How Do I Groom My Puppy?

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

Finn has been very itchy and my vet said I should get him groomed to see if it helps. I love his hair right now so I don't want to cut too much off. How much should I get cut off? He is 5 months old and his hair is probably close to 3 inches long. It looks like it's been crimped and it's so cute.

I also want to get him used to grooming. He hates baths and won't let me near him with a blow dryer. I can cut his nails and he loves being brushed. I am thinking of going to Petsmart for an express grooming because I wasn't able to crate train him. I just want him in and out as quickly as possible.

Here is a picture from a month ago that shows his fur.

[Nancy Cavanaugh]

Hi Linda:

What do you mean by very itchy? is he licking, or biting or scratching with his feet? Any particular area? Any sores or redness? I would hope that your Vet ruled out any skin conditions after a thorough exam. I wouldn't bring Finn to a Pet Smart first time out. They can be very hectic and noisy. You want to bring him to a place thaat you can schedule the first morning appointment - and let the groomer know this is his first time - You want this to be a good experience. Have you had a chance to read any of the other discussions / comments? I just read one comment today - and Barb gave some good tips on how she trains her puppies for grooming - using a box to start. If his skin is itchy - you'll want a very soothing shampoo - oatmeal or neem oil.

[Deanna Marsh]

I love his hair too. My dogs hair looks like that when it's long, but a lighter color. My vet gave me a medicated shampoo (I bet you could find one similar at a feed store) and it's really helped my dogs itching, but she did have a staph infection which creates little lesions. She is still on her 3 week course of antibiotics and twice weekly baths. The bath helped right away though, that's why I suggest it.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

What I mean is that he is scratching himself a lot all over and sometimes chewing at his fur. I have considered allergies but since they are not common in puppies, I am trying to rule out other things first. He had 2 hotspots and is on antibiotics. The vet did examine him and all we noticed was sand in his fur thus a good grooming. I can't bath him properly holding him with one arm. I do use oatmeal shampoo.

[Deb McD]

I love the Oatmeal Shampoos - a little higher quality shampoo and rinse will be great for his coat and keep it shiny. Also, my breeder suggested Omega 3-6-9 for a nice coat.