5 Common Grooming Mistakes Made by Dog Owners

1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.

Don't be in a hurry to finish his nails even though your dog wants you to finish quickly. Take baby clips using a SHARP nail clipper (my preference is spring style or cat clippers for small dogs).

Don't use a Dremel or other electronic/motororized tool unless you've had some training in using it. It's too easy to overcut.

If your dog has white nails, the quick should look pink. STOP clipping before you get there.

If your dog has dark nails, you should see a black circle in the clipped part of the nail. STOP clipping before you get there.

If you do draw blood, apply pressure and styptic powder. A product called QuikStop can be purchased at most pet stores. If you can't control the bleeding, get to a veteranian or animal hospital immediately.

2. Getting shampoo in his eyes during baths.

Dogs love to shake their wet heads and it's easy for shampoo to sting his eyes.

Buy some sterile ophthalmic ointment (at pet store or www.1800PetMeds.com) and dab in each eye before bathing.

If shampoo gets in his eyes, rinse with cool water or saline eyewash. Do NOT put more ointment in his eyes. If his eyes remain red or he's squinting long after he's dry, he needs a vet's attention.

3. Causing electric clipper burn.

It looks like a rash and results from using overheated clipper blades or damaged blades.

Inspect your clippers before each use and replace missing or dull blades and blades with broken teeth.

If your dog is affected, he'll try to scratch or lick the areas, which only worsens the irritation.

It's a good idea to keep an Elizabethan collar on hand (or make one) for such problems as they prevent the dog from reaching irritated areas. Keep the area clean and use an antibiotic ointment on the skin until it heals.

4. Unintentionally encouraging allergic reactions.

Allergies seem to be on the rise and some dogs are more sensitive than others. If your dog is very itchy after a bath or his skin is red and irritated, it may be an allergic reaction. Try products with oatmeal or use all natural products. And always rinse thoroughly to prevent residue build-up.

If your dog develops a serious reaction such as hives, diarrhea or pinpoint-sized pupils, he needs immediate medical attention. If he's just itchy, try different mild products until you find one that he likes.

You can work with a vet to pinpoint allergens but this a time-consuming and expensive process. I'd try various products first.

5. Leaving him unrestrained or unattended.

Dogs, especially those who hate being groomed, can try to make escapes by jumping off a table or off a lap. Serious injuries can result to small dogs.

Never leave a dog unattended. Groom him on the floor or restrain him if he's on a table or in a sink. Create a barrier around him so he has no place to jumping off spot.

You can have a second person hold the dog while you wash him if you're using an area too large to fence him in.

Be patient, stay calm and offer lots of praise as you groom and you'll avoid most problems.

Louise Louis is a long-time dog person and creator of http://www.ToyBreeds.com

---

Fat Dogs - How To Get Overweight Dogs to Diet and Slim Down Without Whining

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More

Sugar Gliders, Pocket Pets

Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More

Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More

Dog Obediance Tips...

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

Dog Vaccinations - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog

Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More

Dog Training ? Early Training Is Essential

Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More

Why Exotic Pets Should Not Be Banned

We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ

1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More

Caring For Your Pomeranians Teeth

Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More

Your Kids Want a Pet, You Dont Want To Pet Anything

"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com vs. Other Pet Registration Services

For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More

Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners

Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More

The Top Ten Reasons You Can - And Should - Hold an Equine Educational Event

Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More

Vaccinating Our Pets

I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More

Puppy Love - Wonderful Companions

Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More

Is your Dog Malnourished?

Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so... Read More

How to Groom Your Horse

Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More

Scottish Terrier Rescue - For the Love of Scotties

Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters,... Read More

How Many Dogs Are Too Many?

I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More

Your Dogs Health; Why Dog Breath is No Laughing Matter

Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More

Do They Really Need a Dog Bed?

When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More

Choosing a Vet For Your Dog - A Dog Owners Checklist

Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship... Read More

Heartworms Alert - Know The Warning Signs To Save Your Pets Health!

Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More

How to Choose a Pet

Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More

Canine Mastitis

Canine mastitis is a breast infection in brood bitches, usually... Read More

Picking Up A Horses Hoof

The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More

The Sporting Westie Terrier

Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More

Dog Flea Control Management: How To Prevent, Treat, And Kill Dog Fleas

Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More

Golden Moments and Dog Training

Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

Parvo in Dogs

What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More