Australian Shepherd Grooming – Keeping your Australian Shepherd Clean and Healthy

Australian Shepherd grooming is very important.  It is the key for keeping your Australian Shepherd attractive and in top shape.   Below are the things you need to know in grooming your Aussie.

First on the list is your Australian shepherd’s coat.   Remember that the Australian Shepherd’s coat plays a vital role in his effectiveness as a working breed.  Its coat provides protection against burns and resistance from dirt and mud.  Thus, one needs to invest in a good brush. Most of Australian Shepherds have straight to wavy, weather resistant and medium-length coat.  You need a firm-bristle brush to help you comb through your Aussie’s hair without harming its skin and pulling off its hair.  Do not allow loose hair to fall onto your furniture and carpet.  Brush your Aussie’s hair regularly.  Use a smaller brush to get behind your Aussie’s ears and other smaller parts, too.

Now let’s proceed to your Aussie’s nails.  Trim its nails every two to three weeks.  It is best to use dog nail clippers when trimming your Aussie’s nails.  Be careful in trimming your Aussie’s nail.  It has to be contained in a comfortable manner to keep it from moving or shaking during the procedure. When your Australian Shepherd is already contained hold the paw of the nail you’re going to trim and press your thumb below the middle of the paw pads then press up to expose all of your Aussie’s nails.  Cut only near the end of the claw and avoid clipping the nerve so as not to hurt your Australian Shepherd.

Ear cleaning is also part of Aussies grooming.  Wax and dirt builds up on your Aussie’s ears that can lead to bacteria growth.  Scratching and head shaking is a signal that your Australian Shepherd needs ear cleaning.  Soak just enough ear wash formulated for ear cleaning in a cotton ball then rub it gently in your Aussie’s ears. Run it along the corners of your Aussie’s ears and avoid placing the swab down its ear canals and let your Australian Shepherd shake off excess moisture to avert ear infection.

Last but not the least is your Aussie’s teeth.  You need to brush your Aussie’s teeth to prevent tartar.  Use a toothbrush and toothpaste that’s especially made for dogs.  You can buy them from a pet store or from your veterinarian.  You can train your Australian Shepherd to sit still while you brush his teeth.  Brush your Aussie’s teeth in a gentle and massaging motion.    After the procedure you can reward you Australian Shepherd with a tartar-control treat.

Australian Shepherd grooming lets you enjoy a healthy relationship with your pet.  It creates a happy atmosphere between you and your Australian Shepherd.  It enables you to spend time with him and also enables you to earn his trust.