{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-02-01T16:01:08+00:00"},"categoryId":33981,"data":{"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33967,"title":"Dogs","slug":"dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"Wondering if your dog is the right weight? Eating the right sort of kibble? Check out these articles to get best practices on raising a healthy and well-groomed pup.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33981&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":60,"bookCount":2},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":60,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:49:18+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-02-01T16:12:51+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"dog grooming for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about the necessities for dog grooming, including the supplies and tasks involved, removing hair matts, and even removing skunk odor.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"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.\r\n\r\nGrooming is more than just a bath and brushing — it includes cleaning teeth and ears and clipping nails. You should also know how to deal with some nasty issues such as matted hair and skunk spray.","description":"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.\r\n\r\nGrooming is more than just a bath and brushing — it includes cleaning teeth and ears and clipping nails. You should also know how to deal with some nasty issues such as matted hair and skunk spray.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201216,"title":"Grooming Your Dog's Hair with a Clipping","slug":"grooming-your-dogs-hair-with-a-clipping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201216"}},{"articleId":200412,"title":"Essential Grooming: Brushing Your Dog's Teeth","slug":"essential-grooming-brushing-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200412"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}},{"articleId":201225,"title":"Giving Your Dog His Medicine","slug":"giving-your-dog-his-medicine","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201225"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282158,"slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471773900","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471773905-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/dog-grooming-for-dummies-cover-9780471773900-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9700\">Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award-winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b187afcb\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b187ba49\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":165299,"title":"Basic Equipment and Supplies for Dog Grooming","slug":"basic-equipment-and-supplies-for-dog-grooming","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/165299"}},{"articleId":165298,"title":"An Efficient Routine for Dog Grooming","slug":"an-efficient-routine-for-dog-grooming","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/165298"}},{"articleId":165294,"title":"Easy Steps to Grooming a Dog's Nails, Teeth, and Ears","slug":"easy-steps-to-grooming-a-dogs-nails-teeth-and-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/165294"}},{"articleId":165297,"title":"How to Remove Skunk Odor from Dogs","slug":"how-to-remove-skunk-odor-from-dogs","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/165297"}},{"articleId":165293,"title":"Dog Grooming Basics: How to Remove Matted Dog Hair","slug":"dog-grooming-basics-how-to-remove-matted-dog-hair","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/165293"}}],"content":[{"title":"Basic equipment and supplies for dog grooming","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Good dog-grooming equipment is necessary for doing the job right. You don&#8217;t, however, need to buy the most expensive supplies to keep your dog&#8217;s coat in good condition. In fact, some of the best equipment can be made or purchased without spending too much money.</p>\n<p>So what equipment must you have? Much depends on your dog&#8217;s breed. For example, an Alaskan Malamute is going to have different needs than a Poodle, and both are going to have different needs than a Bluetick Coonhound. So some of the equipment may not be optional if you have a particular type of dog.</p>\n<p>Whatever the breed, this list of basic dog-grooming supplies will give you a solid start:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Comb.</b> A medium-toothed comb is a good all-around comb, but get a fine-toothed comb if your dog has thin hair or a wide-toothed comb if the hair is thick. And get a flea comb for both removing fleas and tangles.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brush.</b> A slicker brush is a good all-purpose brush, but get a curry brush if your dog has short hair or a pin brush if your dog has a long single coat.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner made for dogs.</b> Keep plenty of old towels on hand for drying.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>A toothbrush and toothpaste made for dogs.</b></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dog toenail clippers and styptic powder.</b> The powder helps stop bleeding in case you clip too close to the quick.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Otic solution, forceps, and gauze. </b>Use these tools to clean your dog&#8217;s ears.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Electric clipper. </b>If your dog&#8217;s coat needs to be clipped, you need a good electric clipper and blades, including a No. 10 Oster blade.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Gather these basic dog-grooming supplies and keep them in a special &#8220;doggy spa&#8221; bag or tack box — and remember to groom your dog on a regular basis to keep him happy and healthy.</p>\n"},{"title":"An efficient routine for dog grooming","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Follow these basic steps for a great dog-grooming routine that you do monthly. (You might need to do it more often, depending on the type of hair your dog has.) Many of these tasks — such as brushing your dog&#8217;s teeth — should be done a minimum of once a week, but others such as bathing and clipping need to be done less frequently.</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Brush out your dog, thoroughly removing any tangles or mats.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do a prebath clip or strip if your dog&#8217;s coat needs it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Express anal sacs if needed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Bathe and rinse thoroughly.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Dry by using towels, a dog hair dryer, or human hair dryer set to no heat.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Clean ears with otic solution; dry thoroughly.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Clean eye tear stains if there are any.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Trim toenails.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Brush teeth.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Brush out again and apply any leave-in conditioner.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Clip hair if necessary.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Easy steps to grooming a dog's nails, teeth, and ears","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Grooming a dog&#8217;s nails, teeth, and ears may seem frivolous, but they&#8217;re as important to your dog&#8217;s good health as heartworm preventative and pest protection. Keep your dog healthy by performing these tasks every week:</p>\n<h3>Nail trimming</h3>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Hold the foot steady.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Snip off a small bit of the end of each toenail below the quick.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on each foot, and don&#8217;t forget to clip the dewclaws. (Nail polish optional!)</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<h3>Ear cleaning</h3>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gently hold your dog&#8217;s head so that the open ear is exposed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Apply otic solution.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Using a sterile gauze pad or sponge, gently wipe out the excess solution.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<h3>Teeth brushing</h3>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Squeeze some doggie toothpaste onto the brush and allow your dog to lick it off.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Flip up your dog&#8217;s lips and gently rub the toothbrush and toothpaste against your dog&#8217;s teeth and gums for a few seconds.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Give your dog a treat, even if he allows you to work on his teeth for only a few seconds.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"How to remove skunk odor from dogs","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>What do you do when your dog has been sprayed by a skunk? Use the following remedy to remove the skunk smell from your dog. It requires baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid dishwashing soap (the kind made for washing dishes by hand). Always keep these ingredients on hand in case your dog runs into a skunk.</p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s the de-skunking recipe you need for any-sized dog:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Combine 1/2 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/8 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap in an open container.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Draw a tepid bath and put your dog in it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Apply the solution liberally throughout your dog&#8217;s coat and suds him up well (to the skin). Avoid getting any solution in his eyes.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Rinse your dog well, drain the tub, and rinse well again.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Smell for any spots you&#8217;ve missed and repeat Steps 1 through 4 if necessary.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Follow up with a pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner for dogs; rinse well to remove all residue.</p>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Don&#8217;t be fooled by some of the popular remedies for removing skunk spray from your dog. Here are reasons they don&#8217;t really work:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Tomato juice: </b>An old standby, tomato juice does darn near nothing. It may cut through the oils in the skunk spray, but you still end up with a stinky dog — and a pinkish colored one at that.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Vinegar and water douche: </b>Here&#8217;s another home remedy that really doesn&#8217;t do much. Yes, it may mask the smell a bit, but it doesn&#8217;t do much else.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Professional odor removers: </b>These substances work okay on a variety of levels, but you&#8217;ll still know that your dog has been skunked.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to remove mats from hair","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Matted dog hair can be painful for your pet, so prevent matting by brushing your dog&#8217;s coat regularly. Instead of going to the dog groomer, save some money and learn to remove matted hair yourself. Badly matted fur should always be remedied by a professional dog groomer.</p>\n<p>Follow these tips for removing snarled, tangled, matted dog hair:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the mat isn&#8217;t too bad, spray it with <i>detangler solution</i> and use a comb to slowly work the mat free. Work from the outside of the mat (where the hair isn&#8217;t tangled) and slowly untangle the hair without pulling.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the mat won&#8217;t come out with a comb, try cutting through the mat with a <i>mat rake</i>. Be careful when using this tool because it has sharp tines on it — you want to alleviate your dog&#8217;s pain from mats, not put her in worse pain by cutting or scratching her with the rake.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the mat rake isn&#8217;t cutting it (so to speak), try using a <i>mat splitter</i>. Start by splitting the mat in horizontal or vertical strips and then use either a mat rake or a comb to tackle the smaller pieces individually. (Be very gentle! This tool has a sharp blade and can slice your dog&#8217;s skin.)</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If the mat is in the worst shape it could be, then use a <i>guarded electric clipper</i> to slowly shave it away.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-01-31T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207943},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:21:10+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-02T14:03:51+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"How to Empty Your Dog’s Anal Sacs","strippedTitle":"how to empty your dog’s anal sacs","slug":"how-to-empty-your-dogs-anal-sacs","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"It's not a fun task, and you should check with your vet before taking it on yourself, but here's how to express your dog's anal sacs.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"If your dog suddenly takes to <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/what-to-do-about-your-dogs-scooting/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">scooting along the carpet</a> 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 <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/what-to-do-about-your-dogs-licking/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">licking or chewing</a> of his rear or tail is another sign that it’s time to get rid of fluid build-up.\r\n\r\n<i>Anal sacs,</i> or anal glands, carry some smelly fluid and occasionally need to be <i>expressed,</i> or emptied. Many dogs express them by themselves every time they poop — the sacs are around a dog’s anus — but occasionally the sacs fill with fluid and your dog needs some help to release the fluid.