How to Brush your dog

Baby's coat is a reflection of her nutritional status and general health. To maintain a lovely coat requires more than only brushing or combing it once in a while.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Brush, rubber curry comb, or grooming mitt if the dog has short hair.
• A good metal comb with wide teeth and fine teeth at each end.

1. 

   A good strong metal comb will remove dead hair and mats from your dog's coat. This is important to prevent hot spots, that are areas of moist dermatitis or topical skin infections. Removal of mats will reveal any other skin irritations or parasite infestations. Metal combs work best when they're used on small dogs with long, silky hair, breeds of dogs such as maltese. shih tzu, or yorkshire terriers. Short haired dogs, such as chiuahas and greyhounds do not require a metal comb.

2. 
   grooming brushing large dog on table

   Sit in a comfortable place with your dog, a chair or indoor carpet is fine, so long it's comfortable for both yourself and your dog. If your dog is very large, then a grooming table would be appropriate to keep him from getting fidgety.

3. 
   Yorkie being combed with metal comb

   Sprite your dog with a little bit of water, this prevents breakage of the coat before you begin combing him. I only recommend this for the long-haired dogs. The short haired dogs may only need a good wide bristled brush or rubber combing mit.

4. 

   Sit him down facing you, and gently but briskly take the comb or brush and start combing/brushing him in one direction, not too hard, and not in the opposite drection. Make sure to cover all hard to reach areas, under the tail, chest, and tail if the tail hair is fuzzy. Also, you may want to remove their collar as well, since many matts begin in the neck area, and can make Baby uncomfortable if the're not addressed. Brush the back, the sides, and their legs and feet.

5. 
   rubber bristled curry brush

   After you are through brushing Baby, put her collar back on and check for fleas, they are most attracted to the belly and the back, the ears to see if they need cleaning and their nails, to make sure they aren't growing too long or curling under. I would recommend that the ears and nails be looked by a veterinarian or a professional dog groomer. Check the under sides of their paw pads for any sign of foreign objects or contact dermatitis.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to look for signs of skin irritation, and address it to your veterinarian and or dog groomer.
• Do not try to doctor your baby yourself if you discover that she has problems that need medical attention.