Photo by Donald Kilgore.

As soon as our crocus colors peek through post-wintry grounds, warmer weather signals a dog bath. April is a very exciting, very busy time in our house. We stare out the window eagerly awaiting the flip flop season and open all the windows to air out the house during fresh rainy days.

The pups dream of rolling in soft grass and chasing songbirds through wild flower fields nearby. All the while Halle hops in and out of random bushes – following her busy nose. Charlie somehow manages to pursue his fetish for Geese poo! Yuck! Between spring cleaning and de-cluttering the house, we manage to give our dogs their seasonal dog bath.

“I’m feeling a lil’ Funky!” – Halle

Spring Cleaning starts with a Dog Bath and then some…

As an interior designer, yogi and self declared “de-clutter diva”, spring is an excellent opportunity to cleanse and renew my body, mind and soul. It’s a natural progression from cold wintry months to sunny days and gloriously painted toes.

Spring Cleaning Goes to the Dogs!

Since the entire family experiences a fresh renewal I figured the dogs could benefit from a “doggy” spring cleaning too. And why not? There’s nothing more pleasant than a fresh cuddly clean dog. So I’ve developed a dog spring cleaning checklist of the various tasks we do to prep our pups for spring. I have to admit that I tend to slightly abuse the Doggy Spring Cleaning To-Do’s in addition to the baths – happy grin! Ok here is the checklist:

- Gather and thoroughly clean the dog toys, blankets and pillows.
- Soak and give any cotton leads a spin in the washing machine.
- Clean and store the winter toys and winter gear.
- Clean the car blankets and pillows.
- Secretly take out and hide the summer toys.
- Give the crates a good wash and scrub.

- Finish up with the head-to-tail Dog Grooming checklist that includes a highly anticipated nice dog bath!

And Voila! – Your pup is all freshened up and ready for all the summer fun!

“I love the Bubbles and Cuddles I get during my bath!” – Charlie

Freebie Dog Bath (or shall we say) Shower…

The funniest thing happened to us one spring day when Vish and I took Halle for a nice long dog walk. The weather was quite unstable; the type of day when any minute clouds would burst into heavy tears. And so they did. We were stuck right in the middle of it. It was almost ridiculous the amount of warm rain that suddenly inundated. Streets turned into rushing rivers and Halle transformed into a gloomy gargoyled depressed dog – if that makes any sense – miserably trotting and seriously avoiding the puddles.

We hid in a safe spot for a little while hoping it would pass but decided to conquer the rains and head home. I’ve never seen Halle so outrageously depressed about getting soaked. It was soooo funny I wish I had a video! Just the thought of it makes me smile. I grabbed a bunch of towels and started vigorously drying our little girl. Shaking her around a bit, trying to bring her back to life. She loved THAT part!

A couple of ultra wet towels later, our happy Halle finally returned. After all that hoopla, we now have a super shamwowed clean dog – always a nice thing!

Sometimes I give Halle a double look whenever I hear the rain on the roof. She gives me a deeply concerned look back.

Freebie Dog Bath / Shower = Priceless!

There’s a huge debate: “How often should I give my dog a bath?” The opinions range from dog owners bathing their dog weekly to almost never. The answer might surprise you!

Dog lovers if you want a happy healthy dog I highly suggest you follow the holistic dog care approach: a dog bath on an as needed basis. That’s it!

Save yourself some money on ridiculously expensive dog shampoos, conditioners, spritzers and celebrity dog groomers. Not to mention, you’ll save your dog’s delicate skin from all those unnecessary washings. Keep it simple. I know it might be hard to believe. But how often do wolves and wild dogs get a spa treatment? If your dog ends up one day happily rolling in mud, bath time is obviously warranted. Other that, just give your pooch a quick wipe down right after a good dog grooming session to keep him feeling supa fresh.

In the HBD houshold, we bathe our canine kangaroos in spring, just after all the after winter yuckiness and sogginess goes away. In late fall, right before the temperatures drop down below zero so the dogs don’t get to uncomfortable in their wetness. In between they get some quick cleans when needed. I have an ultimate post in the works about natural dog washing etiquette that will keep your dog’s skin and coat happy and healthy.

Let’s discuss! What’s your take on the dog bath? Are you considering starting a spring cleaning routine for your dog? I would love to hear your comments below. Keep things simple with the dog bath and use that extra time to play!

What’s the best dog grooming brush you might wonder? Well that all depends on your furry client and what kind of coat he’s sporting. I don’t want you wasting time, money and your dog’s comfort by grooming your pup with the wrong dog brush. It’s not worth your energy. Dog brushes are not rocket science. You just need to know which brush does what. You may end up needing two different brushes if you want your dog to shine. Whatever you do, make sure you buy the right one!

Dog Rakes

Rakes are the number one dog grooming brush when it comes to our beloved undercoat-shedding furry monkeys. You know who you woollies are! These dogs have a generally softer fluffy-like undercoat with a harder, longer, more resilient outer coat. Dogs that have a heavy undercoat will leave hair balls and trails of hair literally everywhere in your house. You don’t want your dog’s hair chunks to follow you to work. Not very fun! If you have a Bernese Mountain Dog, a Golden Retriever, a Newfoundlander or a Siberian Husky then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Your job is to keep that undercoat in check and the best dog brush for this particular job is a dog rake. There are two different types of dog rakes, undercoat rakes and dematting rakes.