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Ask your vet before attempting to express your dog’s anal sacs for the first time, because the process can cause impacted anal glands and, in really bizarre instances, can rupture the sacs. And, keep in mind that expressing the anal sacs too often can lead to impacted anal glands, and failing to care for them may lead to infection.</p>\r\nIf you're not 110 percent sure you want to take on the task of expressing your dog's anal glands, don't hesitate to turn the nasty job over to trained staff at your veterinary office. The cost is minimal, especially compared to the damage you could cause (and the smell you'll be exposed to).\r\n\r\nIf you insist on expressing the anal sacs yourself, here's how to do it:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Suit up with a clothespin, heavy-duty rubber gloves, welder’s apron, rubber boots, and tongs so that you look like Michael Keaton changing diapers in <i>Mr. Mom</i><i>.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Okay, you don’t need to go to these extremes, but the fluid is stinky and nasty, so wear old clothes and nose plugs if you need to.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fold several paper towels together in a huge wad.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You want an absorbent pad to catch the liquid.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lift your dog’s tail and place the paper towels over his back side (and wonder when commercial television will pick up on this type of ad).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Note the position of the dog’s anus in relation to the paper towels.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use your thumb and forefinger to gently squeeze at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions, using the anus as the clock face.</p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109583.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Keep your face out of the way!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Throw away the paper towels.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Disposing of the towels in a covered trash basket is a good idea.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wash and rinse your dog’s rear end really well.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Expressing the sacs during bath time makes sense, always remembering that a clean doggie rump is a healthy doggie rump.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">If your dog shows discomfort back by his butt and his anal sacs aren’t producing any fluid, he may have an impacted anal sac, which requires veterinary intervention — soon!</p>","description":"If your dog suddenly takes to <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/what-to-do-about-your-dogs-scooting/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">scooting along the carpet</a> 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 <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/what-to-do-about-your-dogs-licking/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">licking or chewing</a> of his rear or tail is another sign that it’s time to get rid of fluid build-up.\r\n\r\n<i>Anal sacs,</i> or anal glands, carry some smelly fluid and occasionally need to be <i>expressed,</i> or emptied. Many dogs express them by themselves every time they poop — the sacs are around a dog’s anus — but occasionally the sacs fill with fluid and your dog needs some help to release the fluid.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Ask your vet before attempting to express your dog’s anal sacs for the first time, because the process can cause impacted anal glands and, in really bizarre instances, can rupture the sacs. And, keep in mind that expressing the anal sacs too often can lead to impacted anal glands, and failing to care for them may lead to infection.</p>\r\nIf you're not 110 percent sure you want to take on the task of expressing your dog's anal glands, don't hesitate to turn the nasty job over to trained staff at your veterinary office. The cost is minimal, especially compared to the damage you could cause (and the smell you'll be exposed to).\r\n\r\nIf you insist on expressing the anal sacs yourself, here's how to do it:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Suit up with a clothespin, heavy-duty rubber gloves, welder’s apron, rubber boots, and tongs so that you look like Michael Keaton changing diapers in <i>Mr. Mom</i><i>.</i></p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Okay, you don’t need to go to these extremes, but the fluid is stinky and nasty, so wear old clothes and nose plugs if you need to.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fold several paper towels together in a huge wad.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You want an absorbent pad to catch the liquid.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Lift your dog’s tail and place the paper towels over his back side (and wonder when commercial television will pick up on this type of ad).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Note the position of the dog’s anus in relation to the paper towels.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use your thumb and forefinger to gently squeeze at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions, using the anus as the clock face.</p>\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109583.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Keep your face out of the way!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Throw away the paper towels.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Disposing of the towels in a covered trash basket is a good idea.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wash and rinse your dog’s rear end really well.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Expressing the sacs during bath time makes sense, always remembering that a clean doggie rump is a healthy doggie rump.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">If your dog shows discomfort back by his butt and his anal sacs aren’t producing any fluid, he may have an impacted anal sac, which requires veterinary intervention — soon!</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201216,"title":"Grooming Your Dog's Hair with a Clipping","slug":"grooming-your-dogs-hair-with-a-clipping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201216"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282158,"slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471773900","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471773905-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/dog-grooming-for-dummies-cover-9780471773900-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9700\">Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award-winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0443628\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b04440f5\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":197571},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:21:15+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-08T16:40:57+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:41+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"Dog Anatomy from Head to Tail","strippedTitle":"dog anatomy from head to tail","slug":"dog-anatomy-from-head-to-tail","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"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 ","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"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.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109799.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"496\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Head’s up on dog parts</h2>\r\nStarting from the head, a dog is made up of the\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Nose: </b>Dog noses are often cold and wet, and of course, they usually get stuck where they’re not wanted.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The<b> muzzle (foreface) </b>comprised of the upper and lower jaws.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The <b>stop</b> is an indentation (sometimes nonexistent) between the muzzle and the braincase or forehead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>forehead (braincase) </b>is the portion of the head that’s similar to your own forehead; it goes from the stop and eyebrows to the back point of the skull.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>occiput</b> is the highest point of the skull at the back of the head and a prominent feature on some dogs.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">It’s well known what <b>ears</b> are, but different dogs have different types of ears, including:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Pricked:</b> Pricked ears are upright.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dropped:</b> Dropped ears hang down.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Button:</b> Button ears have a fold in them.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cropped:</b> Cropped ears are surgically altered.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Eyes</b> are pretty obvious, and most often obviously brown.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Like humans, dogs have <b>eyebrows, </b>or simply <b>brows.</b></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Whiskers</b> provide some sensory feeling.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Flews</b> is just a fancy word for a dog’s <b>lips.</b></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A dog’s <strong>c</strong><b>heek </b>is the skin along the sides of the muzzle — about where your cheeks are if you had a muzzle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Ruffling the neck and doggy shoulders</h2>\r\nParts of the neck and shoulders include\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>nape</b> of the neck is where the neck joins the base of the skull in the back of the head.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The<b> throat</b> is beneath the jaws.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>crest</b> starts at the nape and ends at the withers (see the last item in this list).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>neck</b> is pretty self-explanatory; it runs from the head to the shoulders.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>shoulder</b> is the top section of the foreleg from the withers to the elbow.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>withers</b> are the top point of the shoulders, making them the highest point along the dog’s back.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Baring the canine back and chest</h2>\r\nThe back and the chest are together because they’re part of the dog’s torso, which includes:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>prosternum</b> is the top of the <i>sternum,</i> a bone that ties the rib cage together.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>chest</b> is the entire rib cage of the dog.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>back</b> runs from the point of the shoulders to the end of the rib cage. The term <i>back</i> is sometimes used to describe the back and the loin.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>flank</b> refers to the side of the dog between the end of the chest and the rear leg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>belly</b> or <b>abdomen</b> is the underside of the dog from the end of its rib cage to its tail.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>loin</b> is the back between the end of the rib cage and the beginning of the pelvic bone.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Differentiating pup forelegs and hind legs</h2>\r\nYou’d think that the forelegs and hind legs of a dog would be similar, but they’re about as different as your own arms and legs:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>upper arm</b> on the foreleg is right below the shoulder and is comprised of the humerus bone, which is similar (in name anyway) to the one found in your own upper arm. It ends at the elbow.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>elbow</b> is the first joint in the dog’s leg located just below the chest on the back of the foreleg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The long bone that runs after the elbow on the foreleg is the <b>forearm.</b> Like your arms, it’s comprised of the ulna and radius. The forearm may have feathering on the back.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>wrist</b> is the lower joint below the elbow on the foreleg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sometimes called the <b>carpals, pasterns</b> are equivalent to the bones in your hands and feet —not counting fingers and toes — and dogs have them in both forelegs and hind legs.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Dogs have a <b>foot</b> or <b>paw </b>at the end of each leg, called the<b> forefoot </b>or<b> hind foot </b>depending on whether it’s front or back. The paw comes with nails (sometimes called <i>claws</i>), paw pads, and usually dewclaws.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A dog’s <b>toes</b> are equivalent to your fingers and toes, although you can wiggle yours more easily.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dewclaws</b> are vestiges of thumbs. Because dogs never figured out the opposable thumbs concept (thank goodness, too— can you imagine what mischief they’d get into with them?), these dewclaws are more or less useless appendages.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>toenails</b> or <b>claws</b> on the end of each toe are actually incorporated with part of the last bone of the toes.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the underside of the foot are several <b>pads,</b> including one main pad <i>(communal pad)</i> and a pad under each toe, for a total of five pads. You can find stopper pads behind the wrist on your dog’s forelegs as well.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>upper thigh</b> is the part of the dog’s leg situated above the knee on the hind leg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>stifle</b> or <b>knee</b> is the joint that sits on the front of the hind leg in line with the abdomen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>lower thigh</b> is the part of the hind leg beneath the knee to the hock (see next bullet item). Some dogs have feathering along the back of their lower thighs and hocks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>hock is</b> the oddly shaped joint that makes a sharp angle at the back of the dog’s legs. It corresponds with your ankle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Bringing up the rear</h2>\r\nAt long last (especially with dachshunds and basset hounds) you come to the tail end of the dog. The parts that make up your dog’s rear end include the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>rump </b>(or<b> croup</b>) is the proverbial rear end; it’s where the pelvis bone is.