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Mar
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GROOMING TIPS |
GROOMING TIPS
EAR CARE
Do not neglect your Boston Terrier’s ears when going through your grooming steps, because ear care is very important to his health. Excessive dirt, moisture, and bacteria accumulating in the ear canal can cause ear infections. When taking care of your dog’s ears, the first thing you should do is pluck or trim (with blunt-nosed scissors) the excess hair out. To keep them clean, use a cotton ball or washcloth dampened with commercial ear cleaner or mineral oil and wipe the inside of the earflap. If your Boston Terrier’s ear is sore, has excess wax, or has a bad smell, he probably has an ear infection and needs to see the veterinarian immediately.
Never stick anything into your Boston Terrier’s ear canal. When cleaning, wipe the outside area of the earflap only, or you may damage your dog’s eardrum.
EYE CARE
It is fairly easy to keep your Boston Terrier’s eyes clear, sparkling, and bright. First, make sure that you keep all debris (including hair) out of his eyes. Wipe your dog’s eyes on a regular basis with a cotton ball or washcloth dipped in warm water. If your Boston Terrier’s eyes appear red, cloudy, or swollen or have excess tearing, contact your veterinarian.
DENTAL CARE
Puppies need to chew. Chewing is an essential part of their physical and mental development, so you need to take good care of their teeth from the very beginning.
If you do not brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, plaque builds up on the teeth and under the gums. If this plaque is not removed, periodontal disease, which is a bacterial infection, can occur. If left untreated, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to your Boston Terrier’s vital organs. Other problems can develop as well, such as mouth abscesses and tooth loss. In addition, Boston Terriers that don’t receive good dental care can suffer from bad breath.
It is much easier to brush your dog’s teeth than you may think, as long as you have the right supplies. You should purchase a dog toothbrush or a finger toothbrush (a rubber cap that fits over your index finger) and toothpaste made for dogs. Start by accustoming your Boston Terrier to having your fingers in his mouth without brushing his teeth. When you are giving him his daily once-over, be sure to look in his mouth, exposing his gums and touching his teeth. Soon this will become just another part of his grooming routine.
Once he is used to this procedure, put some doggy-flavored toothpaste on the toothbrush and gently rub a few teeth at a time. Be sure to brush the teeth at the gum line. Use a circular motion when brushing and slowly make your way around your dog’s upper teeth. Make sure to get the teeth in the back of the mouth, because these are the ones most prone to periodontal disease. When you are finished with the top, do the bottom in the same manner.
Daily brushing would be ideal, but try to do it at least four times a week. This will ensure that your Boston Terrier keeps his teeth healthy and keeps them for a long time.
Chew Toys and Healthy Teeth
Your Boston Terrier, like all dogs, needs to chew. Chewing is a normal activity and helps to strengthen your dog’s teeth. Many chew toys are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth as he chews. The Nylabone Dental Chew has raised tips that rub against the teeth and help to remove plaque. Another veterinarian-recommended product is Nylabone Dental Chew Floss, which cleans between the teeth as your dog chews. No matter which chew toys you choose, make sure they are safe for your Boston Terrier.
