Margaret H. Bonham

Dog grooming is an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy, so groom your dog regularly. Do the job right by having basic equipment; follow a routine to ensure that you cover all the steps each time.Grooming is more than just a bath and brushing — it includes cleaning teeth and ears and clipping nails.

If your dog suddenly takes to scooting along the carpet to wipe her butt, you may be in for a real treat — the dubious pleasure of expressing your best friend’s anal sacs. Lots of licking or chewing of his rear or tail is another sign that it’s time to get rid of fluid build-up.Anal sacs, or anal glands, carry some smelly fluid and occasionally need to be expressed, or emptied.

Some canine anatomical names may be familiar to you — dogs have elbows and ears and eyes — but other names may be downright foreign. Many anatomical terms used to describe parts of a dog are similar to the ones used for horses. Head’s up on dog parts Starting from the head, a dog is made up of the Nose: Dog noses are often cold and wet, and of course, they usually get stuck where they’re not wanted.

Unless your dog runs around on hard surfaces that help keep toenails short, you have to cut or clip the nails about once a week — if you hear them clicking on a hard surface, it’s time for a trim.Most dogs detest having their feet handled, so clipping or trimming may never be your favorite shared activity, but getting your dog used to this ritual at an early stage helps you both weather the process.

Regular brushing and combing helps keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy and looking good and to get the full benefits, you need to brush all the hair and not just the top coat. The most common brushing method is to brush backward against the lay of the fur and then brush it back into place. Brushing that way usually loosens and removes dead hair and stimulates your dog’s skin.

Dogs don’t get cavities the way humans do, but they can develop plaque, tartar, and gingivitis — all of which contribute to foul breath and tooth problems. Trips to the veterinarian can be costly, so it pays to do periodic brushing yourself. (Although if your dog has lots of tartar buildup, a visit to the vet is in order.

Cleaning your dog’s ears is a fairly uncomplicated job. Some breeds — notably sporting dogs and hounds — have a predilection for ear infections and injuries because of their hanging or drooping ears. These dropped ears make an ideal place for bacteria to grow and mites to hide. If an odor is present around your dog’s ears, they may be infected, which means a trip to the vet.

Before the introduction of grooming products designed for dogs, bathing your dog frequently may have stripped out essential oils and dried out his coat. Today, specially formulated dog shampoos, conditioners, cream rinses, gels, and detanglers make doggy bath time a healthier — and happier — prospect for man and beast!

Good dog-grooming equipment is necessary for doing the job right. You don't, however, need to buy the most expensive supplies to keep your dog's coat in good condition. In fact, some of the best equipment can be made or purchased without spending too much money. So what equipment must you have? Much depends on your dog's breed.