3. Ear care is an important part of grooming. Ear infections can not only be painful, but lead to permanent hearing loss. The
signs of a problem with a companion animal's ears include redness, constant scratching, head shaking and odor.
a. Check
your companion animal's ears twice per month. The skin inside and on the flaps should be pale pink. If there is a foul odor and/or
any red, brown or black skin, have a veterinarian examine your pet's ears.
b. Moisten a cotton ball with
warm water or a little mineral oil and use it to clean the opening into the canal and the flaps. Do not probe too deeply into the
canal.
4. Brush dog's teeth. Companion animals can get cavities and develop periodontal disease, so their teeth
should be cleaned with a pet toothpaste at least twice per week. It is best to use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles. Cleanings
performed by a veterinarian may also be required.
5. Bathe your companion animal once every two months or as often as needed.
Be sure to brush him or her before each bath in order to get all of the mats out of his or her coat.
a. Place a
rubber mat in your bathtub, or a towel in your sink, for secure footing. Then place a cotton ball in each of your companion animal's
ears to prevent water from entering.
b. Rinse your pet with warm water. Use a spray hose if one is available,
but be sure to keep the nozzle very close to your companion animal's body. Never spray him or her in the face.
c. Apply
a shampoo designed especially for pets in small amounts, working from the head to the tail. Be sure to clean the rectum, between the
toes, behind the ears and under the chin. Try to avoid getting shampoo in your companion animal's eyes.
d. Thoroughly
rinse your pet with warm water.
e. Dry your companion animal with a towel and/or hair dryer.
1. Brush your pet thoroughly every day. This helps keep his or her hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading
the natural oils throughout the coat, preventing tangles from forming and keeping the skin clean and free from irritation.
2. Trim your pet's nails about once per month. You'll need a clipper designed specifically for the kind of companion animal you have.
Either a scissor- or guillotine-style clipper can be used. You should also purchase a small bottle of blood-clotting powder.
a. Have your companion animal sit beside you. Then place one of his or her paws in your hand and gently pull it forward. If your pet
dislikes being handled this way, slowly accustom him or her to it by offering treats and praise.
b. Gradually
shorten one nail. Be sure to stop before you reach the quick, which is the part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels.
If you cannot see the quick clearly, stop cutting just behind the point at which the nail begins to curve downward.
c. If you cut into the quick, do not panic. Put some clotting powder on a moist cotton swab and
press it firmly against the nail for several seconds.
d. Repeat the process until all of
your companion animal's nails have been trimmed.
e. Do not forget to trim the dewclaw, which is
located on the inside of each front leg just above the paw. (Some dogs do not have dewclaws.)