Regular grooming should be a healthy part of your dog’s regular routine. It can even be fun if you start early and associate grooming with positive experiences.

Regular grooming includes brushing the coat, brushing teeth, bathing, checking the eyes, ears and paws, and examining the skin. While that might not sound like a list of things your dog wants to do, you can make it enjoyable.

It starts with your attitude. If you treat these activities like a chore and are gruff with your dog, he’ll pick up on that. Make it seem exciting and give your dog plenty of praise when he sits still for you. You might also want to give a food reward – ideally a piece of your dog’s normal food – for good behavior. If you start when your dog is a puppy, those positive reinforcements will make grooming easier when he gets older.

Learn how to use the grooming tools your dog needs appropriately. If you don’t know how to use them, they can be ineffective and even painful for your dog. Have someone experienced with the use of grooming tools assist you.

Here are suggestions, as well as signs you should look out for while grooming. If you notice any of the signs listed, contact your veterinarian.

• Brushing: For many dogs, brushing is an enjoyable experience. It feels good to your dog and also helps to increase your bond with your dog. Additionally, it gives you a chance to take a close look at your dog’s skin and coat. Look for unusual lumps under the skin, rashes, bald spots, sores, and dull or flaky skin. While a few flakes may not require medical attention, you will want to ask your veterinarian about anything you find that's unusual or about which you have questions.
  
• Brushing Teeth: Use specially formulated toothpaste for dogs when brushing your dog’s teeth. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and other ingredients that can harm your dog if swallowed in excessive amounts. Make sure to give your dog plenty of praise for letting you look at and clean his teeth. When examining your dog’s mouth, always check for strong breath odor, red or bright pink and swollen gums and excessive tartar on the teeth (yellow or brown stains on the teeth). If you suspect any problems with your dog’s mouth, consult your veterinarian.
  
• Bathing: Many dogs enjoy the water, but even for the dogs that don’t, you can associate bath time with a positive experience. Make it fun and exciting for your dog and praise him for good behavior during the bath. Use shampoo specially formulated for dogs, and remember not to bathe him too often. Read more about Bathing. 
  
• Checking Eyes, Ears, Paws and Skin: Make all of these part of a routine. Reward your dog for sitting still while you make sure his eyes are clear and free of discharge, his ears don’t have a strong odor or sign of infection, his paws don’t have cuts or material packed in them and his skin is free of rashes or lumps. See the article on Nail Clipping for additional information.

With a lot of praise, a good attitude and rewards, you can make grooming something your dog looks forward to, and that makes it easier for dog and owner alike.