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Routine Care for your dog

What routine care can I offer my dog at home?

dogDental care, ear cleaning, and nail trimming are all important to maintain your dog's health.

Dental care

Brushing your dog's teeth at home will help to delay the progression of dental disease as it ages. Your nurse can instruct you on proper brushing technique and will recommend an appropriate brush and toothpaste.

Ear cleaning

Regular ear cleaning is an essential part of maintaining your dog's health. Normal ear wax should be a golden yellow color. If you notice a dark brown or black wax, or if your dog is scratching at its ears excessively, call us to schedule an appointment.

Nail trimming

Dogs' claws can become quite sharp if they are not cut on a regular basis. If you take too much off the nail, you will cut into the “quick,” and bleeding and pain will occur. Therefore, a few points are helpful:

  • If your dog has clear or white nails, you can see the pink of the quick. Avoid the pink area, and you should be out of the quick.
  • If your dog has black nails, you will not be able to see the quick so only cut 1/32" (1 mm) of the nail at a time until the dog begins to get sensitive.
  • If your dog has some clear and some black nails, use the average clear nail as a guide for cutting the black ones.
  • When cutting nails, use sharp trimmers. Dull trimmers tend to crush the nail and cause pain even if you are not in the quick.
  • You should have styptic powder available. Please ask us if you have any questions.