection.

Dog, Grooming, Pet, Poodle, Tips Hide