How Important is Proper Dog Grooming?

Grooming your dog is a pleasant bonding experience that goes beyond making he or she look good - it is essential to good health. Your dog cannot tell you when things don’t feel right or beginning to go wrong. Grooming is a preventative medicine technique that will pay off with a healthy and happy pet. The essentials are regular brushing, bathing, dental and ear care, and toenail clipping.

What makes Brushing Essential? 

Your dog has an eventful life full of poking into bushes, digging up things, hopefully not the roses, and rolling in whatever! Brushing with a soft brush distributes lanolin through the fur and pinpoints any problem areas of matting. These mats need to be cut off with a clipper, then your pet should be rebrushed with a wire brush. This will remove ticks and any loose fur. A dog regulates body heat by perspiring just like a human an excess fur gets in the way of this necessary process.

Why is weekly bathing good? 

Aside from the obvious, a smelly dog, redolent of the compost heap he has just rolled in, bathing removes build up perspiration, loose hair and excess skin oils, all of which keep your pup’s coat healthy and prevent mange, an ugly and costly doggie affliction.

Why is dental care more than just chewing bones? 

Dogs can get cavities just like humans and are also subject to Gingivitis. They need yearly professional dental assessments and teeth cleaning. In-between, you should brush the teeth with a canine dentifrice and give bones, and chlorophyll chews to promote healthy gums and better breath.

Is it a good idea to clip a dog’s nails?

In a word, yes. It is essential. Regular clipping protects your floors as well as the pet’s feet and prevents nail splitting. Long toenails can actually get in the way when a dog walks and distort its balance. And while you are clipping with a quality clipper, check out the footpads and look for any cracking. If you find this, apply Vaseline and a sock to help keep the treatment on the foot, not your couch.

Is Pantene good for dogs? 

NO, NO. Your favorite shampoo is probably far too drying for a dogs skin. Please find a good dog shampoo formulated for the correct breed and use it weekly. Supplements such as olive oil, fish oil and brewers yeast added to the dog food will also help make the coat shiny and fresh.

Is it necessary to clean a dog’s ears? 

Most definitely, yes. Many breeds are susceptible to ear infections and can have hair grow into their ear canals. Gently pull any hair growing in the ear to the outside and clip away, if necessary. Clean your dog’s ears with a cotton swab and alcohol several times a month. Be on the lookout for an odor from the ear or excessive head shaking. If you notice either, head straight for the veterinarian.

Establishing a regular grooming routine will ward off many health problems and can become a fun time for you and your pet.

3 students helping care for dogs this summer

Walking out of the kennel with a shovel full of dog poop, Jacqui Prussel had found her dream job. Prussel, a senior at Nashua High School South, is spending her summer working at the Riverside Canine Center; she had spent the past few minutes cleaning out one of the kennels behind the facility. Cleaning up after the dogs is only one component of the job, however. Prussel and two other teens ...

Brunson will Again Lead School Board

Members of the East Aurora School Board re-elected Daniel Brunson as board president during the annual reorganizational meeting held on Tues., July 6. The board also voted for Vice President Kathyann Lorka to retain her post. Lorka and board member Eric Sweet, both of whom won re-election to the board in May, took their oaths of office for their new terms.

Firefighters Criticize Comptroller's Report

Erie County Comptroller Mark Poloncarzs report on the costs of fire protection in the county, released in mid-June, was met with vocal criticism from many firefighters from around the area. Last week, firefighters had the opportunity to hear directly from Poloncarz at a meeting in Elma, and to share their own criticism, questions and concerns about the report.

volunteers

Everyday cancer patients in the area need a ride to local medical facilities for treatment. The American Cancer Society 's Road to Recovery program assists patients and their caregivers with these transportation needs. You can help save a life by volunteering your time as a Road to Recovery volunteer driver. To become a volunteer driver all you need is: a safe and reliable vehicle, proof of ...