Between Groomings—Hair
Regular brushing and grooming will remove loose and matted hair to help keep your dog's skin free of disease and parasites. When brushing your dog, run your hands through his fur down to the skin to look for plant debris and fleas. If you notice any dark specks on the skin, they are most probably fleas. The specks are flea droppings. A very obvious amount of droppings indicates a flea infestation that should be treated immediately. When brushing the hair on and around the tail, look for rice-like debris. This is usually a sign that your dog has worms. If you suspect this is the case, take him to your veterinarian to determine the type of worm it is and get the proper medication.
Long-haired dogs generally need to be groomed daily while short-haired breeds can get away with a weekly grooming. Use a fine-toothed dog comb for soft, thin or silky coats and a medium-toothed comb for normal coats. If your dog has very heavy or thick coat, use a wide-toothed comb. Bristle brushes are good for dogs with long coats and grooming mitts are good for short-haired breeds.
Remember to choose a time when your dog is calm and you have enough time to ensure a pleasant grooming session. Get your puppy accustomed to grooming early by handling your puppy often and touching his ears and paws. Be gentle and keep reassuring your puppy.