The most popular undercoat dog rake that immediately comes to mind is the FURminator. I’m sure you’ve seen the video demos where dogs are surrounded by ginormous fur mountains, looking so fresh and clean and lighter from all that dead hair. The tool is quite impressive and it gets the job done exceptionally well. It’s not recommended for all dog breeds like Weims and Portuguese Water Dogs because those breeds don’t have an undercoat. Make sure you check the appropriate dog breed list first.

The FURminator is a little bit on the higher end of the dog brush spectrum but it’s essential if you don’t want to end up living with all that dead hair throughout the house. Any other simple good quality dog rake will also do for getting all that undercoat hair out. A good bet is the Vista Undercoat Shedding rake by Millers Forge. It offers a cushion grip that prevents hand and wrist strain even when wet. This heavy-duty dog grooming brush is easy to use and at a good price point.

The second type is the Dematting dog rake. Mats are basically a combo of fallen undercoat hair bunched up with the outer coat hair, creating a type of fur-ball-bundled-up-tangle. You mostly see this with longer haired dogs like Bouvier des Flandres and Golden Retrievers. The best dog brush for de-matting your dog would be the Bamboo Undercoat and Dematting Rake. It’s a great 2-in-1-combo dog grooming tool, ideal for medium to long haired dogs. On one side you have an undercoat rake and on the flipside a dematting rake that takes care of tangles like a charm.

You want to brush your dog on a regular basis and remove that undercoat often so that it doesn’t start to bunch up with the dog’s top coat. Go easy on the mats especially with the bladed dematting rakes. You don’t want to rip or cut them out because your dog is going to look like a total grooming FAIL with bald spots and weird cuts all over. I strongly recommend you don’t go hard when removing mats. The end goal is to remove the unwanted tangles while minimizing hair breakage. Take your time, be mindful and be patient with your pooch. Brush your dog to get rid of the mats as much as possible so that you can keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny.

Pin Brushes

Pin Brushes are excellent for medium length coats, wire coats and beautiful wavy coats. Pin Brushes are the perfect dog grooming brush for all you Goldie owners. This is the brush you go with if you want to keep your dog hair off your furniture and clothes. The pin brush will gently remove the dead hair that hangs around the surface of your dog’s coat. These dog brushes are super common and most models resemble human hairbrushes. They’re also a fantastic tool for working out mats because they’re gentler on the hair. The Millers Forge Dog Grooming Pin Brush is exactly what you need to turn your Golden into a show dog. It has an anti-static, rounded pin tip for extra gentleness and the super comfortable design features are a huge plus. Trust me, all the other Goldies will envy your superstar. Pin Brushes are an exceptional tool that you just can’t go without.

Slicker Brushes

I love the name of this next grooming tool, it sounds so fun and sassy! The Slicker is your all-round dog brush and a very popular finishing brush that will give your dog that desired super shiny coat. This is the brush you use to remove the remaining dead hair from your dog. Plus it’s specially designed bristles will stimulate your dog’s natural oils giving your dog that celebrity glam polished look. Slickers are easy to spot. They generally have a rectangular elongated or a square shape with small pin-like bristles. A Slicker is super versatile. You can also use it as a gentler alternative when dealing with mats and tangles. Again our top choice is the Millers Forge Soft Slicker Dog Brush. It offers exceptional quality at a very reasonable price. Millers Forge has been in business for over 50 years. These folks know what they’re doing.

Bristle Brushes

Once you’ve got all the undercoat and dematting taken care of, it’s time to put on the finishing touches. The Bristle Brush is your best dog brush for this last grooming step. Its works wonders on all dog breeds and all dog coats. It will generously fluff up your Golden’s tail and buff up your Weim’s sleek silvery coat. I like this dog brush because it gives your dog a nice massage, stimulates blood circulation, gets rid of those last little hairs and it gives your dog a super shiny coat.

I highly recommend that you hook your dog up with a natural bristle brush because it’s safer and gentler on the skin plus it will last you a long time. Worth every penny! You could also get a regular synthetic bristle brush and it will work well. Whichever you prefer, you most definitely need to have one of these in your dog grooming kit. I also like using this dog grooming brush on those days when Halle needs a quick “fresh-me-up”. Love it!

When you finally decide to purchase a dog grooming brush and you end up at the pet store staring at a wall of gazillion brush options it can be overwhelming. They might all seem good but some are better than others when it comes to design and functionality. Above all, invest in the right tool for the specific job. You don’t want to be wasting time and money on a dog brush you simply don’t need. Plus you shouldn’t put any unnecessary stress on your beloved dog. It might take a few purchases before you land on the perfect tool but don’t despair, it’s so worth it in the end.

So tell me, how many brushes did you go through with your pup? Is there a particular dog brush that you absolutely love? Please share your thoughts and comments below.

Not only will your dog look like a million bucks with that perfect dog grooming brush but his improved skin and coat will give him a boost of confidence and extra health.

Dog toothpaste truly does equal happy smiles – for everyone! Oral hygiene is an essential part of keeping your dog happy, healthy and free of dental problems. We looked at all the available dog teeth cleaning tools and techniques. Now we’ll focus a bit more on the world of dog toothpaste.

Word of Caution…

DO NOT under any circumstance give your dog human toothpaste. It’s extremely harmful and can cause some serious damage, possibly even death. Human toothpaste contains Xylitol – a toxic chemical for dogs. So NO Crest for the pooch, ok? I also caution the use of any Rawhide and Cowhide even if your Vet recommends them. They are extremely dangerous. Stay far away from both. I’m also a bit iffy when it comes to homemade dog toothpaste. There are quite a few recipes on the web, some of which have harmful ingredients or might be totally infective at getting the teeth cleaning job done. Not worth the fuss.

