FAQ: Grooming for dogs

Wipe the corners of the eyes with damp cotton wool, gauze or an eye wipe for dogs, stroking from the inner corner outwards. Use a separate piece for each eye. Do not touch the eyeball itself and do not use soap or shampoo.

Tear stains are brownish or reddish streaks under the eyes, especially visible on light coats. They come from pigments in tears and the moisture in which microbes multiply. Heavy tearing can be caused by the shape of the eyes or tear ducts, allergies or eye irritation, so stains that appear suddenly are worth showing to a vet.

Daily cleaning of the eye corners, keeping the hair under the eyes dry and trimming hair that touches the eyes all help reduce stains. There are stain removers and wipes for dogs, but old stains often simply have to grow out. The key is to find out why the eyes are watering.

Eye wipes are for removing crusted discharge and dirt from the corners of the eyes. They are moistened with a mild solution that does not irritate the eyes and are handy when travelling. They do not treat eye disease, so redness or heavy discharge needs a vet.

It is not recommended. An infusion may contain tiny plant particles, spoils quickly and can irritate the eyes. It is safer to use an eye-cleaning solution or wipes made for dogs, and to see a vet if the eyes become red or produce pus.

A little clear or slightly crusted discharge in the morning is often normal. See a vet if the discharge is yellowish, greenish or heavy, the eye is red or swollen, the dog squints, rubs the eye or seems to be in pain. Eye problems can get worse quickly.

Flat-faced dogs such as pugs or French bulldogs have large, prominent eyes that are easier to irritate or injure. Check the eyes daily, gently wipe away discharge and keep the hair around them short. Any redness or cloudiness of the eye is a reason to see a vet promptly.

Moisture, saliva and dirt build up in the folds, so wipe them regularly with a damp wipe or a fold cleaner for dogs and always dry them afterwards. A damp fold is easily irritated. If a fold becomes red, smells bad or weeps, see a vet.

Yes, vets consider tooth brushing one of the most effective ways to reduce plaque and tartar. Many dogs develop gum and dental disease over time, causing pain and bad breath. Regular brushing at home helps delay it.

Ideally every day, because plaque starts hardening into tartar within a few days. If daily is not possible, brushing a few times a week is still helpful. What matters most is regularity and keeping the routine pleasant for the dog.

Dog toothbrushes have soft bristles, often two heads and a long handle so the back teeth are easier to reach. Small dogs do well with a small head or a finger brush. A soft child's toothbrush can also be used if the size fits.

It is a silicone finger cover with soft bristles that lets you brush teeth as if with your finger. It makes it easier to start training the dog and feel where you are brushing, but it is harder to reach the back teeth and it cleans less well than a brush. Watch out for bites if the dog is restless.

No. Human toothpaste is meant to be spat out, but a dog swallows it, so fluoride and foaming agents can make it unwell. Some toothpastes contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Use only toothpaste made for dogs.

Dog toothpaste is safe to swallow, does not foam and often comes in flavours dogs like, such as chicken or beef. Some contain enzymes that help reduce plaque. The brush still does the main work — the paste just helps and makes brushing more pleasant.

Start by letting the dog lick some paste off your finger, then touch the gums with your finger, and then move to the brush and clean just a few teeth. Lengthen the time a little each day and praise the dog afterwards. Focus first on the outer surfaces of the teeth, where most plaque builds up.

It is worth getting a puppy used to tooth brushing early — touching the mouth and gums and letting it lick dog toothpaste. While the milk teeth are being replaced the gums can be sore, so be gentle. A habit formed young makes care much easier for life.

Water additives can somewhat reduce plaque build-up and freshen breath, but they do not replace tooth brushing. Add as much as the label says and watch that the dog does not avoid drinking. If the dog starts drinking less, stop using the additive.

Dental gel is spread on the teeth and gums with a finger or brush and helps reduce plaque when the dog will not accept a toothbrush. It works more gently than mechanical brushing, so it is best used as an extra measure. Follow the label.

Wipes clean plaque off the outer tooth surfaces and suit dogs that will not tolerate a brush. But they do not reach between the teeth and along the gumline as well, so a brush remains more effective. Wipes can be used as a temporary or additional measure.

Not entirely. Chewy dental treats mechanically scrape off some plaque, but only from the teeth the dog chews with. They complement brushing but do not replace it. Count them in the daily food allowance and pick a size that suits the dog.