GROOMING

Poodles are well suited to people with allergies, as they do not shed hair but Regular bathing, grooming and trimming is necessary to keep your pet in top condition and most breeders are happy to provide advice with this.

 A poodle puppy must be well groomed or he will become matted. You will need a soft slicker brush, a metal comb (Pictured below are some soft slickers and a comb) with fine teeth one end and coarse teeth the other end and a  good metal pin brush for brushing him when you bath him if you are going to leave him in coat.

 Start brushing the puppy on your lap using gentle strokes with the brush. Select a time when he is sleepy as he will wriggle at first. However you must show him you are boss or he will play up for the rest of his life. Once his hair becomes matted it is difficult and painful to get the knots out.

Have your poodle clipped regularly - each 4 to 6 weeks is recommended. Go to a professional until he learns to stand still while being clipped then choose whether you would prefer to try and clip yourself or leave it to the professional clipper.        

Please click on the link (box) below to see some different coloured and trims on some Poodles

             MAINTAINING HEALTHY EARS

 Clean healthy ears can be maintained by making it a regular part of your weekly grooming program. Poodles should have the hair removed from their ears to prevent problems occurring, ear powder, a chalky, white substance that makes the hair easier to grab and pull, is a must for this job. You can purchase it at a pet supply store. To remove the hair (which should be done before cleaning) apply a small amount to ear canal, make sure the ear hair is covered with powder. While holding the ear flap with your left hand, gently pluck the ear hair with your right thumb and forefinger. Be sure to pull only the hair that grows in the canal. This does not hurt the dog, and most dogs do not object to it.

Generally, healthy ears don't need much cleaning. It is a good practice to place cotton balls in dogs ears before bathing and if your dog is a regular swimmer pat its ears dry after each swim, wipe your dog's ears out with a dry cotton ball or one slightly moistened with mineral oil each time you groom. You can also use commercially prepared ear cleaners, available from your vet or pet store.

Cleaning a dirty ear one filled with wax or dark brown debris (a sign of ear mites) is another story. A healthy ear should be free of debris, dirt or excess wax, with no sores or inflammation. Ears with a problem also emit a strong odour, healthy ears do not an unpleasant odour is an ear that needs attention.

If your dogs ears are extremely warm to touch or sensitive (ear infections can be painful) or if you see your dog shaking its head or tilting its head to one side or scratching its ears any of these behaviours especially if it is accompanied by a smelly or debris filled ear - call your Vet. Some dogs suffer from chronic ear problems, including bacterial infections, yeast or fungus infections, ear mites or allergies. Such conditions must be diagnosed and treated by your Vet. Don't try to treat a sore inflamed ear yourself it could only lead to more problems talk to your Vet, the best advise again is prevention check your dogs ears frequently.