Bathing too frequently will remove essential natural oils and dry the skin. Check with a professional for recommendations for your specific breed of dog. Nail trimming is another grooming tecnique which is beneficial for an owner to practice. Before attempting to cut your dogs nails, it is a good idea to get professional instruction. Untrimmed nails can ingrow, curl down into the pads, and cause the toes to spread making it difficult for the dog to walk.
Long nails can scratch the floor, people, and tear furniture and carpet.
Most dogs and their owners are quite nervous about clipping the nails. Clip only a little at a time, being careful not only to cut into the vein. Cutting into the vein not only hurts the dog but will also cause a lot of bleeding. Grooming methods, tools, and other aids will vary depending on the proficiency of the owner, the breed of dog, and the situation for which the grooming may be necessary. This column touches only on basic items.