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>tail set</b> is where the tail attaches to the rump. Some dogs have high tail sets, others have low ones.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Everyone recognizes the dog’s <b>tail</b> (or its absence); it’s usually wagging at you.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"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.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109799.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"496\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Head’s up on dog parts</h2>\r\nStarting from the head, a dog is made up of the\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Nose: </b>Dog noses are often cold and wet, and of course, they usually get stuck where they’re not wanted.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The<b> muzzle (foreface) </b>comprised of the upper and lower jaws.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The <b>stop</b> is an indentation (sometimes nonexistent) between the muzzle and the braincase or forehead.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>forehead (braincase) </b>is the portion of the head that’s similar to your own forehead; it goes from the stop and eyebrows to the back point of the skull.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>occiput</b> is the highest point of the skull at the back of the head and a prominent feature on some dogs.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">It’s well known what <b>ears</b> are, but different dogs have different types of ears, including:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Pricked:</b> Pricked ears are upright.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dropped:</b> Dropped ears hang down.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Button:</b> Button ears have a fold in them.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cropped:</b> Cropped ears are surgically altered.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Eyes</b> are pretty obvious, and most often obviously brown.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Like humans, dogs have <b>eyebrows, </b>or simply <b>brows.</b></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Whiskers</b> provide some sensory feeling.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Flews</b> is just a fancy word for a dog’s <b>lips.</b></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A dog’s <strong>c</strong><b>heek </b>is the skin along the sides of the muzzle — about where your cheeks are if you had a muzzle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Ruffling the neck and doggy shoulders</h2>\r\nParts of the neck and shoulders include\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>nape</b> of the neck is where the neck joins the base of the skull in the back of the head.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The<b> throat</b> is beneath the jaws.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>crest</b> starts at the nape and ends at the withers (see the last item in this list).</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>neck</b> is pretty self-explanatory; it runs from the head to the shoulders.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>shoulder</b> is the top section of the foreleg from the withers to the elbow.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>withers</b> are the top point of the shoulders, making them the highest point along the dog’s back.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Baring the canine back and chest</h2>\r\nThe back and the chest are together because they’re part of the dog’s torso, which includes:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>prosternum</b> is the top of the <i>sternum,</i> a bone that ties the rib cage together.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>chest</b> is the entire rib cage of the dog.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>back</b> runs from the point of the shoulders to the end of the rib cage. The term <i>back</i> is sometimes used to describe the back and the loin.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>flank</b> refers to the side of the dog between the end of the chest and the rear leg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>belly</b> or <b>abdomen</b> is the underside of the dog from the end of its rib cage to its tail.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>loin</b> is the back between the end of the rib cage and the beginning of the pelvic bone.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Differentiating pup forelegs and hind legs</h2>\r\nYou’d think that the forelegs and hind legs of a dog would be similar, but they’re about as different as your own arms and legs:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>upper arm</b> on the foreleg is right below the shoulder and is comprised of the humerus bone, which is similar (in name anyway) to the one found in your own upper arm. It ends at the elbow.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>elbow</b> is the first joint in the dog’s leg located just below the chest on the back of the foreleg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The long bone that runs after the elbow on the foreleg is the <b>forearm.</b> Like your arms, it’s comprised of the ulna and radius. The forearm may have feathering on the back.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>wrist</b> is the lower joint below the elbow on the foreleg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sometimes called the <b>carpals, pasterns</b> are equivalent to the bones in your hands and feet —not counting fingers and toes — and dogs have them in both forelegs and hind legs.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Dogs have a <b>foot</b> or <b>paw </b>at the end of each leg, called the<b> forefoot </b>or<b> hind foot </b>depending on whether it’s front or back. The paw comes with nails (sometimes called <i>claws</i>), paw pads, and usually dewclaws.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A dog’s <b>toes</b> are equivalent to your fingers and toes, although you can wiggle yours more easily.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dewclaws</b> are vestiges of thumbs. Because dogs never figured out the opposable thumbs concept (thank goodness, too— can you imagine what mischief they’d get into with them?), these dewclaws are more or less useless appendages.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>toenails</b> or <b>claws</b> on the end of each toe are actually incorporated with part of the last bone of the toes.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">On the underside of the foot are several <b>pads,</b> including one main pad <i>(communal pad)</i> and a pad under each toe, for a total of five pads. You can find stopper pads behind the wrist on your dog’s forelegs as well.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>upper thigh</b> is the part of the dog’s leg situated above the knee on the hind leg.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>stifle</b> or <b>knee</b> is the joint that sits on the front of the hind leg in line with the abdomen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>lower thigh</b> is the part of the hind leg beneath the knee to the hock (see next bullet item). Some dogs have feathering along the back of their lower thighs and hocks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>hock is</b> the oddly shaped joint that makes a sharp angle at the back of the dog’s legs. It corresponds with your ankle.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Bringing up the rear</h2>\r\nAt long last (especially with dachshunds and basset hounds) you come to the tail end of the dog. The parts that make up your dog’s rear end include the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>rump </b>(or<b> croup</b>) is the proverbial rear end; it’s where the pelvis bone is.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <b>tail set</b> is where the tail attaches to the rump. Some dogs have high tail sets, others have low ones.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Everyone recognizes the dog’s <b>tail</b> (or its absence); it’s usually wagging at you.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Head’s up on dog parts","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Ruffling the neck and doggy shoulders","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Baring the canine back and chest","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Differentiating pup forelegs and hind legs","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Bringing up the rear","target":"#tab5"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201216,"title":"Grooming Your Dog's Hair with a Clipping","slug":"grooming-your-dogs-hair-with-a-clipping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201216"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282158,"slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471773900","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471773905-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/dog-grooming-for-dummies-cover-9780471773900-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9700\">Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award-winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b01cb103\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b01cbbc6\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":197577},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:20:40+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-10-15T21:26:02+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:51+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"Dog Vaccination Schedule for Puppy's First Year","strippedTitle":"dog vaccination schedule for puppy's first year","slug":"dog-vaccination-schedule-for-puppys-first-year","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Your new puppy definitely needs a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect him from many dangerous diseases as his doggy immune system develo","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Your new puppy definitely needs a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect him from many dangerous diseases as his doggy immune system develops. Different veterinarians recommend slightly different <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/immunizing-your-dog-with-the-right-vaccinations/\">vaccination schedules</a> and vaccines according to the specific dog’s risk factors.\r\n\r\nYour vet can be more specific about the vaccination needs based on your individual dog, the particular region of the country in which you live, and your individual circumstances. In general, however, the first-year vaccination schedule for puppies usually resembles the schedule in the table here.\r\n<table><caption>Puppy Vaccination Schedule</caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Puppy’s Age</th>\r\n<th>Recommended Vaccinations</th>\r\n<th>Optional Vaccinations</th>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>6 to 8 weeks</td>\r\n<td>Distemper, measles, parainfluenza</td>\r\n<td>Bordatella</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>10 to 12 weeks</td>\r\n<td>DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis],\r\nparainfluenza, and parvovirus)</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordatella, Lyme disease</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>12 to 24 weeks</td>\r\n<td>Rabies</td>\r\n<td>None</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>14 to 16 weeks</td>\r\n<td>DHPP</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>12 to 16 months</td>\r\n<td>Rabies, DHPP</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Boradetella, Lyme disease</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Every 1 to 2 years</td>\r\n<td>DHPP</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Every 1 to 3 years</td>\r\n<td>Rabies (as required by law)</td>\r\n<td>None</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nGetting your adult dog vaccinated may be more controversial than you think. Some people, including many vets, believe adult pets are overvaccinated and think that too many vaccinations pose health risks. Others believe vaccinations should be performed yearly to keep dangerous diseases like distemper from getting a hold on the pet population like they did in decades past. You may consider <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/preventative-health-checklist-for-dogs/\">preventative health measures</a> instead.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Your adult dog may not need annual vaccinations and can instead have <i>titer tests</i><i> </i>— tests that check a dog’s immunity levels — to determine exactly which vaccinations are needed. One exception is the rabies vaccine, which is regulated by law and may be required every one to three years, depending on where you live and the type of rabies vaccine the vet uses.</p>","description":"Your new puppy definitely needs a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect him from many dangerous diseases as his doggy immune system develops. Different veterinarians recommend slightly different <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/immunizing-your-dog-with-the-right-vaccinations/\">vaccination schedules</a> and vaccines according to the specific dog’s risk factors.\r\n\r\nYour vet can be more specific about the vaccination needs based on your individual dog, the particular region of the country in which you live, and your individual circumstances. In general, however, the first-year vaccination schedule for puppies usually resembles the schedule in the table here.