Process Explanation -Dog Grooming - Essay Example

Dog Grooming Anyone who has ever had a dog as a pet will understand the importance of proper grooming in the routine care of the animal. Large long haired breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, are a special problem as their coat can cause them discomfort in the summer, or be the source of odors for the pet owner. Typically, we think of grooming as giving the dog a bath, trimming the excess fur, and drying and brushing the dogs coat. However, grooming is much more than just a once-a-month routine.

Grooming a Golden Retriever is an ongoing process that involves bathing, attention paid to important areas, and develops a bond between owner and their pet. Baths, a traditional part of grooming, should only be given about once a month. This helps keep the natural oils in the coat that the animal relies on to act as a water repellant (Woolf). When giving the dog a bath, care must be taken to use shampoo specifically designed for pets. It is less strong than shampoo that is made for humans and does less damage to the natural composition of the fur.

The groomer should take care during bathing to notice any irregularities in the pets skin. After the bath, the dog should be trimmed of excess fur and brushed. However, grooming does not stop here. There are additional areas to be inspected, cleaned, and trimmed.After the bath, a dog needs to be trimmed in the areas of matted fur, excess fur, nails, and ears. For a long haired breed such as a Golden Retriever, a firm long bristle brush helps to remove tangles and matted fur from the dog. When encountering a tangle, it is advisable to work slowly from the outside of the area a little at a time (Woolf).

If the coat is excessively tangled, work in short sessions and give the dog ample amounts of praise for its patience (Woolf). Other important areas to groom include trimming the toenails and cleaning the ears. Look for the appearance of ticks, mites, or infections that could become complicated at a later date. Grooming serves an additional purpose in that it develops a bond between the dog owner and the dog. Grooming should be continued daily with regular brushing and inspection. Long haired breeds shed routinely and need to have the loose undercoat removed with a firm bristle brush.

This is a good opportunity to inspect the pet for fleas or skin irritations. This period of brushing brings the owner and the pet together and helps the owner better understand their animal. Daily brushing will create a life long bond between the pet and owner.In conclusion, grooming starts with a monthly bath and continues as a daily routine of brushing. A monthly bath, utilizing the proper shampoo, is a good time to inspect the animal for ticks, mites, or other irregularities. Trimming the toe nails and cleaning the ears is also done when giving the pet a bath.

Brushing with a firm bristle brush helps to remove any loose hair, matted fur, and tangles. Daily brushing continues to keep the dog well groomed and is an opportunity for a regular inspection of the dogs health. In addition, daily grooming creates a bond between the dog and the pet owner. While we may think of grooming as a once-a-month task, it is really a daily routine that is rewarding for both animal and the pet owner. Works CitedWoolf, Norma B. "A Grooming Primer." Dog Owners Guide. 2008.

Canis Publications. 7 July 2008 .