Dog Grooming Harness

By Stephanie Hetu

We all want our pet's coat to look shiny and free of snags, and a dog grooming harness is just the ticket for gaining cooperation and control. There is a rule of thumb about the appropriate amount of brushing: once a week -- at a minimum! Long-haired dogs should be brushed daily and short-haired dogs perhaps only twice a week -- but brush you must!

And since you must do all this brushing yourself, most likely you will want to have a dog grooming harness that allows you to gently restrain your pet while you groom it. To get a proper fit for your dog's harness, you should measure the girth of their body behind the front legs and add 2 inches. Don't forget to buy a different sized harness as your dog grows so as not to chafe the skin or inhibit proper breathing.

Also helpful might be a grooming table--or at least a grooming arm. A grooming arm and strap that can be attached with a universal clamp to a variety of tables. The dog grooming harness is then attached to the strap on the grooming arm and control can be maintained while you brush. There is no particular need for a special harness just for grooming, but whichever harness you have must be loose enough to allow the hair under the straps to be accessible. Don't forget: never leave your dog unattended on the grooming table.

A suggestion from one of the leading pet stores in the country is to make brushing and grooming a part of your exercise routine. Once you have played with your dog and tired it out, it is more content to relax under a gentle brushing. It is also a good time to check its eyes, ears and pads to make sure there are no burs or thorns hiding out. A dog grooming harness will let you hold your pet while you get to all the necessary places. While you are about the brushing and combing, become aware of which areas are your dog's favorite places for a good rub or scratch, as these are the areas that you can use when you visit your vet to calm your pet and distract it during an otherwise stressful time.

About the Author:

Stephanie Hetu
www.cutepuppydog.com/

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