IMO – the best way to clean a dog’s teeth is to give them what mother nature already created for that purpose, natural bones and recreational bones. Bones are effective tools and get the job done effortlessly from your part. It’s as easy as giving your dog a bone. However, if you’re not interested in the whole bone thing, or maybe your dog is sensitive to raw food, then dog toothpaste along with a trusty toothbrush or finger applicator is your other option.

Getting your Dog comfortable with Teeth Cleaning

Presenting a toothbrush with some toothpaste to your dog might seem very unnatural to you and your furry friend. The key to great success is lots of patience coupled with some fun, positive reinforcement. Make the experience happy and pleasant. The tricky part is that you cannot offer treats or stop to play while brushing because that obviously defies the whole purpose.

You might want to practice without any toothpaste to get your pup to accept and enjoy the experience. If you’re not using any product, take baby steps and praise along the way. You can then build up to the actual process. Once you’re able to brush for real, you can reward midway through brushing or once the session is complete with a few minutes of play. Verbal praise at all times is definitely recommended. Let me also note that starting with a young puppy is much easier than later on.

When it comes to dog toothpaste, chances are your dog, at first, naturally won’t be too fond of the experience. Don’t get discouraged if he doesn’t enjoy the particular toothpaste for dogs you’ve chosen. Give it a few patient tries and if jaw-dodging continues or if your dog turns his head with disgust, consider trying another paste.

You’ll want to invest and experiment with a couple of dog toothpastes and dog toothbrushes before landing that perfect one that fits you and your companion. The same goes for different dog sizes. If you have a small dog the finger brush might do the trick over the regular long toothbrush. For larger breeds it could get a little tricky. If the toothbrush feels to flimsy opt for larger more natural dog teeth cleaners like recreational bones.

Dogs have exquisite senses and are very particular about certain tastes. Luckily dog toothpaste comes in many doggy flavors like poultry, mint, beef, vanilla, malt and even seafood.

Dog Toothpaste Requirements

Not all dog toothpastes are alike so I advise you do a little research before spending some dollars. Here’s our list of toothpaste for dogs tips and recommendations:

- Go Natural or as Natural as Possible. Generally if you can read and understand the ingredients of the dogs toothpaste, the better the formula.

- Palatability & Taste go a Long Way. Your dog is the best taste tester so let him give the final taste pass on his favorite dog toothpaste.

- Product size. Be mindful when purchasing your product. Consider its lifespan and expiry date. A good special on a large oral solution might not be the smartest purchase if you have a small Corgi.

- Types. Here’s a look at each type of dog toothpaste available on the market, with our favorite selections:

Pastes are a very popular choice! The best dog toothpaste would be Kissable because it’s made with natural ingredients from Cain & Able. We also recommend Natural Peanut Butter from Petrodex or the Virbac Toothpaste collection.

Gels are great because they tend to stay active in your dogs mouth for a prolonged period of time! We use the Oral Care Peppermint Gel with Halle and it works like a charm. You can even apply it with your finger instead of a toothbrush. Another good bet is Oxyfresh Pet Oral Health Care. Their Pet Gel is great.

Sprays are quick and efficient. Petzlife carries a good one called Oral Care Peppermint Spray!

Liquids & Rinses will keep your dog’s mouth fresh and clean. The Oral Hygiene Rinse is another popular item from Virbac.

Dog Toothbrush 411

Not all toothbrushes work with every dog. Consider the size of your dog and how comfortable you are using it. You don’t want to buy a cheap plastic double ended brush if your dog’s a big time chewer. Here’s a few you could try:

- Triple Pet Toothbrush from Petzlife

- Denta Clean Finger Toothbrush for Smaller Dogs.

- When needed, we like to use the Dual Head Toothbrush with Halle.

Which ever dog toothpaste and toothbrush you prefer, make the experience fun, calm and pleasant. It will take some getting used to but taking care of your dog’s oral health is super important. Once you get the hang of it, it literally takes only a few minutes. Nobody wants to be kissing a stinky-breath dog anyway.

Get your dog toothpaste and toothbrush and get to work – Happy Cleaning!

Let’s Face it, dog teeth cleaning isn’t the coolest topic among fellow dog owners. Generally, it’s not a topic that is highly searched in Google. People usually tend to go digging for information on canine dental hygiene when their pet is already experiencing oral problems. These same folks often get hit with the colossal price tag related to veterinary dentistry, which can go up pretty quickly. Dog teeth cleaning can be somewhat cumbersome for the modern dog and owner, but it doesn’t have to be. By applying the tips, products and methods we’ve outlined in this article, your dog’s mouth will become fresh and so clean in no time!

Before I get into everything, how do you think wild dogs keep their bright white dog teeth clean and healthy?

It’s quite simple really. Mother Nature is SO smart, she thought of everything. Dogs are omnivores, natural predators and scavengers. In the wild they eat a variety of plant proteins like grasses and berries and they also hunt, feasting and devouring all sorts of prey like deer and rabbits. Dogs teeth get cleaned and exercised while gnawing on bones and ripping out flesh. Fun and Tasty for the dog!

Dog Teeth Trouble

The main cause of dental problems in dogs is the lack of veterinary dental check ups and proper home dental care. Plaque and tartar can quickly build up on your dogs teeth causing painful inflammation of the gums. This can lead to some serious health concerns that may affect the entire body. Practicing routine dental hygiene for your dog is as important as regular grooming, nail clipping and long dog walks.

