There are many things that you need to think about when you want to take care of your new dog or puppy properly, and one of the things that are important for you to consider is brushing and bathing. Taking care of your dog's coat and keeping them clean is an essential step towards keeping your dog healthy and to keep them looking their best. Some breeds have many more grooming needs than others, but all dogs need at least some attention paid to their coats.

Tools for Brushing Your Dog

There are lots of things that you can use to brush your dog; use the tools that best suit his coat. Or example, a bristle brush should have teeth that suit the dog's coat, with short, densely placed bristles for short hair dogs, and bristles that are far apart for breeds with longer coats. Wire pin brushes are great for dogs with curly hair, while a slicker brush can take out mats and tangles. If your dog has a double coat, use an undercoat rake n him, and if you just want to create a feathered look after detangling, use a dog comb.

Brushing Your Dog

If you have a puppy, take the time to brush him every day. Most breeds do not need this, but this will get him used to being touched and groomed this way. Start at your dog's head and work towards his tail, using firm strokes. Take care not to pull his fur and do not rip tangles out. When you get to tangles and mats, work them out or clip them out. If your dog has a very thick fur coat, start by brushing against the hair down at the skin. When the undercoat has been thoroughly combed, start combing in the right direction. Long strokes are ideal for long haired dogs, while short strokes are better for dogs with short hair or wiry hair. At the end, a comb can be used to remove any loose hair.

Bathing Your Dog

If your dog is small enough, he can be bathed in the kitchen sink or a bucket, but if he is larger, the bathroom tub will work well. Some people use the hose, but because this is so cold, most dogs will not enjoy it. Put some cotton balls in your dog's ears to keep water from getting inside, and use an ophthalmic ointment to protect his eyes. Find a good shampoo that will treat his coat well, and under no circumstances should you use the shampoo for humans. As when you brush, work from neck to tail, and make sure that you get the shampoo all the way down to the skin. This is essential if you want to get your dog thoroughly cleaned. When you to rinse, make sure that you get all of the shampoo out. You may wish to mix the rinse water with conditioner or to rub it in and then wash it out.

If your dog has long hair, it is best to comb his hair out so they do not tangle when his hair is still wet. When drying your dog off, work first against the grain and then with it. You may also wish to use a hair dryer set on warm to dry and style your dog's hair.

Take some time and make sure that you are paying the proper attention to your dog and to keep him clean.