Part 2
Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is also very important. Brushing regularly prevents and even reverses dental disease, cuts down on bacteria, helps avoid infections and buildup which could lead to more serious issues. It is recommended brushing two to three times a week. This may be uncomfortable for your dog but the more you do it the more she gets used to it. Dental chews can also be helpful to reduce plaque or tartar build up.
Dental hygiene kit:
-Dog toothbrush
-Dog toothpaste (do not use human toothpaste)
-And even more treats (dental treats this time)
Before beginning, give a small taste of the toothpaste to your dog that way she will be ready for what’s next. Lift your pet’s gums and brush carefully massaging her teeth and gums, in the process make sure to check for any swelling and/or discoloration on both gums and teeth. Do this for about two or three minutes, that should be enough. Dental dog treats are a good addition to her oral hygiene routine.
Make sure to wash your hand thoroughly when you are done.
Nail Trimming
This is one of the most intimidating grooming activities for most pet owners (I know it is for me), but it is so necessary to keep her comfortable not to mention to keep you, your furniture and floors from scratches. Here are some tips that will make nail trimming easier than you think.
It is a good idea to touch and play with her paws often, that way your pet will be used to having her paws touched and will be comfortable with it. It also helps if you can have someone giving you a paw (hand) -preferably someone your dog trust or knows beforehand.
Nail Trimming kit:
-Trimmers
-Styptic powder or cornstarch
-Helping paws (hands)
-And more and more treats
Find a quiet spot, bring your supplies, your dog and your helper. Let your dog sniff the trimmers to get used to it. Assume your positions, pet your dog and provide her with treats to help her relax. Once she is relaxed, you can proceed with the clippers trimming only the tips of the nails.
For this you have to be REALLY careful not to cut the nail’s quick, there are nerve endings and blood vessels, that is why it shouldn’t be cut.
Dark nails make it harder to identify the quick through the sides of the nail, so you are going to have to check the length of each nail head on. A small dark dot in the middle of the nail is your warning to stop the trimming. On the other hand, identifying the quick can be much easier on light nails. Look through the side of the nail, it appears red. Just like with dark nails if you see a red dot in the middle of the nail stop the trimming immediately.
Accidents can happen, if you cut the quick by accident and it starts bleeding, apply pressure, put some of the styptic powder or cornstarch on the nail if it does not stop bleeding.
It is important to keep the sessions as short as possible, do only one or two paws at a time, keep a calming voice through each session to help her be at ease, this can be a stressful process for her.
This whole grooming at home routine might seem very challenging, especially in the beginning but the more you do it the more comfortable you and your dog will be with the routine. It really can become a positive experience and is a great way to bond for both of you!
*Thanks to our friends over at Purina* for posting the original article