First, do a quick inspection of your dog’s mouth paying close attention to the gum line, the area where the teeth meet the gums. If you notice any discoloration then your dog might have some serious tooth problems. If you see yellow or brownish spotting, that’s tartar and plaque setting up base in your dog’s mouth – not very cool! Generally when you start to see discoloration followed by swampy doggy breath, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian. The longer you wait the more expensive it might become. Depending on your dog’s breed, you’ll want to budget a tooth cleanup every 1 to 4 years for regular maintenance.

Now if your dog is blinding you with his big bright whites then there’s a lot you can do to keep them healthy at home through preventative methods.

Because our domesticated companions aren’t as lucky as their wild counterparts, they mainly rely on us when it comes to dinner. How many dog owners do you know that include some raw meaty bones in their dog’s diet? My guess is not very many. The majority of dogs eat commercial store bought dog food which is actually damaging their teeth.

Because it’s not ideal for us to hunt prey for our dogs the best thing we should do is feed them as close to their natural diet as possible. The number one dog diet we recommend you feed your dog is a home made diet with a variety of animal and plant proteins with added fruits, vegetables, supplements and raw meaty bones. Home made dog diets aren’t for the novice dog owner. It requires some essential research into balancing recipes that are appropriate for your dog and a lot of prep work. It takes a bit of getting used to but the rewards are priceless. If you’re interested and want to learn more on the ins and outs of home made diets we’ll be covering that in future posts. Healthy teeth start with healthy dog food.

If you don’t want to fuss much in preparing your dogs food, opt for a high quality organic dog food kibble or a holistic dog food which are also good alternatives. Go for the highest quality food you can afford for your companion. The happier and healthier your dog, the less problems you’ll have, including when it comes to dog teeth care.

A poor diet of commercial pet food is one of the leading causes of dental disease in dogs. Don’t believe all the hype about dry dog food cleaning your dogs teeth. Its not gonna happen folks. Kibbles are not strong enough to clean teeth. The poor quality in most commercial dog foods are mostly comprised of packed powders that can make things worse and get stuck in between teeth. Generally, dogs tear and rip their dinners into bite size pieces before swallowing them. There’s not much chewing action going on. Unfortunately, cleaning teeth with regular dog food kibble is basically a false statement that only works for marketing purposes. Picture your dog eating for a sec. How long does it take your mutt to eat up his grub? I bet he wolfs it down in no time at all, taking up big gulps of food. He definitely doesn’t stand there above his dish chewing like a cow. Sure he’ll chew on a few crunchy kibbles here and there but there’s zero dog teeth cleaning action.

Dog Teeth Cleaning the Natural Way

You’ve obviously heard of the expression “Give your dog a Bone”! There’s more to the lingo than you might think. For those of you who aren’t familiar with giving raw bones to your dog, they’re actually an essential natural dog teeth cleaning tool. Large raw bones called recreational bones are ideal for this particular purpose and will guarantee a mouth full of shiny, tarter-free teeth. Recreational bones will give your dog hours of chewing fun, cleaning dog teeth and stimulating gums. Choose from the following recreational bones that best suit your dog – marrow bones or beef knuckle bones.

Every Saturday Halle waits very patiently for us to prepare her marrow bone. We purchase a 5-7 inch marrow bone from our butcher and we cook it in the oven or boil it for less than 5 minutes. We then discard the slimy marrow (too rich and can cause stomach upset) let it cool and voila! An instant peaceful Saturday! Halle enjoys her bone in her crate until she cleans it up then she’s free to roam the house with it. Every now and then we take it away for a few days – Halle tends to obsess when she gets too much of a good thing! You can also consider storing the bone in the fridge but it’s not necessary.

“What? I’m getting my teeth cleaned when I play with my Bone? I Knew THAT…” } Halle

There’s much deliberation about marrow bones because they are extremely hard and are known to sometimes break teeth or damage tooth enamel. However, after much research and thoughtful consideration, we give marrow bones a green light under supervision because they definitely get the job done. Always supervise your dog when offering raw bones of any kind followed by a quick hood inspection to make sure everything is ok.

If your dog is on a raw home made diet that includes raw meaty bones then you’re already doing a great job taking care of his cute ‘jaws of death’. As he chews and crunches up those yummy bones, he gets a bonus teeth cleaning at the same time. However, a raw meaty bone diet doesn’t veto you from routine inspections. Don’t forget to occasionally check for any signs of dental disease creeping up!

There’s only one way to keep your dog teeth clean: through prevention and regular maintenance. Did you know that up to 85% of all dogs over the age of 3 have some form of dental disease that requires immediate treatment? Serious Stuff!

Dog Teeth Cleaning Products

Brushing your dog’s teeth with specially formulated dog toothpastes, sprays and gels are other widely used alternatives. You’ll find them online, at your veterinarian’s office and at the pet store. We highly recommend going with a dog teeth cleaning product that contains mostly natural safe ingredients like PetzLife. We regularly use it on Halle and it works great. It removes plaque & tartar, kills bacteria and keeps our Gargoyle’s breath fresh and clean. It has a blend of grapefruit extract with other all natural herbs and ingredients. It might not seem very natural to brush your dog’s teeth but it’s worth the effort. Remember use lotsa praise and positive reinforcement. The more patient and calm you are, the better your dog will relax and allow you to get the job done.

