Tips are based on my experiences, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Puppy Tips

Brushing and Combing

Begin grooming when you acquire your puppy usually between 8-12 weeks. Mom kept him spiffy- now it's your job! The younger you start the easier it is on your pet. Make sure you make it a positive experience. Grooming is for the life of your pet. Let's make it a joy! Brushing and combing should be introduced slow and easy, maybe while playing or sitting in your lap while watching TV. Short hair or smooth coated puppies need brushing too! Long hair or wooly coats will change color and texture as adult coat comes in around 6-8 months of age. Brush both coats in the direction the hair grows.

Teaching Good Behavior

Praise your puppy! Puppies love to hear "good puppy" and if your catch your puppy doing something wrong for instance, sticking his tongue out at you, say "No". Try to teach your dog to "stand" while you are grooming, this word will come in handy later in life also. Using a table with towel or on top of something that's not slippery. This teaches them its time for grooming. Ten minutes a day after playtime or close to bedtime when your puppy is worn down from busy day events.

Puppy Shots

Puppies start shots at six weeks old and will receive a total of three sets (some veterinarian do four sets for large dogs). At four months of age your pet will get the Rabies and Boretella shots. Your veterinarian will schedule all your appointments needed for the health of your pet.

General Tips

Bathing

Before bathing remove all knots and matts from your puppy's coat, this will prevent them from tighening closer to the skin and having to be cut out. When you are ready to bath you will need to choose a shampoo and conditioner. Use gental tearfree puppy shampoo. You will want to make sure you don't use anything with harsh chemicals or dips (pyrethims) this is too strong for your puppy and will absorbe into your puppies pours. Be picky, find a shampoo and conditioner formulated for you puppy's coat and or coad condition. There are several formulas to choose from; white dogs, black dogs, oatmeal, citrus all natural flea shampoo, sented and unsented. If your dog has skin problems consult your veternarian. As a rule you should only use shampoos and conditioners that are recommended by veternanrians. When you bath be careful not to get shampoo or conditioner in the ears or eyse. Putting dry cotton balls in the ears will help. After you have bathed your puppy make sure you rinse really well, soap residue can cause your puppy to scratch and irritate the skin. If you have a prescription from your veternarian for bathing follow the direction to the letter. Also remember to bring your prescription shampoo or normal shampoo that works well for your puppy.

Clipping Toenails

Stand next to your dog with your back towards head, lift paw then clip the hooked nailtip. If you nick the quick(the vein inside the nail) use styptic powder to stop bleeding instantly. Trim nails at least once a month. Waiting will cause the quick to grow long and nails will not be able to be cut short.

Brushing Teeth

I recommend using Purcuts, a toothbrushig kit for dogs (one with toothbrush, paste and fingertip cleaner). From my experience dogs prefer the beef flavored paste, use small fingertip brushing for gently cleaning and messaging gums and very back teeth. Most toothbrushes have two ends utilize each end by placing a small amount of paste on each then use gentle circular motions. Spend 30 seconds per group of three or four teeth. Daily brushing is best, but brush at least three times a week. Perodontal disease is epidemic and is caused by plaque, a cement like substance that sticks to teeth and cause bacteria to grow under the gum line leading to tooth loss, dental pain and halitosis by age three. More than 80% of dogs develope this disease. Hard chew sticks, dental bones, dry dog food and milk bones help supplement for less brushing.

Cleaning Ears

Dogs without hair in the ear canal swab gently with the proper ear cleaner (follow instructions) then swab dry with a cotton ball (make sure not to buy synthethic use cotton).

Dogs with hair in the ear canal use the proper ear powder (follow instructions) then gently pluck hair from ear. The powder dries ear and hair allowing you to get a good grip on the hair. After hair removal clean ear as stated above. A little wax is normal but a dark discharge, foul order or inflamation may be an indication of an ear infection. Consult your veterinarian. Neglect of an ear infection can cause many problems such as hearing loss.

Ready For A Visit

Now that your puppy is four months old and has all the required shots, your puppy is ready to start being groomed at The Pet Pub. Click First Visit. Please feel free to bring a favorite toy, blanket or special treats to make your pet feel more comfortable on the first day at "The Club For Pets".