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General
Proper
grooming is an important part of your Yorkie care. It not only
makes your Yorkie look better, but contributes to his or her
physiological and psychological health.
Coat
Brush your pet thoroughly every day. This helps keep his or her
hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading the natural
oils throughout the coat, preventing tangles from forming and
keeping the skin clean and free from irritation.
It is best to
start brushing your pet at an early age, but do not despair if
he or she is an older animal. It is possible to train one to
enjoy grooming. Proceed slowly, and be sure to use treats and
plenty of praise to make the experience fun!
Nails
Trim your
Yorkie's nails about once per month. You'll need a clipper
designed specifically for the kind of companion animal you have.
Either a scissor- or guillotine-style clipper can be used. You
should also purchase a small bottle of blood-clotting powder.
How to Cut
Your Pet's Nails
- Have your Yorkiel sit beside you. Then place one of his or
her paws in your hand and gently pull it forward. If your pet
dislikes being handled this way, slowly accustom him or her to
it by offering treats and praise.
- Gradually shorten one nail. Be sure to stop before you
reach the quick, which is the part of the nail that contains
nerves and blood vessels. If you cannot see the quick clearly,
stop cutting just behind the point at which the nail begins to
curve downward.
- If you cut into the quick, do not panic. Put some clotting
powder on a moist cotton swab and press it firmly against the
nail for several seconds.
- Repeat the process until all of your companion animal's
nails have been trimmed.
- Do not forget to trim the dewclaw, which is located on the
inside of each front leg just above the paw. (Some dogs do not
have dewclaws.)
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Ears
Ear care is an important part of grooming. Ear infections can
not only be painful, but lead to permanent hearing loss. The
signs of a problem with a companion animal's ears include
redness, constant scratching, head shaking and odor.
How to Clean
Your Yorkies Ears
- Check your Yorkie's ears twice per month. The skin inside
and on the flaps should be pale pink. If there is a foul odor
and/or any red, brown or black skin, have a veterinarian
examine your pet's ears.
- Moisten a cotton ball with warm water or a little mineral
oil and use it to clean the opening into the canal and the
flaps. Do not probe too deeply into the canal.
Teeth
Yorkies can get cavities and develop periodontal disease, so
their teeth should be cleaned with a pet toothpaste at least
twice per week. It is best to use a small toothbrush that has
soft bristles. Cleanings performed by a veterinarian may also be
required.
Bathing
Bathe your Yorkie once every one to two weeks or as often
as needed. Be sure to brush him or her before each bath in order
to get all of the mats out of his or her coat.
How to Bathe
Your Pet
- Place a rubber mat in your bathtub, or a towel in your
sink, for secure footing. Then place a cotton ball in each of
your Yorkie's ears to prevent water from entering.
- Rinse your pet with warm water. Use a spray hose if one is
available, but be sure to keep the nozzle very close to your
Yorkie's body. Never spray him or her in the face.
- Apply a shampoo designed especially for pets in small
amounts, working from the head to the tail. Be sure to clean
the rectum, between the toes, behind the ears and under the
chin. Try to avoid getting shampoo in your Yorkie's eyes.
- Thoroughly rinse your pet with warm water.
- Dry your Yorkie with a towel and/or hair dryer.
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