“I don’t mind getting my teeth brushed as long as I get quick breaks every few seconds to catch my breath!” } Halle

You might want to have someone help you in the process. Vish and I are a power duo when it comes to cleaning Halle’s teeth. He calmly gives her a deep body massage while I massage her gums with the gel. Takes two minutes tops!

Here are some other recommended dog teeth cleaning products you can use:

Oxyfresh Pet Oral Health Care
Their Pet Gel is great!

NatraBio’s Children Teething Formula
Yeah, it’s for kids but works great on Dogs!

Cleaning Dog Teeth with Toys & Play

Have fun while cleaning your dogs teeth. Tough chewable toys, ropies and tug toys are also excellent tools you can use to maintain clean dog teeth. Here’s our top three:

1. The Famous Kong!

2. Leerburg Kennels has some of the best Tugs available.

3. The Zogoflex Collection from West Paw Design.

Don’t fall for those super popular synthetic nylon chews like the because tiny pieces do end up being digested by your dog. Nylon, or should I say synthetic polymer, is most definitely NOT something you want entering your dog’s belly, even if it’s just passing through. Yes they’re very popular. Yes we’ve used them in the past and we personally do NOT recommend them. Opt for natural raw recreational bones or raw meaty bones instead.

I know that all of the above might seem complicated, plus who really has the time to do all that dog teeth cleaning anyway! The main point I’m trying to make here is that a general lack of hard chewable things to exercise your buddy’s gums is the missing link. So pick an option that works best for you and your dog but pick something.

Here are some potential problems associated with poor canine oral care to keep in mind:

- Suppressed Immune System
- Congenital or Developmental Disorders
- Periodontal Disease
- Malnutrition
- Foul breath
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Degenerative Diseases

Don’t wait until your dog gets really sick to start a teeth cleaning for dogs routine. Part of being a loving pet owner is being a responsible one, especially when it comes to dog teeth cleaning. You know how painful it can get when you have a bad toothache. It seems like in that moment you’d do almost anything to make it go away. The same happens to our furry beasts. Only they rely on you to keep their dog teeth clean and healthy.

Go to the vet for regular cleanings, feed your dog well, use the special dog toothpastes and gels I mentioned if necessary and provide lots of chewing toys and bones to keep those gums happy. One of the best compliments a dog owner can get is in regard to his dog’s platinum whites!

Lets start a convo on the importance of regular canine dental care. Share your stories and favorite products. Talk to us about your dog teeth cleaning experiences. What keeps your dogs teeth clean?

Selecting a safe and natural dog ear cleaner isn’t as complicated as you may think. Don’t be fooled by all those fancy colorful bottles you find at high end dog boutiques, pet stores and veterinarian offices. Those products cost a handful and chances are will do your dog more harm than good. Luckily you’ve stumbled on this article because I have some great natural alternatives you can try. I’ll give you some easy dog ear cleaning solution ideas that will keep your dog’s ears fresh and clean the natural way.

How often do you hear of dogs with frequent ear problems coupled with visits to the vet? The problem is becoming more common. Dog owners usually end up with a nasty vet bill along with some form of ear drop solution in a white paper bag. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about those instances where your poor pet has severe inflammation and irritation of his ear with smelly brownish flaky discharge sprinkling your carpet. In this case you MUST see your veterinarian quickly because your dog might have some sort of ear infection, allergy or skin problem that might need some dear attention. I’m more concerned with your regular routine for cleaning dogs ears – general maintenance. Every so often the guilty party isn’t necessarily a bug or infection or food allergy but the overuse of that little liquid bottle.

Easy Does it with the Dog Ear Cleaner

More often than not, regular puppy ear problems are due to over cleaning his ears with a dog cleaning solution. You see the more you clean the more you disrupt the delicate balance of flora and microorganisms that live in your dog’s ear. Logically you would think that regularly cleaning your dog’s ears is a good thing, but it’s not. Quite the opposite. When you clean your dog’s ears you are removing the waxy buildup that protects his ear canal from infections and such. So by removing it with a dog ear cleaner you’re actually inviting more bugs to hang around because that protective barrier is gone. On top of that, the dog’s ears start to release a surplus of wax created by the intrusion and irritation of frequent cleanings which might create a host of other problems.

You’re wondering how often you should clean your dog’s ears? Seldom, if you have a healthy dog. Routine ear cleaning isn’t necessary when your dog is in top shape with a healthy solid immune system. An occasional cleaning to moderate waxy buildup is normal and recommended to keep the ear system in good running condition.

We highly suggest that you clean your companion’s ears only on a when-you-see-fit basis. I can’t tell you to do it once a month because your individual dog might not require such frequent treatment. Get familiar with his ears and routinely inspect them for changes in smell, color and discharge. This will help you determine what’s more appropriate. Your dog really doesn’t want you to be poking around more than needed.

So if we have a healthy companion we clean as needed. Aside from that, all we need is a good dog ear cleaning solution – Read on!

Two Dog Ear Cleaner Options

You can purchase a good quality natural dog ear wash, or you can make your own dog ear cleaner with some simple ingredients. Either one will get the job done in a safe natural way. It all depends on which option you prefer.

Option One: Natural Dog Ear Wash Products

Remember to do your own research so that you can select a product that works best for you and your companion’s specific needs. One of the products I suggest is Cloud Nine: Herbal Ear Wash from Halo. It’s a gentle formula with several quality essential oils in a Witch Hazel base that will refresh your dog’s ears in no time.

