Shaggy’s Dog Grooming Tips
Clipping Your Dog’s Nails
First off you will need a good pair of nail clippers that are the right size for your dog.
When you cut the nail always cut from the front (straight on), never from the side.
There are two different colors of dog nails; white and black. white nails are much easier to cut because you can see the vein in the nail. Take your clippers and clip off the end of the nail just before the vein.
Black nails are harder to do. First, cut a bit off the end. After a while you should see a dot in the middle of the nail; that is the beginning of the vein. Stop after you see that dot.
Don’t forget about the dew claw. This is the nail slightly above the foot.
Afterwards give the dog a small treat. In case the nail is cut too close, we have styptic powder on hand to stop the bleeding and nail will heal quickly.
Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears
Your dog’s ear is more L-shaped than yours, and debris loves to collect at the corner of the L. To remove this debris, fill your dog’s ear canal with a good ear cleaner. Ear cleaners should be slightly acidic but should NOT sting. Massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds to soften and release the debris. Wipe out the loose debris and excess fluid with a cotton ball. Repeat this procedure until you see no more debris.
Cotton applicator swabs can be used to clean the inside of the earflap and the part of the ear canal you can see. They should NOT be used farther down in the ear canal since that tends to pack debris in the ear canal, rather than removing it.
You may find your dog does not like to have his ears cleaned because it is uncomfortable. Talking to him during the process, stopping momentarily to give him a treat if he is doing well. After the ear is clean, let the dog shake his head and allow some time for the ears to dry.
Mat Care
Easier Nail Trimming
To make nail trimming easier on everyone involved try to make paw handling part of your daily life. Hold your dogs foot (you may also touch their nails) for a minute or so. If they struggle do not let go. Speak in soothing tones and wait until they calm down to release them.
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701-232-4367
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Grooming by appointment only. Walk-ins are welcomed when space is available.