Different dog breeds require different levels of maintenance. Genetics, breed and lifestyle are all important factors that affect needs. Beside making a dog look pretty, regular grooming keeps their coats and skin healthy.  A Sharpei is susceptible to a host of skin diseases and allergies. A long coated dog requires daily brushing and any dog needs regular nail trimming to prevent nail injury and excess tension on the ankles.

Following are some general, basic guidelines to caring for your dogs skin and coat:

* Brushing and combing prevents mats and tangles while allowing you to inspect for fleas and ticks. Use a soft brush, keeping sessions brief if your dog is sensitive.

* Frequent shampooing can remove natural oils that help in keeping skin healthy. You should include conditioner to help restore moisture. Some dogs need routine shampooing to prevent skin infections. Ask you vet for frequency recommendations.

* Learn how to trim your dog's nails. Your vet or vet tech can show you how to properly trim the nails. Starting at a young age, touch or handle your dog's paws to keep him accustomed to being touched. This will make your job much easier and less traumatic for your dog. Routine inspection is required and be sure to pay attention to the dew claws as they tend to grow quickly and are prone to over growth and can be embedded in the pads.

* If your dog's coat is heavy and you live in hot climates, you may want to think about getting a close shave or shave down, in the spring for the summer months. This is a task you may want to have a professional groomer do. Be sure to pay attention to the feet. Plant seeds or foxtails can get caught in the coat where they then move toward the skin and penetrate.

* The anal glands, located beneath the skin on each side of the anus, normally secrete a thin liquid. They can become impacted with thicker secretions, causing your dog to scoot, lick or chew at the anal region or even chase their tail. Groomers often express, or empty, these sacs. If your dog does not show any of the aforementioned discomfort signs, it is best not to express the glands.

If your dog is healthy, he has a new set of skin cells every twenty-two days that replace the old and dying cells. The rate of hair growth varies by breed and season, although there are always new hairs coming  in as old ones are lost. Most dogs shed their coat twice a year.
If you notice excessive shedding, it could be due to stress.

To help maintain your dog's coat, it is important to feed a wholesome diet
Control fleas. Fleas cause more skin disease than any other external factor.
Over vaccination can cause over stimulation of the immune system which can create problems.
Minimize your dog's exposure to chemicals. Any chemical that has contact with your dog's skin has the potential to cause skin irritation.

These are basic, general guidelines. Besides keeping your dog's coat and skin healthy by following these very simple guidelines, you will also have wonderful bonding time. With multiple dogs in the household, it also provides needed one-on-one time with each dog.
Setting aside time every few days to care for your dog's grooming needs, takes only minutes from your day, provides a bonding experience between the two of you and helps in detecting possible problems that may go otherwise unnoticed.

Happy grooming.