\r\n<table><caption>Puppy Vaccination Schedule</caption>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th>Puppy’s Age</th>\r\n<th>Recommended Vaccinations</th>\r\n<th>Optional Vaccinations</th>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>6 to 8 weeks</td>\r\n<td>Distemper, measles, parainfluenza</td>\r\n<td>Bordatella</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>10 to 12 weeks</td>\r\n<td>DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis],\r\nparainfluenza, and parvovirus)</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordatella, Lyme disease</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>12 to 24 weeks</td>\r\n<td>Rabies</td>\r\n<td>None</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>14 to 16 weeks</td>\r\n<td>DHPP</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>12 to 16 months</td>\r\n<td>Rabies, DHPP</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Boradetella, Lyme disease</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Every 1 to 2 years</td>\r\n<td>DHPP</td>\r\n<td>Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Every 1 to 3 years</td>\r\n<td>Rabies (as required by law)</td>\r\n<td>None</td>\r\n</tr>\r\n</tbody>\r\n</table>\r\nGetting your adult dog vaccinated may be more controversial than you think. Some people, including many vets, believe adult pets are overvaccinated and think that too many vaccinations pose health risks. Others believe vaccinations should be performed yearly to keep dangerous diseases like distemper from getting a hold on the pet population like they did in decades past. You may consider <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/dogs/preventative-health-checklist-for-dogs/\">preventative health measures</a> instead.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">Your adult dog may not need annual vaccinations and can instead have <i>titer tests</i><i> </i>— tests that check a dog’s immunity levels — to determine exactly which vaccinations are needed. One exception is the rabies vaccine, which is regulated by law and may be required every one to three years, depending on where you live and the type of rabies vaccine the vet uses.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221acfc0568\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221acfc0e27\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":197517},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:20:17+00:00","modifiedTime":"2019-11-21T20:34:52+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:24+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"How to Cut Your Dog’s Nails","strippedTitle":"how to cut your dog’s nails","slug":"how-to-trim-your-dogs-toenails","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"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","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"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.\r\n\r\nMost 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. Try giving your dog a yummy treat after the trimming session, along with a big hug, a boisterous “Good dog!” and a healthy scratch behind the ears.\r\n<p class=\"Tip \">Before attempting a trim yourself, ask your veterinarian or a groomer to show you how to trim your pup’s toenails them to the right length.</p>\r\nA dog’s toenail is made up of the nail itself and the <i>quick</i><i>,</i> the pink (when it’s visible) part of your dog’s toenails that provides the blood supply to the nail. Avoid cutting into the quick because it bleeds quite a bit and it’s quite sensitive.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109570.image0.jpg\" alt=\"The quick is the dark part inside the nail -- the blood supply to avoid!\" width=\"535\" height=\"334\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">The quick is the dark part inside the nail -- the blood supply to avoid!</div>\r\n</div>\r\nIf you can’t do all your dog’s nails at once, never fear — you can clip them one paw at a time, with other activities or a resting period in between.\r\n\r\nTo trim your dog’s nails:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hold the foot steady, </b>but<b> hold it gently.</b></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Snip off a small bit of the end of each toenail.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Using either the guillotine or scissors-type clippers, place a tiny bit of the nail in the nail clipper and snip.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If the nail feels spongy while you’re trying to cut it, stop immediately — you’re cutting the quick!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Stop any bleeding immediately.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you cut the quick (often called <i>quicking</i>), you’ll have an unhappy dog and a bloody mess. The quick bleeds a great deal, so if you cut it, you need either a nail cauterizer — a tool that stops the bleeding by applying heat — or styptic powder you can apply with a cotton swab. Have a damp washcloth at hand ready to clean up styptic powder and blood as necessary.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Quicking hurts a lot, and most dogs remember the experience long afterward.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Don’t forget the dewclaws if your dog has them. They tend to grow long because they don’t normally touch the ground and if you fail to cut them, they will eventually grow back into your dog’s foot, which is quite painful.</p>\r\nIf you use a nail grinder rather than clippers, use the same method — hold your dog’s foot, turn on the grinder, and grind a little off each nail.","description":"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.\r\n\r\nMost 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. Try giving your dog a yummy treat after the trimming session, along with a big hug, a boisterous “Good dog!” and a healthy scratch behind the ears.\r\n<p class=\"Tip \">Before attempting a trim yourself, ask your veterinarian or a groomer to show you how to trim your pup’s toenails them to the right length.</p>\r\nA dog’s toenail is made up of the nail itself and the <i>quick</i><i>,</i> the pink (when it’s visible) part of your dog’s toenails that provides the blood supply to the nail. Avoid cutting into the quick because it bleeds quite a bit and it’s quite sensitive.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109570.image0.jpg\" alt=\"The quick is the dark part inside the nail -- the blood supply to avoid!\" width=\"535\" height=\"334\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">The quick is the dark part inside the nail -- the blood supply to avoid!</div>\r\n</div>\r\nIf you can’t do all your dog’s nails at once, never fear — you can clip them one paw at a time, with other activities or a resting period in between.\r\n\r\nTo trim your dog’s nails:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hold the foot steady, </b>but<b> hold it gently.</b></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Snip off a small bit of the end of each toenail.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Using either the guillotine or scissors-type clippers, place a tiny bit of the nail in the nail clipper and snip.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If the nail feels spongy while you’re trying to cut it, stop immediately — you’re cutting the quick!</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Stop any bleeding immediately.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you cut the quick (often called <i>quicking</i>), you’ll have an unhappy dog and a bloody mess. The quick bleeds a great deal, so if you cut it, you need either a nail cauterizer — a tool that stops the bleeding by applying heat — or styptic powder you can apply with a cotton swab. Have a damp washcloth at hand ready to clean up styptic powder and blood as necessary.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Quicking hurts a lot, and most dogs remember the experience long afterward.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">Don’t forget the dewclaws if your dog has them. They tend to grow long because they don’t normally touch the ground and if you fail to cut them, they will eventually grow back into your dog’s foot, which is quite painful.</p>\r\nIf you use a nail grinder rather than clippers, use the same method — hold your dog’s foot, turn on the grinder, and grind a little off each nail.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201216,"title":"Grooming Your Dog's Hair with a Clipping","slug":"grooming-your-dogs-hair-with-a-clipping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201216"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282158,"slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471773900","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471773905-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/dog-grooming-for-dummies-cover-9780471773900-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9700\">Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award-winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ab47e44d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ab47ecb8\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":197472},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:40:19+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:40:19+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:13:23+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","strippedTitle":"how to brush your dog’s teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"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. Trip","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>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.)</p>\n<p>How often you brush your dog's teeth depends on your pet and on your motivation factor — although every day is good, once or twice a week is adequate.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Never use human toothpaste on a dog. Human toothpastes generally contain fluoride, which is poisonous to dogs. As they can’t rinse and spit, they swallow everything you put on their teeth.</p>","description":"<p>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.)</p>\n<p>How often you brush your dog's teeth depends on your pet and on your motivation factor — although every day is good, once or twice a week is adequate.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Never use human toothpaste on a dog. Human toothpastes generally contain fluoride, which is poisonous to dogs. As they can’t rinse and spit, they swallow everything you put on their teeth.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201216,"title":"Grooming Your Dog's Hair with a Clipping","slug":"grooming-your-dogs-hair-with-a-clipping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201216"}},{"articleId":200412,"title":"Essential Grooming: Brushing Your Dog's Teeth","slug":"essential-grooming-brushing-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200412"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}},{"articleId":201225,"title":"Giving Your Dog His Medicine","slug":"giving-your-dog-his-medicine","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201225"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282158,"slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471773900","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471773905-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/dog-grooming-for-dummies-cover-9780471773900-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9700\">Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award-winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c34839e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c3488a4\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Squeeze some doggie toothpaste onto a special finger toothbrush made for pets and allow your dog to lick some of it off.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You can use a human toothbrush, but it isn&#8217;t as good as a finger toothbrush.</p>\n<p>Doggie toothpaste &#8212; never use your own! &#8212; is flavored with malt, chicken, or some other yummy flavor that dogs can&#8217;t resist. It makes the experience a little more enjoyable. (Imagine your dentist offering to clean your teeth with chocolate! Yum!)</p>\n"},{"title":"Flip up your dog’s lip and gently rub the toothbrush and toothpaste against her teeth and<b> gums for a few seconds.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109587.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109586.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Don&#8217;t let your dog give you any lip when you brush her teeth; hold it out of the way.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Give your dog a treat, even if </b><b>s</b><b>he allows you to work </b><b>on </b><b>her</b><b> </b><b>for just a few seconds.</b>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>She&#8217;ll remember the experience far more fondly if reward is offered.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Repeat Steps 1 through 3 the next day on a different part of the mouth.</b>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You can gradually lengthen the amount of time spent brushing.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206552},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:40:15+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:40:15+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:13:23+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","strippedTitle":"how to clean your dog’s ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"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 bec","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>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 <i>dropped </i>ears make an ideal place for bacteria to grow and mites to hide.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">If an odor is present around your dog’s ears, they may be infected, which means a trip to the vet.</p>\n<p>Proceed slowly and exercise care during your weekly ear-cleaning session, and make sure you don’t enter the ear canal (which is hard to do because of where it is).</p>","description":"<p>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 <i>dropped </i>ears make an ideal place for bacteria to grow and mites to hide.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">If an odor is present around your dog’s ears, they may be infected, which means a trip to the vet.</p>\n<p>Proceed slowly and exercise care during your weekly ear-cleaning session, and make sure you don’t enter the ear canal (which is hard to do because of where it is).