Bathing the Dog
Bathing the DogBegin with the face, which should be thoroughly and briskly washed with a cloth. Care should be taken that the soap does not get into the dog’s eyes, not because of harm, but because such an experience is unpleasant to the dog and prone to prejudice him against future baths. The interior of the ear canal should be thoroughly cleansed until they not only look clean but also until no unpleasant odor comes from them. The head may then be rinsed and dried before proceeding to the body. Special attention should be given to the drying of the ears; inside and out. Many ear infections arise from failure to dry the canal completely.
The body must then be soaked thoroughly with water, either with a hose or by applying the water from the bath and pouring it over the dog’s back until he is totally wet. Then soap, a stiff brush is useful in penetrating the coat and cleansing the skin.
Short haired breed like the Great Dane should be brushed with a bristle brush. In general, start brushing the hair in the opposite direction of the growth. As you brush speak to your pup in a soft, reassuring manner, and be sure to praise her when you are finished. After brushing and combing once a week, run your palms over the dog’s coat from head to tail. Natural oils in your skin will impart sheen to your dog’s coat.
Nail clippers come in various styles and sizes. Support the dog’s body, careful not to overextend or twist leg tendons. Cut as close to the quick (the vein within the nail) as possible. In case a quick gets nicked, use styptic powder to stop the bleeding. After cutting a nail file should be used being careful not to touch the quick.
Using a cotton ball moistened with ear cleaning solution (diluted hydrogen peroxide 3% cut in ½ with boiled water, or alcohol, or plain boiled water if wax is not too thick), swab out the ear canal, removing wax and dirt and also checking for signs of ear mites or infection. You can also use otic cleansers such as Ear-Rite, once a week.
Do this at least once a week at home:
Bacteria begins attacking teeth as soon as they sprout, so start brushing when your pup is young. First, massage teeth and gums with a rubber finger toothbrush or dental pad, later with your dog’s own toothbrush.
In addition to brushing, you can take other steps to keep your pet’s mouth healthy. Chewing helps educe tartar buildup; try feeding your dog hard dry kibble and tartar-control biscuits. Some toys are also designed specifically to remove dental plaque. A dental cleanser may also be used to clean teeth and gums and freshen breath.
Make sure your pet receives an oral exam once a year and if you notice a foul odor, swollen or bleeding gums or if your dog winces in pain when you touch its mouth, consult your veterinarian.