Establishing a regular grooming routine with your dog will keep her looking and feeling great! Most dogs should be groomed at least once a week and all you need are some simple tools including a dog brush, nail clippers, cotton swabs and natural dog shampoo. During your grooming time you will have the opportunity to check your dog's overall condition including her skin, eyes, ears, coat and teeth. Your dog grooming session is also a nice way to bond with your dog and should be a pleasant experience for you both.

Coat and skin care start from the inside with a complete, balanced and high quality diet. A dull, dry, or itchy coat is often indicative of a poor diet and can be easily rectified. These days there a many options for people who are looking to feed their dog the best food possible. Consider switching to an organic or dehydrated raw dog food if you think your dog might need a better diet. Many dogs benefit from adding fish oil to their diet as well.

Brushing is a great way to start your grooming routine and is a must before giving your pup a bath. Brushing eliminates mats and tangles, removes dead hair, dirt and burrs. Brushing distributes the natural oils, producing a healthy skin tone. Slicker brushes are a great all-around tool, and we also like the Zoom Groom for its massage-like capability. Our dog Scout loves the Zoom Groom and lay down for their massage as soon as they see it.

After brushing, its a good idea to check your dogs ears. Flop-eared dogs can be prone to ear infections so you'll want to check your long-eared dog often. A simple ear cleaning solution can be made with one part white vinegar to one part water. Dip a cotton ball or swab in the mixture and wipe out your dogs ears. Use a separate swab for each ear to avoid cross contamination should she have an ear infection.

Nails should be clipped on a regular basis. Overly long nails spread the paws which is painful and, in extreme cases, crippling. Neglected nails can snag fabrics, rugs, human skin, and cause injury. How often you trim depends on your individual dog's need. Nails are short enough when your dog can stand squarely on her pads with the nails bearing none of her weight. A good nail length enables your puppy to develop normally, and for elderly dogs it is essential for comfort, particularly if they suffer from arthritis. Make sure to have Styptic Powder on hand no matter what Nail Trimmer you choose.

Brushing your dog's teeth promotes healthy teeth and gums. You can make a natural toothpaste with baking soda and water. Wrap your finger in some gauze and dip it in the baking soda paste to gently clean your dog's teeth. If your dog has a lot of tarter and plaque build-up, consider getting her teeth professionally cleaned before embarking on your own daily tooth cleaning routine. Adding raw, meaty bones (raw - never cooked) to your dog's diet will help keep her teeth clean and healthy, too!

When bathing your dog, choose a high-quality, natural dog shampoo. Don't use your shampoo on your dog because the pH of her skin is very different and your shampoo could dry her skin. How often your bathe your dog will depend on your particular situation. Most dogs should be bathed only when necessary. Because your dog's pH is different from yours, she does not need to be bathed daily.

Certain breeds may need professional grooming to keep their coats in tip-top shape. And, some people may find it's just easier to take their pup to a professional groomer. If you do, make sure your groomer uses natural grooming products whenever possible.

Starting a regular grooming routine simple and rewarding for both you and your dog. It gives you an opportunity to spend some quality time with your dog while caring for and maintaining her health.