</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201216,"title":"Grooming Your Dog's Hair with a Clipping","slug":"grooming-your-dogs-hair-with-a-clipping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201216"}},{"articleId":200412,"title":"Essential Grooming: Brushing Your Dog's Teeth","slug":"essential-grooming-brushing-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200412"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}},{"articleId":201225,"title":"Giving Your Dog His Medicine","slug":"giving-your-dog-his-medicine","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201225"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282158,"slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471773900","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471773905-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/dog-grooming-for-dummies-cover-9780471773900-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9700\">Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award-winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c331eb1\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c3323e0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Gently hold your dog’s head and expose the inner ear.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109577.medium.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109574.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Sitting down beside your dog usually works. Flip long-hanging ears so that you can clean them.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Squeeze some otic solution into </b>your<b> dog's ear and g</b>ently massage the outside of the ear canal to help the solution do its job<b>.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109578.medium.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109575.image1.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Otic solution is available at groomer&#8217;s supply houses or from your vet; just follow the instructions on the label. Don&#8217;t use anything with insecticides or mite treatment, which may cause infection.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Use a sterile gauze pad or </b><b>sponge to</b><b> gently wipe out the excess solution.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109579.medium.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109576.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You can wrap the gauze or sponge completely around a clamp or forceps and use that to wipe inside and around the ear.</p>\n<p>Don&#8217;t leave any excess solution behind; it can lead to an ear infection. If you notice any red dirt, anything that looks like coffee grounds, or a waxy buildup and you suspect ear mites, see your vet for the appropriate treatment.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206551},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T14:40:07+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-27T14:40:07+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:13:23+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","strippedTitle":"how to brush your dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"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 j","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>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 <i>all</i> 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.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Breeds with corded hair, in particular, just can’t be brushed backward, so brush with the grain and remove all the tangles as you go.</p>\n<p>In brushing your canine companion, whether you go from tail to head or head to tail is entirely up to you. Just start at one end and work your way to the other to be sure that you don’t miss anything in between. These steps start at the front, but you can easily reverse the order:</p>","description":"<p>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 <i>all</i> 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.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Breeds with corded hair, in particular, just can’t be brushed backward, so brush with the grain and remove all the tangles as you go.</p>\n<p>In brushing your canine companion, whether you go from tail to head or head to tail is entirely up to you. Just start at one end and work your way to the other to be sure that you don’t miss anything in between. These steps start at the front, but you can easily reverse the order:</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":201216,"title":"Grooming Your Dog's Hair with a Clipping","slug":"grooming-your-dogs-hair-with-a-clipping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201216"}},{"articleId":200412,"title":"Essential Grooming: Brushing Your Dog's Teeth","slug":"essential-grooming-brushing-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/200412"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}},{"articleId":201225,"title":"Giving Your Dog His Medicine","slug":"giving-your-dog-his-medicine","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201225"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282158,"slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471773900","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471773905-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471773905/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/dog-grooming-for-dummies-cover-9780471773900-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9700\">Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award-winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9700,"name":"Margaret H. Bonham","slug":"margaret-h-bonham","description":" <p><b>Margaret H. Bonham</b> is an award&#45;winning dog writer, a veteran dog trainer, and an experienced dog groomer. The author of <i>The Complete Guide to Mutts</i> and <i>Having Fun with Agility,</i> she lives with 17 dogs and one cat. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9700"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c319988\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471773900&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219c319ee8\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"<b>Start</b><b> brushing</b><b> at the top</b><b> of your dog</b><b>.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109553.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109552.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The key in grooming the head is being gentle. The skin and hair around a dog&#8217;s face are particularly sensitive and you need to take care not to harm eyes or ears.</p>\n<p>If your dog&#8217;s coat or the hair on her face is short, use a soft slicker made specifically for the face. If your dog has long facial hair &#8212; a fall over the eyes or a beard &#8212; put your fingers behind the long hair and gently comb it out so that your dog&#8217;s sensitive skin is protected from the sharp, pointed teeth of the comb.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Tend to ear hair carefully.</b>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>To groom long ear hair, put your hand between the comb and your dog&#8217;s tender skin. If the ear fur is matted or in knots, use a washcloth dipped in detangler solution to slowly comb out the tangles. If the knots of ear fur are too big, (many dogs get them behind the ears), use electric clippers (sliding your hand between the skin and the clipper) to remove them or just ask a professional to do it for you to avoid cutting the skin.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Smooth </b><b>your dog's </b><b>neck ruffs.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109555.image3.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109554.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Start brushing with a soft slicker. If your dog has a <i>ruff</i> (the longer, thicker fur around the neck, shoulders, and chest), use a comb or undercoat rake. Comb through the hair you just brushed before brushing it back the way it should lay.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Feather</b><b> pup's</b><b> forelegs.</b>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Short hair on a dog&#8217;s forelegs usually doesn&#8217;t need to be brushed, but if your dog has <i>feathering</i><i> &#8212; </i> long hair on the backs of the legs that runs from armpit to paw &#8212; you have to comb it out as has a tendency to tangle more so than the rest of your dog&#8217;s coat. Use a detangler solution or a mat splitter or mat comb as necessary.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Go</b><b> gently on</b><b> the soft underbelly.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109557.image5.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109556.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Use a slicker to brush against the lay of the hair (if appropriate &#8212; otherwise, brush with the grain) on Fido&#8217;s chest and belly, being keenly aware that your dog&#8217;s underside is sensitive, especially around the belly and private parts.</p>\n<p class=\"Warning\">Don&#8217;t pull on any mats on your dog&#8217;s sensitive underbelly, and don&#8217;t use a mat rake &#8212;one slip can cause problems. Instead, have a professional groomer remove any mats in this region.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Move</b><b> around the s</b><b>ide</b><b>s </b>and<b> </b><b>up the </b><b>back</b><b> of your pet</b><b>.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109559.image7.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109558.image6.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>There are probably the easiest areas to groom, you brush against the lay of the fur as appropriate and follow up with a comb over.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Now head</b><b> for </b><b>doggy's</b><b> rear end</b><b> for more grooming</b><b>.</b>","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109561.image9.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/109560.image8.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Use a slicker brush to find out how tolerant of being touched on the rear, as this can be a sensitive area. Do a regular brush and comb being extremely careful around the base of the tail near the anus and around the dog&#8217;s, um, equipment.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Catch the h</b><b>ind legs</b><b> for a quick brush up</b><b>.</b>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Like the forelegs, your dog&#8217;s hind legs shouldn&#8217;t require much brushing, but if your dog has feathering, you have to comb it out. If your dog isn&#8217;t a show dog and has feathering down her back legs, you can use an electric clipper with a guarded blade to keep it neat.</p>\n"},{"title":"<b>Tweak </b><b>the </b><b>tail</b><b>.</b>","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>If your dog&#8217;s tail is short, fuggetaboutit! But, if it&#8217;s long and furry, you need to use a comb. For mats, use detangler solution and a mat splitter or mat rake.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206550},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:56:47+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T22:56:47+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:12:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"Preventing Rabies","strippedTitle":"preventing rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Rabies is caused by a viral infection of the nervous system. Most cases of rabies in the United States occur in wild animals. Because dogs share territory with ","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p class=\"normal\">Rabies is caused by a viral infection of the nervous system. Most cases of rabies in the United States occur in wild animals. Because dogs share territory with wild animals, they're at risk of being bitten by a rabid wild animal. (Normally timid animals can become aggressive if rabid.) Most cases of rabies in dogs can be traced to skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats, but any rabid mammal can transmit the disease.</p>\n<p class=\"normal\">The risk of contracting rabies from your dog is extremely small, but the disease is so deadly that, if your dog were to contract it, he would need to be humanely killed, and you would need to have a series of inoculations for your own protection.</p>\n<p class=\"normal\">A dog with rabies may hide, become agitated or nervous, get weak in the hindquarters, or become aggressive. Swallowing difficulties are also common. Whether he's vaccinated or not, and if you see symptoms or not, if you suspect your dog has tangled with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and local public health officials immediately. Your life may depend on it! If your dog is current on his vaccination, he'll need to be quarantined, but if not, public health officials may require that he be killed. That's because the only way to tell for certain that an animal is rabid is to test brain tissues. </p>\n<p class=\"normal\">Can you possibly need any other good reasons to vaccinate your dog against this deadly, contagious disease? Don't take a chance!</p>","description":"<p class=\"normal\">Rabies is caused by a viral infection of the nervous system. Most cases of rabies in the United States occur in wild animals. Because dogs share territory with wild animals, they're at risk of being bitten by a rabid wild animal. (Normally timid animals can become aggressive if rabid.) Most cases of rabies in dogs can be traced to skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats, but any rabid mammal can transmit the disease.</p>\n<p class=\"normal\">The risk of contracting rabies from your dog is extremely small, but the disease is so deadly that, if your dog were to contract it, he would need to be humanely killed, and you would need to have a series of inoculations for your own protection.</p>\n<p class=\"normal\">A dog with rabies may hide, become agitated or nervous, get weak in the hindquarters, or become aggressive. Swallowing difficulties are also common. Whether he's vaccinated or not, and if you see symptoms or not, if you suspect your dog has tangled with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and local public health officials immediately. Your life may depend on it! If your dog is current on his vaccination, he'll need to be quarantined, but if not, public health officials may require that he be killed. That's because the only way to tell for certain that an animal is rabid is to test brain tissues. </p>\n<p class=\"normal\">Can you possibly need any other good reasons to vaccinate your dog against this deadly, contagious disease? Don't take a chance!