Regular grooming is an important part of keeping your dog healthy.  There are five major areas to focus on when caring for your dog: coat, teeth, nails, ears, and eyes.  

Coat, Ears, and Eyes

     Dogs don't need frequent bathing. Once a month is good, unless your dog is filthy or smelly.  Here are some basic tips for a good bath:

• Either outside or inside, use a basin or tub of some sort.  When in the tub, put down a rubber mat to prevent your dog from slipping.

• Use a special dog shampoo, but don't use human shampoo because it will dry out your dog's coat and skin.

• Wipe ears with a damp clot.  Only clean areas you can see and never insert anything into the ear.

• Examine eyes and look for irritation on your dog.

• Dry your dog thoroughly, preferable still in the tub.  You can use a towel or a hair dryer if your dog will 

:Teeth:

Some people tend to ignore their dogs teeth or just rely on dog biscuits to deal with their dogs plaque.  Go one step farther in caring for your dog's teeth and brush them as often as possible.

• Use a special dog toothbrush or a child's sift-bristled brush.

• Use a dog tooth paste or baking soda when brushing.  Canine toothpaste is often meat flavored making it more pleasant for the dog.

• Use the brush to gently clean the teeth.  You will not need to rinse your dog's mouth out. 

Nails:

You should trim your dog's nails when they are touching the floor.  Do not trim up too high because that could break the skin and lead to infection.

• Use a sharp, pliers-style nail clipper

• Hold the paw firmly in one hand and use the other to trim the nail.
   

The following is a list of some basic supplies you will need:

• Brush

• Comb

• Shampoo

• Rubber Mat

• Nail Clippers

• Towel

• Scissors (for ear hair)

• Ear treatment

• Lint Roller (to clean up hair after a trim or brushing)

Some people prefer to take their dogs to a professional groomer once a month.  This will cost more, but it will ease your duties.