Surveys show that more and more dog owners these days view their dogs as not just animals but more like members of the family. For those of us who love our dogs, it doesn’t take a survey to tell us this. Dogs are our friends and companions, and we want to keep them healthy and happy. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes with varying needs for training, exercise and diet. One topic that often leaves dog owners scratching their heads in uncertainty is how to properly groom and care for their dog’s coat. While most dog grooming supplies can be readily purchased at local pet stores or even online, the vast array of choices leaves many dog owners confused and frustrated. Knowing what your dog needs is the first step in developing a proper grooming routine.
What Type of Coat Does Your Dog Have?
Before you can even begin to determine what dog grooming supplies you need, you must evaluate your dog’s coat so you can choose the right products to help you keep it in good condition. Breeds with double coats such as huskies, chow chows, malamutes and other spitz-type breeds will require a hefty under-coat rake that allows you to remove loose hairs that tend to mat underneath the primary coat. Dogs with long, flowing hair like the Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso are best groomed with a pin brush, which is similar to a human hair brush that has a small protective nub on the end of each bristle to ensure the dog’s skin is not scratched during brushing. Pointers, Labradors and other slick-coated breeds can be groomed using a rubber mitt that removes dead hairs and polishes the coat at the same time. And then there are breeds such as poodles, schnauzers and cocker spaniels whose coats must receive regular trimming by a professional groomer in order to maintain the look and style that these breeds require.
Which Grooming Products is Right for My Dog?
Brushing your dog’s coat regularly is only part of the grooming process. You must also routinely bathe your dog to ensure that his skin and coat are healthy and clean. Human shampoo should never be used on dogs, as the pH balance in human shampoo is wrong for dogs and can cause irritation. But with the number of shampoo choices in most pet stores rivaling that of human products in a beauty salon, how is a dog owner to choose the right shampoo? Very simply, read the label. Labels on shampoos and conditioners for dogs will state their intended uses clearly, and as your dog’s best friend, you know his needs better than anyone. Take the time to find the products that are right for your dog and you will both reap the benefits.
Finding the right dog grooming supplies for your pet does require that you spend a little time understanding his unique needs and matching the correct products to address them. That’s not asking too much for your best friend.