</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9572,"name":"Gina Spadafori","slug":"gina-spadafori","description":" <p><b>Gina Spadafori</b> is the bestselling author of <i>Dogs For Dummies,</i> which received the President&#39;s Award from the Dog Writers Association of America. <b>Dr. Lauren Demos</b> is a board certified feline specialist who in 2017 was elected the youngest president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. <b> Dr. Paul D. Pion</b> is a board certified veterinary cardiologist as well as cofounder, president, and CEO of the Veterinary Information Network, Inc. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9572"}},{"authorId":10068,"name":"Marty Becker","slug":"marty-becker","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10068"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201225,"title":"Giving Your Dog His Medicine","slug":"giving-your-dog-his-medicine","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201225"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219743a45f\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-632219743ad01\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":201433},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:55:19+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T22:55:19+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:12:01+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Health & Grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"},"slug":"health-grooming","categoryId":33981}],"title":"Giving Your Dog His Medicine","strippedTitle":"giving your dog his medicine","slug":"giving-your-dog-his-medicine","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"There aren't many food items that some dog lover hasn't popped a pill into to try to get their dog to eat it. Peanut butter and hot dogs have always been popula","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p class=\"normal\">There aren't many food items that some dog lover hasn't popped a pill into to try to get their dog to eat it. Peanut butter and hot dogs have always been popular, but cheese (including canned cheese), liverwurst, and cottage cheese all work well, too. Who knows, maybe your dog will even eat a pill-stuffed olive? </p>\n<p class=\"normal\">Of course, you don't have to resort to such subterfuge if you don't want to. You can gently pry your dog's jaws apart by applying firm pressure from either side with your hand over the bridge of his nose and thumb and forefinger on either side, and then tuck the pill way, way back, at the base of the tongue. Then, hold your dog's muzzle closed and skyward and then blow into his nose while stroking his throat. </p>\n<p class=\"normal\">Now you see why most people use hot dogs.</p>\n<p class=\"normal\">If you're tentative or inexperienced, make medicating a two-person job: one to hold the dog, the other to apply medication. Some other tips include the following:</p>\n<p><ul class=\"ul\"><li> <b>Liquid medication.</b> Ask your veterinarian for some large syringes, with the needles removed. These are marked on the sides to make measuring easy, and they're easier, too, for getting liquid medicine in the right place. Raise your dog's muzzle and lift her lip on one side. Ease the tip of the syringe to the back of the throat and then release the liquid in a slow, steady stream.</li></ul></p>\n<p><ul class=\"ul\"><li> <b>Ear medication.</b> Lay a large towel across your lap and coax your dog to put her head on top of it with gentle massage and encouragement. Apply ear drops, massaging the base of the ear gently.</li></ul></p>\n<p><ul class=\"ul\"><li> <b>Eye medication.</b> Have your pet sit between your legs and hold her muzzle up from behind. Gently apply a line of medication from the tube across the length of the eye, being careful not to touch the surface. Try to hit drops squarely in the center. Close the lid for a couple of seconds to let the medication distribute evenly. </li></ul></p>","description":"<p class=\"normal\">There aren't many food items that some dog lover hasn't popped a pill into to try to get their dog to eat it. Peanut butter and hot dogs have always been popular, but cheese (including canned cheese), liverwurst, and cottage cheese all work well, too. Who knows, maybe your dog will even eat a pill-stuffed olive? </p>\n<p class=\"normal\">Of course, you don't have to resort to such subterfuge if you don't want to. You can gently pry your dog's jaws apart by applying firm pressure from either side with your hand over the bridge of his nose and thumb and forefinger on either side, and then tuck the pill way, way back, at the base of the tongue. Then, hold your dog's muzzle closed and skyward and then blow into his nose while stroking his throat. </p>\n<p class=\"normal\">Now you see why most people use hot dogs.</p>\n<p class=\"normal\">If you're tentative or inexperienced, make medicating a two-person job: one to hold the dog, the other to apply medication. Some other tips include the following:</p>\n<p><ul class=\"ul\"><li> <b>Liquid medication.</b> Ask your veterinarian for some large syringes, with the needles removed. These are marked on the sides to make measuring easy, and they're easier, too, for getting liquid medicine in the right place. Raise your dog's muzzle and lift her lip on one side. Ease the tip of the syringe to the back of the throat and then release the liquid in a slow, steady stream.</li></ul></p>\n<p><ul class=\"ul\"><li> <b>Ear medication.</b> Lay a large towel across your lap and coax your dog to put her head on top of it with gentle massage and encouragement. Apply ear drops, massaging the base of the ear gently.</li></ul></p>\n<p><ul class=\"ul\"><li> <b>Eye medication.</b> Have your pet sit between your legs and hold her muzzle up from behind. Gently apply a line of medication from the tube across the length of the eye, being careful not to touch the surface. Try to hit drops squarely in the center. Close the lid for a couple of seconds to let the medication distribute evenly. </li></ul></p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9572,"name":"Gina Spadafori","slug":"gina-spadafori","description":" <p><b>Gina Spadafori</b> is the bestselling author of <i>Dogs For Dummies,</i> which received the President&#39;s Award from the Dog Writers Association of America. <b>Dr. Lauren Demos</b> is a board certified feline specialist who in 2017 was elected the youngest president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. <b> Dr. Paul D. Pion</b> is a board certified veterinary cardiologist as well as cofounder, president, and CEO of the Veterinary Information Network, Inc. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9572"}},{"authorId":10068,"name":"Marty Becker","slug":"marty-becker","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10068"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33981,"title":"Health & Grooming","slug":"health-grooming","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207943,"title":"Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dog-grooming-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207943"}},{"articleId":206552,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dogs-teeth","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206552"}},{"articleId":206551,"title":"How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears","slug":"how-to-clean-your-dogs-ears","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206551"}},{"articleId":206550,"title":"How to Brush Your Dog","slug":"how-to-brush-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206550"}},{"articleId":201433,"title":"Preventing Rabies","slug":"preventing-rabies","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","health-grooming"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201433"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221971c732a\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;health-grooming&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221971c7c4f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":201225}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33981/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=50"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"33981","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":60}],"articleTypeFilter":[{"articleType":"All Types","count":60},{"articleType":"Articles","count":56},{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","count":1},{"articleType":"Step by Step","count":3}]},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"success","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-02-01T15:50:01+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();</script><noscript><img src=\"https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=15097263&cv=2.0&cj=1\" /></noscript>\r\n<!-- / comScore Tag -->","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"<!--BEGIN QUALTRICS WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->\r\n<script type='text/javascript'>\r\n(function(){var g=function(e,h,f,g){\r\nthis.get=function(a){for(var a=a+\"=\",c=document.cookie.split(\";\"),b=0,e=c.length;b<e;b++){for(var d=c[b];\" \"==d.charAt(0);)d=d.substring(1,d.length);if(0==d.indexOf(a))return d.substring(a.length,d.length)}return null};\r\nthis.set=function(a,c){var b=\"\",b=new Date;b.setTime(b.getTime()+6048E5);b=\"; expires=\"+b.toGMTString();document.cookie=a+\"=\"+c+b+\"; path=/; \"};\r\nthis.check=function(){var a=this.get(f);if(a)a=a.split(\":\");else if(100!=e)\"v\"==h&&(e=Math.random()>=e/100?0:100),a=[h,e,0],this.set(f,a.join(\":\"));else return!0;var c=a[1];if(100==c)return!0;switch(a[0]){case \"v\":return!1;case \"r\":return c=a[2]%Math.floor(100/c),a[2]++,this.set(f,a.join(\":\")),!c}return!0};\r\nthis.go=function(){if(this.check()){var a=document.createElement(\"script\");a.type=\"text/javascript\";a.src=g;document.body&&document.body.appendChild(a)}};\r\nthis.start=function(){var t=this;\"complete\"!==document.readyState?window.addEventListener?window.addEventListener(\"load\",function(){t.go()},!1):window.attachEvent&&window.attachEvent(\"onload\",function(){t.go()}):t.go()};};\r\ntry{(new g(100,\"r\",\"QSI_S_ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\",\"https://zn5o5yqpvmvjgdoun-wiley.siteintercept.qualtrics.com/SIE/?Q_ZID=ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\")).start()}catch(i){}})();\r\n</script><div id='ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN'><!--DO NOT REMOVE-CONTENTS PLACED HERE--></div>\r\n<!--END WEBSITE FEEDBACK SNIPPET-->","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for http://www.dummies.com -->\r\n<script>\r\n (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){\r\n h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)};\r\n h._hjSettings={hjid:257151,hjsv:6};\r\n a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];\r\n r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1;\r\n r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv;\r\n a.appendChild(r);\r\n })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv=');\r\n</script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["article"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- //Connect Container: dummies --> <script src=\"//get.s-onetag.com/bffe21a1-6bb8-4928-9449-7beadb468dae/tag.min.js\" async defer></script>","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage"],"location":"header","script":"<meta name=\"facebook-domain-verification\" content=\"irk8y0irxf718trg3uwwuexg6xpva0\" />","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage","article","category","search"],"location":"footer","script":"<!-- Facebook Pixel Code -->\r\n<noscript>\r\n<img height=\"1\" width=\"1\" src=\"https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=256338321977984&ev=PageView&noscript=1\"/>\r\n</noscript>\r\n<!-- End Facebook Pixel Code -->","enabled":true}]}},"pageScriptsLoadedStatus":"success"},"navigationState":{"navigationCollections":[{"collectionId":287568,"title":"BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-entry-level-entrepreneur-287568"},{"collectionId":293237,"title":"Be a Rad Dad","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/be-the-best-dad-293237"},{"collectionId":295890,"title":"Career Shifting","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/career-shifting-295890"},{"collectionId":294090,"title":"Contemplating the Cosmos","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/theres-something-about-space-294090"},{"collectionId":287563,"title":"For Those Seeking Peace of Mind","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-those-seeking-peace-of-mind-287563"},{"collectionId":287570,"title":"For the Aspiring Aficionado","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-bougielicious-287570"},{"collectionId":291903,"title":"For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-budding-cannabis-enthusiast-291903"},{"collectionId":291934,"title":"For the Exam-Season Crammer","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-exam-season-crammer-291934"},{"collectionId":287569,"title":"For the Hopeless Romantic","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-hopeless-romantic-287569"},{"collectionId":296450,"title":"For the Spring Term Learner","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-spring-term-student-296450"}],"navigationCollectionsLoadedStatus":"success","navigationCategories":{"books":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/books/level-0-category-0"}},"articles":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/articles/level-0-category-0"}}},"navigationCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"searchState":{"searchList":[],"searchStatus":"initial","relatedArticlesList":[],"relatedArticlesStatus":"initial"},"routeState":{"name":"ArticleCategory","path":"/category/articles/health-grooming-33981/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{"category":"health-grooming-33981"},"fullPath":"/category/articles/health-grooming-33981/","meta":{"routeType":"category","breadcrumbInfo":{"suffix":"Articles","baseRoute":"/category/articles"},"prerenderWithAsyncData":true},"from":{"name":null,"path":"/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{},"fullPath":"/","meta":{}}},"sfmcState":{"status":"initial"},"profileState":{"auth":{},"userOptions":{},"status":"success"}}
Logo
  • Articles Open Article Categories
  • Books Open Book Categories
  • Collections Open Collections list
  • Custom Solutions