Another good bet would be Ear Dr. which is an olive oil based dog ear cleaner by Native Remedies. Ear Dr. is high quality pharmaceutical grade and is a 100% natural herbal product that is gentle on your dog’s ears. It has a nice mix of essential oils that won’t irritate the delicate ears. A little reminder, clean your dogs ears only when needed for best results and a happy healthy dog.

I want to note that I don’t favor dog ear cleaners that come in a cream or powder formula. Because of their consistency they might not get properly expelled by the body and can build up in the ear, creating more problems.

There are many other natural safe formulas for cleaning dogs ears on the market. Look for natural herbal oil and/or liquid-based products that have the least amount of ingredients. Your dog will ultimately tell you if he likes it or not, so test it out first.

Stay away from those dog ear washes that contain unpronounceable chemicals and alcohols because they might irritate your dogs lovely ears. Most of the time these formulas are way too strong and can damage/injure your pet.

Option Two: DIY Dog Ear Cleaning

If you want clean dog ears there are many DIY easy dog ear cleaner recipes that are safe and effective and won’t cost you much. You’ll find some of the ingredients at home. Others you’ll easily find at your local health food store. Here’s a host of simple solutions and herbal alternatives you can try with your dog.

Our #1 HBD Recommended Solution is:

1 tsp. of Apple Cider vinegar to a 1/2 cup of distilled warm water using a dropper. Apple Cider vinegar helps restore the natural balance inside your dog’s ear.

Here are some great Herbal recommendations that are gentle and safe to clean dog ears. Look for organic essential oils and base oils. You get all the benefits without any chemicals or pesticides.

Niaouli Essential Oil – it helps with ailments including aches and pains, respiratory conditions, cuts and infections. Niaouli is sometimes less irritating than Tea Tree Oil. Dilute the essential oil by adding 1-2 drops to 5 ml of a warm base oil such as extra virgin olive or almond oil.

Aloe Vera Gel – If you have dogs and children in the house you need to have this wonderful little product in your medicine cabinet. Aloe Vera is wonderful for painful, sensitive and slightly irritated ears. 1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel into each ear works wonders.

Almond Oil – 1/2 teaspoon of warm oil into each ear should do the trick to help loosen any dirt and wax buildup. Almond oil is soothing and gentle on skin. Your dog will like it.

Green Tea – I know you might be wondering “Wow! Not only is green tea so good for drinking but it can also clean and soothe my dog’s ears? Awesome!” If you’re going to use this method I highly suggest you clean your dog’s ears with some Almond Oil first, then follow with the green tea. This method is wonderful for ears that are producing mostly dark and smelly materials. Make sure you purchase a high quality green tea. Not Lipton or Nestle or any commercial brand like that. We buy our green tea at the Asian market where they have a large selection. We love Maeda-en loose leaf Sen-cha green tea and we’ve been drinking it forever. Take one small rounded teaspoon of loose leaf tea and steep in boiling water for about 10 minutes or so. Drain and let the tea infused water cool down slightly and you can flush your dog’s ears.

Quick Easy Steps for Efficient Dog Ear Cleaning

Happily ask your dog to come to you and let him smell the ear cleaning solution and cotton gauze pads so that it gives him an idea of what you guys are going to do.

We always give Halle a nice soft massage just before we start followed by heavy praise or treats, even a quick burst of playtime whenever possible.

Take your preferred ear cleaning solution and administer the liquid into the ear carefully. Make sure you are holding your dog’s head relatively close to you. Be swift, because your dog will want to instinctively shake his head which is quite normal. I too would freak out a bit if someone was pouring something into my ears. Be very compassionate. Vish and I always do this a ‘deux’. Once the liquid is in, quickly close the ear flap and begin to massage. Give the ear a nice soft massage for maybe 15 to 30 seconds depending on the need, holding at the base of the ear, you should hear a squishy sound, that’s normal. You want squish!

“Can I be honest? These are all great ideas but I truly DON’T enjoy getting my ears cleaned! There… I said it!” } Halle

Remember to highly praise your companion for being such a good sport. We like to keep high value treats handy at all times so the dog associates ear cleaning with tasty reinforcers. If your dog doesn’t seem to want any treats during the cleaning, wait until there’s a break between ears or at the end of the session to praise and treat. Some dogs get extra focused on the task and want to be done with it rather than digest a goody during cleaning. Positive associations for the dog will simplify the process with time.

Once you’re done washing, allow your dog to shake to his hearts content and lightly remove any expelled dirt, and excess liquid ever so gently with a rectangle or square cotton gauze sponge. You can purchase them at any pharmacy for a couple of bucks.

A word of caution, never use Q-tips or cotton balls they are way too harsh and might cause ruptures, lesions and can cause permanent damage to the ear canal.

And you’re done!

Again – lotsa treats with loving praise and petting too! Your dog might want to run around, shake his head and rub his ears on the ground so be prepared for some ultimate cuteness once the cleaning session is over.

You can also use homeopathic solutions, washes and treatments available for cleaning dog’s ears. We recommend you see a specialized homeopath practitioner who will evaluate your dog’s needs and specific condition and offer a personalized ear cleaning plan.

Once you’ve selected your preferred ear cleaning method take good care of your companion’s ears and clean only as needed to avoid unnecessary problems. I’m sure you’ll enjoy using some of the above natural ear cleaning solutions. They are safe and get the job done without fuss. I want to thank Tammi and Rob who inspired this article. May you and Gracie enjoy many happy ear cleaning moments!

