subject: Grooming Needs Of Miniature Schnauzers [print this page] Miniature Schnauzers have a striking and unique appearance. Their look, and overall health, is dependant on good dog grooming practices.
Miniature schnauzers have a double coat. This means that they have a soft, short haired coat under a long haired coat. Occasional haircuts are required to help keep the coat from matting. What other upkeep is required?
Besides the coat trimming, the dog needs regular baths, nail trimming, tooth brushing and having the anal glands expressed. Some owners enjoy doing the grooming themselves, while others prefer hiring a groomer to do it.
If you decide to use a groomer, visit the groomer before taking the dog. Check for cleanliness and if the groomers are adequately trained. Another consideration is what chemicals or soaps will be used on the dog. Also check the area where your Miniature Schnauzer will be kept before and after grooming.
Like any other business, get referrals and call them. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints.
There are several grooming aids that youll need if doing the grooming yourself. These items include clippers, combs, shears, toenail clippers, dog shampoo, conditioner and dog toothpaste. They should all be readily available at the larger pet supply retailers.
Before clipping your pet, take a look at a Schnauzer grooming chart. This will give you an idea of how to get the look thats associated with this breed of dog.
Its also important to regularly brush your dogs coat. If the dog isnt brushed frequently enough, its coat can become so matted that the mats have to be cut out.
An area of grooming thats sometimes overlooked is dental hygiene. Some dogs love having their teeth brushed. Others act like theyre being killed. Regardless to how your dog reacts, its an essential element in grooming.
Not brushing can lead to tooth and gum disease that can threaten the dogs life. Be sure to use dog toothpaste. Dogs may drool sometimes, but they cant spit. Some of the ingredients in human toothpaste may be harmful to the dog if swallowed.
Your Miniature Schnauzer will periodically need to have its nails trimmed. This is frequently included as part of the package at the groomers. If youre going to do it yourself, be sure to get dog specific toenail clippers. You might want to get a styptic pencil too.
The thing to be careful of when trimming nails is that you dont cut the quick. Thats where the styptic pencil comes in. Even the pros occasionally make a mistake!
Another, sometime unpleasant, aspect of dog grooming is expressing the anal glands. The anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of the dogs anus. They secrete a fluid into the feces during the dogs bowel movement. This fluid produces a scent unique to that dog.
When this fluid isnt released it begins to thicken and can lead to infection. For the dogs health its important that the groomer or vet periodically removes the fluid.
Pet owners need to make sure that all of these aspects of dog grooming are addressed. This will lead to a happier, healthier Miniature Schnauzer.
