5 Dog Grooming Poodle Tips

Whether you have a standard, miniature or toy size, the following 5 dog grooming poodle tips will help you properly care for your dog. Grooming helps keep her in good health and looking her best. Although a professional groomer is the best choice when it comes to styling your poodle’s fur, there are several grooming procedures you can do at home. 

1. Keep your poodle’s coat free of mats. Poodle have dense, curly hair that is prone to matting if not taken care of. Dampen the area you’re grooming lightly with water or a conditioning spray then use a pin brush to get rid of mats and tangles. Don’t brush your dog’s fur when it’s dry, since this can lead to breakage. Use a slicker brush and work your way up from the skin in a straight line. Brush one small area at a time. Avoid brushing too often, since this can wear down your poodle’s fur. 
2. Bathe your poodle regularly. Give your dog a bath about every 7 to 10 days, unless her fur gets dirty before then. Clear any mats in her fur before putting her in the tub. Protect her eyes and ears from water and shampoo when bathing her. Use shampoos and conditioners made specifically for dogs. If your poodle has white fur, you can use a shampoo specially made for dogs with this coat color. Run a comb through her fur and dry her off to prevent tangles from forming. 
3. Keep your poodle’s teeth clean. Take your dog to the vet for a professional cleaning, especially if she’s older, and maintain good dental hygiene by brushing her teeth daily. Start by gently rubbing a finger along her gums then use a soft-bristled toothbrush and canine toothpaste to remove bits of food and prevent plaque buildup. Hold the brush at an angle so you can get under her gums and move the brush in circles. Begin in the back of her mouth and work your way toward the front. Brushing is especially important if you have a miniature or toy poodle, since they are more prone to developing dental problems than standard poodles. 
4. Check your poodle’s ears. Lift up your dog’s ears and look inside for debris or dirt. If you notice an unpleasant odor or see brownish spots, she might have an ear infection. Bring her to the vet to have her ears examined, especially if she also shakes her head frequently and whimpers. You can bring your poodle to a professional groomer for a trim if she has a lot of hair in her ear canals. 
5. Trim your poodle’s nails. If your dog can tolerate having her paws handled and nails trimmed, you can clip her nails at home. If she’s difficult to control or snaps, bring her to a professional groomer or the vet instead. Hold her paw and use guillotine clippers to snip the nail. Cut just below the pink part of her nail, which is called the quick. If you trim the quick by accident, use a silver nitrate product to stop the bleeding. If your poodle has dark claws and you can’t see the quick, do small clippings until you see a grayish-pink spot in the middle of the nail. Stop cutting at that point or you’ll reach the quick.