The Wagging Tail: A comprehensive guide to raising happy, healthy dogs.

  How to properly pluck hair from a dog's ears To properly pluck hair from a dog's ears, you should use a quick and gentle motion to pluck the hair from your dog's ears. It should come out easily. If it doesn't, it's best not to pluck it. You can buy tweezers that have grips on the end specifically for plucking out dog's hair. Some professional dog groomers think that ear plucking should be a part of a dog's grooming regimen while others think it's not. Plucking the hair from the ear canal is a controversial topic in the dog grooming world. Some dog groomers claim that they see more ear infections in dogs that get their ears routinely plucked, while others claim just the opposite.  If your dog has chronic ear infections, plucking inside their ears can help with air circulation, which helps keep moisture in the ear at bay. A great alternative to ear plucking is having your groomer trim down the inside of the dog's ear flap and carefully trim the hair...

  Here are some tips on how to choose the right undercoat rake for your dog's coat type: Determine your dog's coat type, such as short-haired, long-haired, curly, or double-coated. Look for an undercoat rake that is recommended for your dog's coat type. For example, an undercoat rake is recommended for medium to long-haired dogs with soft or thick undercoats, like  German Shepherds , Chow Chows,  Huskies , and  Golden Retrievers . Consider the size of the rake, the width of the teeth, and the number of rows. A double-row rake with stainless steel pins is especially effective for dense, long undercoats on dogs. Choose an undercoat rake with the correct pin length for your dog's coat type. For example, you can use undercoat rakes on double-coated breeds of all fur lengths, but you must choose the correct pin length for your dog's coat . Make sure the undercoat rake is the right size for your dog. Rakes that are too short will miss the inner layer of the undercoat, whi...

  Here are the steps to properly use an undercoat rake on a double-coated dog: Start by brushing your dog's entire coat with a de-matting rake to remove any tangles or mats . Use the undercoat rake to remove loose fur from the undercoat of your dog's coat. Hold the rake at a 45-degree angle and use short, gentle strokes to avoid damaging the skin . Work in small sections, starting at the neck and working your way down to the tail. Be sure to pay extra attention to areas where your dog's fur is thickest, such as the chest, legs, and tail . Use a slicker brush or pin brush to remove any remaining loose fur and to distribute natural oils for a healthy sheen . By using an undercoat rake properly, you can help keep your double-coated dog's coat healthy, shiny, and free of tangles and mats. Remember to always prioritize your dog's comfort and safety during grooming sessions, and seek professional help if you're unsure about how to groom your dog properly.

  Here are some of the best grooming tools for a double-coated dog: Slicker brush: A slicker brush is a must-have for double-coated dogs, as it can help remove loose fur and prevent matting. Look for a self-cleaning slicker brush for added convenience . Undercoat rake: An undercoat rake is designed to remove loose fur from the undercoat of double-coated dogs. Look for a stainless steel undercoat rake with rounded teeth to prevent skin irritation . Pin brush: A pin brush can help detangle longer coats and distribute natural oils for a healthy sheen. Look for a pin brush with long, flexible pins to prevent skin irritation . Wide-tooth comb: A wide-tooth comb can help remove any remaining loose hairs and prevent matting. Look for a greyhound-style comb with rounded teeth to prevent skin irritation . By using these grooming tools regularly, you can help keep your double-coated dog's coat healthy, shiny, and free of tangles and mats. Remember to always prioritize your dog's comfor...

  Grooming Tips for Dogs with Sensitive Feet Grooming your dog's feet can be a tricky task, especially if your furry friend has sensitive paws. Regular grooming is important for your dog's overall health and well-being, but it's important to approach the task with care to avoid any discomfort or injury. Here are some tips for grooming your dog's feet with sensitivity and care: Start with a calm environment: Find a quiet, comfortable space to groom your dog, and avoid any distractions or loud noises that could startle them. Use the right tools: Invest in a good-quality set of grooming tools, including scissors, nail clippers, and a brush. Make sure they are sharp and in good condition to avoid any discomfort or injuries. Get your dog comfortable with handling: Before starting the grooming process, spend some time getting your dog comfortable with handling. Start by gently touching their paws and gradually increase the amount of time you handle them. Trim the fur: Use s...