So what’s your favorite dog ear cleaner? Do share in the comments below:

I’m telling you, dog grooming isn’t always fun but it is essential. Grooming promotes healthy habits for you and your dog plus it does wonders for your pet/owner relationship. As I mentioned in my earlier post titled Dog Grooming is Challenging but the Rewards are Priceless!, dog grooming is a tedious chore but once you’ve mastered the game plan everything else becomes easier.

In this post I will be going a bit more into details about the head-to-tail grooming checklist. No dog grooming courses are necessary to get you going. It’s not as hard as it may seem. Remember to tailor your grooming master plan to your schedule, needs and dog breed. Get hooked up with your necessary dog grooming supplies so you are ready to go.

Below are some of our suggestions from our personal experience with dogs:

Healthy Skin & Shiny Coat

Bathe on a “as necessary” basis – 2 to 4 baths a year max – think of it seasonally.

People tend to bathe their dogs too much. It’s not natural, it dries up their sensitive skin and removes their natural essential oils. Don’t over do it!

You can also bring your dog to those self-service spots where they allow you to use their dog grooming tools, tub, hoses, towels, the cost varies between $15 and $25, depending on your dog’s size and services. The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about the mess, they take care of all that for you.

Don’t use commercial dog shampoos – way too harsh on skin and contain a toxic cocktail of dangerous chemicals, dyes, perfumes. Look for shampoos with natural ingredients, you’ll find them in specialty dog shops.

Depending on your dog’s size + coat length, brushing times and tools will vary greatly. Do your research for the breed specific tools and dog grooming equipment you will need.

Halle gets a good 30 minute brushing every other week.
Take this time to quickly inspect your dog’s overall body, skin and coat for any unusual signs, colors or bumps. Give him a good quick physical checkup.

Recap: Bathing, Brushing, Trimming, Massage, Physical Checkup

Strong Nails, Paws & Pads

We use a powerful rotary tool called a Dremel to trim her nails once a week. The Dremel is very effective but you have to gradually introduce the tool to your dog. High value treats work best for this situation. Also Halle has powerful “claws-of-death” so a regular clipper wouldn’t be as effective for her strong nails. There are various dog grooming clippers that you can use for your breed-specific dog. Do your research.

We also take this time to massage her paws with lots of praise so she knows that it’s a good thing. High value treats work very well here too.

Inspect the nails, paws and pads for anything out of the ordinary regularly. Our dog is very active and energetic when she runs and plays outside she tends to be a rough player. Every now and then her pads get scratched up and she leaves bloody marks everywhere. Keep some gauze and antiseptic handy.

Halle goes into a “down stay” position so we can wipe her paws when she comes in during muddy and rainy days. She tends to be a bit fussy, even after doing it over 1000 times because she doesn’t like the rain. She dislikes getting her head, nose, coat and feet very wet. So we have to be swift and effective. After the coat and paws are all clean, she runs up and down the stairs in a fury doing her “Hurricane Halle” for a few minutes to dry off a bit. Very cute and funny.

You will typically pay between $5 and $25 to cut or trim your dog’s nails at a salon.

Recap: Trimming, Massage, Physical Checkup

So Fresh’n so Clean Ears

Clean your dog’s ears regularly so that wax doesn’t have time to build up. Don’t wait until the poor thing keeps scratching until his ears fall off. Dirty ears are prone to infections and give off a peculiar smell. Halle gets her ears cleaned every other week with an ear cleaning solution that smells so sweet. We put a small amount into the ear, then massage the base of the ear until you hear a squishy sound then wipe with clean cotton ball. So Fresh’n so Clean.

You will typically pay between $5 and $25 to clean your dog’s ears at a salon.

Recap: Clean, Physical Checkup

Clear Bright Eyes

Some dogs are prone to tearing and staining of the bottom of the eye. Use a warm damp cloth to remove tearing as often as possible to help prevent the staining.

If you ever see a slight discharge coming from your dog’s eyes monitor it closely for a few days and consult your Vet if you seen no significant improvement. It might be a small infection so don’t wait too long but don’t panic either.

Recap: Clean, Physical Checkup

Bright Teeth & Fresh Mouth

If you already feed a raw diet to your dog then you don’t have to worry about clean teeth. The action of devouring and chewing the raw bones and meat will naturally clean your dog’s teeth. Inspect your dog’s mouth once in awhile to make sure that everything looks good.

If not then there are various options for you to consider. Forget about those inexpensive natural or flavored cow hides that are sold everywhere and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They are very dangerous and can seriously harm your dog, do your research.

We give Halle a cooked (20 minutes in boiling water) marrow bone every other week or so. Once
cooked, we take the marrow out because she doesn’t like it much and give her the bone to chew on for a few days. After that we throw it out. Always monitor your dog when playfully chewing on a bone. It gets the job done.

You can also brush your dog’s teeth with a specially formulated tooth paste and elongated brush made for them. Most pet shops and specialty stores with carry them.

Give your dog some parsley or mint from time to time for a nice fresh breath.

A healthy mouth also depends on your food quality so make sure that you purchase the healthiest high quality dog food you can afford. It will cost a little more but the payoff is invaluable.

A dentist trip for your dog is very costly. Prevention will save you a lot of money.

Recap: Brushing, Physical Checkup

The head-to-tail checklist is a great start to your dog grooming regimen. We will definitely dig deeper into
each task at some point because there’s just so much more to it.

Keep your cool. Be prepared and patient with your dog grooming ventures. It’s one of those things that becomes easier with time. I’m happy to have shared some tips and techniques with you and I would love to hear about yours.