Article Categories

Book Categories

Collections

Explore all collections
BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)
Be a Rad Dad
Career Shifting
Contemplating the Cosmos
For Those Seeking Peace of Mind
For the Aspiring Aficionado
For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast
For the Exam-Season Crammer
For the Hopeless Romantic
For the Spring Term Learner
Log In
  • Home
  • Home, Auto, & Hobbies Articles
  • Pets Articles
  • Dogs Articles
  • Health & Grooming Articles

Health & Grooming Articles

Wondering if your dog is the right weight? Eating the right sort of kibble? Check out these articles to get best practices on raising a healthy and well-groomed pup.

Articles From Health & Grooming

page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6

Filter Results

60 results
60 results
Health & Grooming Dog Grooming For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-01-2022

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. You should also know how to deal with some nasty issues such as matted hair and skunk spray.

View Cheat Sheet
Health & Grooming How to Empty Your Dog’s Anal Sacs

Article / Updated 11-02-2021

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. Many dogs express them by themselves every time they poop — the sacs are around a dog’s anus — but occasionally the sacs fill with fluid and your dog needs some help to release the fluid. Ask your vet before attempting to express your dog’s anal sacs for the first time, because the process can cause impacted anal glands and, in really bizarre instances, can rupture the sacs. And, keep in mind that expressing the anal sacs too often can lead to impacted anal glands, and failing to care for them may lead to infection. If you're not 110 percent sure you want to take on the task of expressing your dog's anal glands, don't hesitate to turn the nasty job over to trained staff at your veterinary office. The cost is minimal, especially compared to the damage you could cause (and the smell you'll be exposed to). If you insist on expressing the anal sacs yourself, here's how to do it: Suit up with a clothespin, heavy-duty rubber gloves, welder’s apron, rubber boots, and tongs so that you look like Michael Keaton changing diapers in Mr. Mom. Okay, you don’t need to go to these extremes, but the fluid is stinky and nasty, so wear old clothes and nose plugs if you need to. Fold several paper towels together in a huge wad. You want an absorbent pad to catch the liquid. Lift your dog’s tail and place the paper towels over his back side (and wonder when commercial television will pick up on this type of ad). Note the position of the dog’s anus in relation to the paper towels. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently squeeze at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions, using the anus as the clock face. Keep your face out of the way! Throw away the paper towels. Disposing of the towels in a covered trash basket is a good idea. Wash and rinse your dog’s rear end really well. Expressing the sacs during bath time makes sense, always remembering that a clean doggie rump is a healthy doggie rump. If your dog shows discomfort back by his butt and his anal sacs aren’t producing any fluid, he may have an impacted anal sac, which requires veterinary intervention — soon!

View Article
Health & Grooming Dog Anatomy from Head to Tail

Article / Updated 10-08-2021

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. The muzzle (foreface) comprised of the upper and lower jaws. The stop is an indentation (sometimes nonexistent) between the muzzle and the braincase or forehead. The forehead (braincase) is the portion of the head that’s similar to your own forehead; it goes from the stop and eyebrows to the back point of the skull. The occiput is the highest point of the skull at the back of the head and a prominent feature on some dogs. It’s well known what ears are, but different dogs have different types of ears, including: Pricked: Pricked ears are upright. Dropped: Dropped ears hang down. Button: Button ears have a fold in them. Cropped: Cropped ears are surgically altered. Eyes are pretty obvious, and most often obviously brown. Like humans, dogs have eyebrows, or simply brows. Whiskers provide some sensory feeling. Flews is just a fancy word for a dog’s lips. A dog’s cheek is the skin along the sides of the muzzle — about where your cheeks are if you had a muzzle. Ruffling the neck and doggy shoulders Parts of the neck and shoulders include The nape of the neck is where the neck joins the base of the skull in the back of the head. The throat is beneath the jaws. The crest starts at the nape and ends at the withers (see the last item in this list). The neck is pretty self-explanatory; it runs from the head to the shoulders. The shoulder is the top section of the foreleg from the withers to the elbow. The withers are the top point of the shoulders, making them the highest point along the dog’s back. Baring the canine back and chest The back and the chest are together because they’re part of the dog’s torso, which includes: The prosternum is the top of the sternum, a bone that ties the rib cage together. The chest is the entire rib cage of the dog. The back runs from the point of the shoulders to the end of the rib cage. The term back is sometimes used to describe the back and the loin. The flank refers to the side of the dog between the end of the chest and the rear leg. The belly or abdomen is the underside of the dog from the end of its rib cage to its tail. The loin is the back between the end of the rib cage and the beginning of the pelvic bone. Differentiating pup forelegs and hind legs You’d think that the forelegs and hind legs of a dog would be similar, but they’re about as different as your own arms and legs: The upper arm on the foreleg is right below the shoulder and is comprised of the humerus bone, which is similar (in name anyway) to the one found in your own upper arm. It ends at the elbow. The elbow is the first joint in the dog’s leg located just below the chest on the back of the foreleg. The long bone that runs after the elbow on the foreleg is the forearm. Like your arms, it’s comprised of the ulna and radius. The forearm may have feathering on the back. The wrist is the lower joint below the elbow on the foreleg. Sometimes called the carpals, pasterns are equivalent to the bones in your hands and feet —not counting fingers and toes — and dogs have them in both forelegs and hind legs. Dogs have a foot or paw at the end of each leg, called the forefoot or hind foot depending on whether it’s front or back. The paw comes with nails (sometimes called claws), paw pads, and usually dewclaws. A dog’s toes are equivalent to your fingers and toes, although you can wiggle yours more easily. Dewclaws are vestiges of thumbs. Because dogs never figured out the opposable thumbs concept (thank goodness, too— can you imagine what mischief they’d get into with them?), these dewclaws are more or less useless appendages. The toenails or claws on the end of each toe are actually incorporated with part of the last bone of the toes. On the underside of the foot are several pads, including one main pad (communal pad) and a pad under each toe, for a total of five pads. You can find stopper pads behind the wrist on your dog’s forelegs as well. The upper thigh is the part of the dog’s leg situated above the knee on the hind leg. The stifle or knee is the joint that sits on the front of the hind leg in line with the abdomen. The lower thigh is the part of the hind leg beneath the knee to the hock (see next bullet item). Some dogs have feathering along the back of their lower thighs and hocks. The hock is the oddly shaped joint that makes a sharp angle at the back of the dog’s legs. It corresponds with your ankle. Bringing up the rear At long last (especially with dachshunds and basset hounds) you come to the tail end of the dog. The parts that make up your dog’s rear end include the following: The rump (or croup) is the proverbial rear end; it’s where the pelvis bone is. The tail set is where the tail attaches to the rump. Some dogs have high tail sets, others have low ones. Everyone recognizes the dog’s tail (or its absence); it’s usually wagging at you.

