From the Dachshund to the Poodle to the Tibetan Mastiff, all breeds and mixed breeds benefit from regular dog grooming as it helps to ensure that your pet is looking and feeling his best. Yet, more often than not, if a dog appears clean and doesn’t smell, owners will frequently bypass regular brushing and bathing. Many people do not realize that regular grooming is essential to the overall health and well-being of their pet.
Why Routine Mastiff Grooming is Important
For longer haired breeds like Tibetan Mastiffs, a good and thorough brushing keeps the coat and skin in good shape. While it stimulates the oil glands and keeps the coat shiny, a regular brushing also cuts down on further problems as the skin underneath has less chance of becoming irritated. In that sense, grooming a Tibetan Mastiff is essential.
Keeping A Mastiff Warm
A dog’s coat needs to be matt free and this is particularly essential for the double-coated dogs. Brushing encourages fur separation. A thick clumpy coat does not allow warm air to circulate next to the skin so a dog that is not routinely brushed has a harder time keeping himself warm. This problem can be made worse should the coat become wet during the winter season.
It is as if a sopping cold blanket is thrown over the dog and that means that it can take days for the coat to dry out completely. In the summer time, this same matted coat can be compared to a hot sweltering blanket. With each scenario, the skin underneath can become unhealthy, and it is the easiest way for your dog to develop hot spots, yeast, bacterial or fungal infections.
Fleas and Ticks
Getting Into a Regular Routine
Preparing To Bathe A Tibetan Mastiff
If you have a grooming table, great! Remember that bending over while trying to groom your dog can make for a backbreaking task so try to use a surface that is waist level and secure, or have someone hold the leash while you groom your dog.
Don’t forget to have some treats handy to reward your dog. Most TMs come to love brushing when you combine praise, treats and time spent with their owner!
Tibetan Dog Grooming Tools
How to Brush A Tibetan Mastiff Coat
Start at the lower side and give a few strokes, holding the coat above where you are brushing and letting a bit more fall down as you go. Move up a bit at a time, until you have brushed the whole dog. This method is easier than just diving in and you will do a more thorough job.
Once your TM is brushed out, you can brush from head to tail. Make note of any knots you encounter to remove with the de-matting tools after brushing.
Except for the backs of the legs and the tails, a slicker brush can be used in any direction. When you get to the tail, start at the underside, brushing a small portion of the tail at a time, working your way down the tail, until the tail is done.
For the furry back of the rear legs (britches), start at the bottom and holding the coat above it, brush a small section at a time, until you are at the top of the leg.
Tibetan Dog Brushes
For Knots and Tangles
The Matbreaker
Oster Pet Grooming Rake-Coarse 18 Teeth
Cleaning A Mastiff's Ears
Tibetan Mastiff Trimming Nails
Nails should be checked for length at every grooming session. How do you know when they are too long? If they are touching the ground, they are too long. When nails become too long, they can cause a dog to be sore footed. Make sure to check the dew-claws too.
They are the extra-nails on the sides of the front legs. Some TMs have rear dew-claws as well. Dew-claws never have any wear, since they don’t touch the ground. Left unchecked, they can become quite long and can even curl and grow back into the skin, a very painful occurrence.
It is commonly known that most TMs do not like to have their paws handled. It is best to start nail-trimming sessions while they are still young so that puppies can become accustomed to the procedure. If your dog should struggle, however, enlist assistance.
Have your assistant distract the dog with some delectable goodies. This will make it a pleasant experience and well worth a few treats for a well behaved dog. In time, they come to associate getting their nails cut with goodies and will behave for it.
How to Trim/Cut Nails On A Mastiff Dog
To cut the nail, hold the paw firmly. Remember, all cuts should be done by quickly squeezing the pliers together. Never squeeze the handles slowly. This squeezes the nail and is very uncomfortable to your dog. Take the tip off to begin with.
Examine the nail. Black nails will be dark in the “safe” area. As you clip them look at the end of the nail for a lightening of color in the nail. As it lightens, it will expose a “bulls-eye.” This bulls-eye indicates that the quick (a vein in the nail) is close. Stop when you see the bulls-eye. After some practice, you will begin to be able to tell where to clip to.
Cutting A Nail Too Short?
Styptic Nail Stop Powder (Quik Stop)
Purchase some nail stop powder, often called Quik Stop with your nail clippers. A small container lasts a long time. It is a styptic powder that will stop the bleeding instantly on a nail.
Apply a small pinch to the end of the nail a rub it in slightly. You may need to reapply. A styptic pencil, like men use for shaving, may be substituted.
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