If you have a dog then dog grooming is part of your job as a loving owner. Even if it’s not part of your top priority list, grooming has to get done. Forget all the shampoos, dog grooming clippers and combs for a minute and consider the underlying benefits. Grooming promotes much more than a healthy happy dog. The bonding moments that you share with your dog are priceless.

I agree, dog grooming is not fun, But it’s your responsibility as a dog owner to make sure you pet’s health and well being are cared for. If you’re not particularly fond of grooming, then maybe you shouldn’t have purchased a dog in the first place.

One of the good things about dog grooming is that it can be outsourced. The bad news is that professional grooming will cost you money and will do absolutely nothing to improve your connection with your dog. I will discuss grooming salons and their pricing in my next post.

If you have a strong bond with your dog, congratulations! You’ve done a wonderful job as a pet owner. Dog grooming will be a snap and will only further develop your friendly relationship.

If you don’t have a strong bond with your dog, don’t panic and call it all off. Anything is possible. Roll up your sleeves because you will have much more work ahead of you. Grooming will be extra challenging but with time and practice it will become a routine and will greatly improve your relationship.

Again grooming is challenging. For you newbies, remember that it will get very difficult and aggravating before it gets any easier. You will want to quit, give up, curse, maybe throw things, loose your cool, yell and possibly say “The hell with this!” Don’t give up. Let me explain.

There are a few things you need to take into consideration before jumping right in. You have to create a dog grooming master plan. Once you have everything in check, then you are ready to go. Grooming is physically and mentally challenging, it takes time and elbow grease and requires specific dog grooming tools so you have to come prepared.

Dog Grooming Pre-Production

Allocate a grooming session once a week or as necessary, depending on your pet. Before you get started I recommend that you prep all your dog grooming tools. Make sure that your rotary tool is charged and that you have clean dog towels and so on. Dress accordingly. Wear something that you don’t mind getting wet, soiled and torn. This will be your grooming apparel. We store ours in the same closet with our dog grooming equipment for convenience. Don’t forget to clean as needed. Sometimes you will need a partner – an assistant to help you with certain grooming tasks. In this case, me and my husband Vish are a duo when it comes to caring for our lovely weim, Halle.

Keep in mind that not all dogs like to be groomed. Approach your dog’s grooming session in a positive, kind, patient, loving, state of mind. You will be much more successful and the experience will be a positive one for all parties. You know your dog best, so tailor your session to your dog’s character and needs.

One key thing to keep in mind is to never rush through a dog grooming session no matter what. You will ruin the experience for your dog and yourself. The job won’t get done and your dog will sense it and not cooperate. So don’t start a session if you don’t feel like it, are too tired, hurried, hungry, angry or upset. Just don’t do it, it’s not worth it! Reschedule the entire thing for a time where the energy is much better.

Take baby steps with your grooming. Don’t just throw your dog in the tub for a bath or wrestle him to the ground to clean his ears. Nobody wins. This type of ridiculous behavior might terrify the poor dog and create permanent negative behaviors or phobias that will be counter productive to your dog grooming attempts. It will cause you additional problems that you won’t want to deal with. Baby steps are key. It might take more time but the payoff is worth it.

Priceless One-on-One

Grooming is an excellent opportunity to spend some quality one-on-one time with your beloved dog and strengthen your bond through peaceful communication and touch. For example, when we trim Halle’s nails, we take the time to gently talk to her and ease her into it – always in a fun, calm and positive voice. We always double up for this task so one person is peacefully massaging her coat while the other is getting the nails done. My husband gently cocoons her upper body massaging her head and neck and within 2 minutes flat she’s heavily breathing, looking at us with her lazy eyes. She gets so comfortable that she could almost fall asleep. Ultimate cuteness! Sometimes she even digs her snout under his arm for extra comfort. Mind you, it took practice and lotsa patience and high value snacks to get her to this point. We are thrilled to be able to peacefully trim her nails every week. Could you imagine if we just threw her into the ground, turned the Dremel on and forcefully trimmed her nails? Utter horror!

Quick Checklist

Here’s my quick checklist that will make sure your dog is running at 100% and has a regular grooming tune-up. With every grooming job, highly praise your dog through it in a fun soft positive voice and use high value treats as necessary. You know your dog best so customize each dog grooming job to your specific needs. You’re going to have to purchase some dog grooming supplies so do your research according to your dog’s breed.

Healthy Skin & Shiny Coat
Bathing, Brushing, Trimming, Massage & Physical Checkup.

Strong Nails, Paws & Pads
Trimming & Physical Checkup.

So Fresh’n so Clean Ears
Clean & Physical Checkup

Clear Bright Eyes
Clean & Physical Checkup

Bright Teeth & Fresh Mouth
Brushing & Physical Checkup

In my next post, I’ll give you a thorough dog grooming checklist with all the kinks and tricks we’ve discovered. ;)

The key here is to create a grooming master plan and schedule so that it will fit into your busy lifestyle. Again don’t procrastinate. The sooner you have a plan going you’re on your way. Stick to it! Being close to your dog during grooming time will cultivate your awareness of his physical and emotional wellness. You get to do regular checkups to make sure that everything is ok. Routine grooming improves your dogs overall health, well-being and appearance and prevents diseases before they escalate. Ultimately you save money and trips to the vet.

There are as many dog grooming horror stories as there are fun dog grooming tricks. What are yours? Do you have any special tactics that you prefer? Do you outsource or have you conquered your grooming master plan? Share with us!