Dog Grooming Tips

Some breeds need grooming more than others, but all dogs need to be groomed occasionally. Here are some basic dog grooming tips to help you make this chore as easy as possible.

And dog grooming tips need to start with the brush you use. It's imperative that you pick the proper brush for your dog's hair type. If you have a shorthaired dog, then your best bet is to go with a brush that has bristles that are short and hard. On the other hand if your pet has a thick, full coat, you'll want bristles that may be spread a little farther apart. Pin brushes are ideal here. If you're not sure, always ask your breeder what he recommends.

The brush also can have a different function. If you need to remove dead or dry skin from your dog as well as hair, try using a wire or slicker brush. Understand that if your dog has thick hair, actually removing it from a wire brush is not easy. Perhaps the best way to get it out is to run a toothpick between each of the bristles.

Another good brush isn't actually a brush at all, it's a grooming glove. This is simply a brush that you put on your hand that has little prongs on the palm side. You just gently pet your dog and the dead hair is removed. When you are finished, pull the hair from the glove and throw it away.

Many long haired breeds will have an undercoat that can really become knotted. For this you'll need an undercoat rake. However if you have a show dog be forewarned, in some cases removing undercoat hair is not allowed for show.

There are simpler alternatives for removing excess hair, especially if the hair is loose. One solution is to wrap masking tape around your hand and run it lightly over the dog's coat. Massaging your pet after a shower with your damp hands will also get rid of extra hair. And finally, you can also wear a damp rubber glove. This is also great for getting hair off of your furniture also.

For the more pampered pet who enjoys a massage, you can use a battery run massager that also acts as a brush. Not only is it a good way to collect extra hair, the sound can relax your dog as well as massage his muscles. He may love it!

Many dogs hate the sound of a vacuum cleaner, others love it. If you pet is OK with it, a vacuum cleaner is a great tool when shedding is heavy. You can lightly run the vacuum over his coat. It's best to start this when your pet is still a puppy to get him used to it. Oh, and of course vacuums are needed to get the hair off your furniture.

Finally, here's a dog grooming tip to get rid of any burrs that might get stock in your pet's hair. Get a pair of pliers and crush the burrs first. They will be much easier to brush out. You can also cover them with mineral oil or petroleum jelly first, then gently work them out manually.

Recommended Merchants For Dog Grooming Supplies

Dog.com - Discount Pet Supplies - Anything you could possibly need for grooming your dog, you will find it at Dog.com.

Petco.com - Petco is another great place to find all the supplies you'll need for dog grooming, including any of the brushes mentioned here.

Pet Street Mall - Mall implies big and Pet Street Mall has a big selection of dog grooming supplies for your pet.