View Article
Health & Grooming Dog Vaccination Schedule for Puppy's First Year

Article / Updated 10-15-2020

Your new puppy definitely needs a series of vaccinations in the first year of life to protect him from many dangerous diseases as his doggy immune system develops. Different veterinarians recommend slightly different vaccination schedules and vaccines according to the specific dog’s risk factors. Your vet can be more specific about the vaccination needs based on your individual dog, the particular region of the country in which you live, and your individual circumstances. In general, however, the first-year vaccination schedule for puppies usually resembles the schedule in the table here. Puppy Vaccination Schedule Puppy’s Age Recommended Vaccinations Optional Vaccinations 6 to 8 weeks Distemper, measles, parainfluenza Bordatella 10 to 12 weeks DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus [hepatitis], parainfluenza, and parvovirus) Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordatella, Lyme disease 12 to 24 weeks Rabies None 14 to 16 weeks DHPP Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis 12 to 16 months Rabies, DHPP Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Boradetella, Lyme disease Every 1 to 2 years DHPP Coronavirus, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease Every 1 to 3 years Rabies (as required by law) None Getting your adult dog vaccinated may be more controversial than you think. Some people, including many vets, believe adult pets are overvaccinated and think that too many vaccinations pose health risks. Others believe vaccinations should be performed yearly to keep dangerous diseases like distemper from getting a hold on the pet population like they did in decades past. You may consider preventative health measures instead. Your adult dog may not need annual vaccinations and can instead have titer tests — tests that check a dog’s immunity levels — to determine exactly which vaccinations are needed. One exception is the rabies vaccine, which is regulated by law and may be required every one to three years, depending on where you live and the type of rabies vaccine the vet uses.

View Article
Health & Grooming How to Cut Your Dog’s Nails

Article / Updated 11-21-2019

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. Try giving your dog a yummy treat after the trimming session, along with a big hug, a boisterous “Good dog!” and a healthy scratch behind the ears. Before attempting a trim yourself, ask your veterinarian or a groomer to show you how to trim your pup’s toenails them to the right length. A dog’s toenail is made up of the nail itself and the quick, the pink (when it’s visible) part of your dog’s toenails that provides the blood supply to the nail. Avoid cutting into the quick because it bleeds quite a bit and it’s quite sensitive. The quick is the dark part inside the nail -- the blood supply to avoid! If you can’t do all your dog’s nails at once, never fear — you can clip them one paw at a time, with other activities or a resting period in between. To trim your dog’s nails: Hold the foot steady, but hold it gently. Snip off a small bit of the end of each toenail. Using either the guillotine or scissors-type clippers, place a tiny bit of the nail in the nail clipper and snip. If the nail feels spongy while you’re trying to cut it, stop immediately — you’re cutting the quick! Stop any bleeding immediately. If you cut the quick (often called quicking), you’ll have an unhappy dog and a bloody mess. The quick bleeds a great deal, so if you cut it, you need either a nail cauterizer — a tool that stops the bleeding by applying heat — or styptic powder you can apply with a cotton swab. Have a damp washcloth at hand ready to clean up styptic powder and blood as necessary. Quicking hurts a lot, and most dogs remember the experience long afterward. Don’t forget the dewclaws if your dog has them. They tend to grow long because they don’t normally touch the ground and if you fail to cut them, they will eventually grow back into your dog’s foot, which is quite painful. If you use a nail grinder rather than clippers, use the same method — hold your dog’s foot, turn on the grinder, and grind a little off each nail.

View Article
Health & Grooming How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

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.) How often you brush your dog's teeth depends on your pet and on your motivation factor — although every day is good, once or twice a week is adequate. Never use human toothpaste on a dog. Human toothpastes generally contain fluoride, which is poisonous to dogs. As they can’t rinse and spit, they swallow everything you put on their teeth.

View Step by Step
Health & Grooming How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

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. Proceed slowly and exercise care during your weekly ear-cleaning session, and make sure you don’t enter the ear canal (which is hard to do because of where it is).

View Step by Step
Health & Grooming How to Brush Your Dog

Step by Step / Updated 03-27-2016

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. Breeds with corded hair, in particular, just can’t be brushed backward, so brush with the grain and remove all the tangles as you go. In brushing your canine companion, whether you go from tail to head or head to tail is entirely up to you. Just start at one end and work your way to the other to be sure that you don’t miss anything in between. These steps start at the front, but you can easily reverse the order:

View Step by Step
Health & Grooming Preventing Rabies

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Rabies is caused by a viral infection of the nervous system. Most cases of rabies in the United States occur in wild animals. Because dogs share territory with wild animals, they're at risk of being bitten by a rabid wild animal. (Normally timid animals can become aggressive if rabid.) Most cases of rabies in dogs can be traced to skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats, but any rabid mammal can transmit the disease. The risk of contracting rabies from your dog is extremely small, but the disease is so deadly that, if your dog were to contract it, he would need to be humanely killed, and you would need to have a series of inoculations for your own protection. A dog with rabies may hide, become agitated or nervous, get weak in the hindquarters, or become aggressive. Swallowing difficulties are also common. Whether he's vaccinated or not, and if you see symptoms or not, if you suspect your dog has tangled with a wild animal, contact your veterinarian and local public health officials immediately. Your life may depend on it! If your dog is current on his vaccination, he'll need to be quarantined, but if not, public health officials may require that he be killed. That's because the only way to tell for certain that an animal is rabid is to test brain tissues. Can you possibly need any other good reasons to vaccinate your dog against this deadly, contagious disease? Don't take a chance!

View Article
Health & Grooming Giving Your Dog His Medicine

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

There aren't many food items that some dog lover hasn't popped a pill into to try to get their dog to eat it. Peanut butter and hot dogs have always been popular, but cheese (including canned cheese), liverwurst, and cottage cheese all work well, too. Who knows, maybe your dog will even eat a pill-stuffed olive? Of course, you don't have to resort to such subterfuge if you don't want to. You can gently pry your dog's jaws apart by applying firm pressure from either side with your hand over the bridge of his nose and thumb and forefinger on either side, and then tuck the pill way, way back, at the base of the tongue. Then, hold your dog's muzzle closed and skyward and then blow into his nose while stroking his throat. Now you see why most people use hot dogs. If you're tentative or inexperienced, make medicating a two-person job: one to hold the dog, the other to apply medication. Some other tips include the following: Liquid medication. Ask your veterinarian for some large syringes, with the needles removed. These are marked on the sides to make measuring easy, and they're easier, too, for getting liquid medicine in the right place. Raise your dog's muzzle and lift her lip on one side. Ease the tip of the syringe to the back of the throat and then release the liquid in a slow, steady stream. Ear medication. Lay a large towel across your lap and coax your dog to put her head on top of it with gentle massage and encouragement. Apply ear drops, massaging the base of the ear gently. Eye medication. Have your pet sit between your legs and hold her muzzle up from behind. Gently apply a line of medication from the tube across the length of the eye, being careful not to touch the surface. Try to hit drops squarely in the center. Close the lid for a couple of seconds to let the medication distribute evenly.

View Article
page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6

Quick Links

  • About For Dummies
  • Contact Us
  • Activate A Book Pin

Connect

Opt in to our newsletter!

By entering your email address and clicking the “Submit” button, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Dummies.com, which may include marketing promotions, news and updates.

About Dummies

Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookies Settings
Do Not Sell My Personal Info - CA Only