FAQ: Grooming for dogs

The most common cause is plaque, tartar and gum inflammation. Bad breath can also come from trapped food, a broken tooth or other health problems. If the smell is strong, the gums are red or bleed, or the dog has trouble eating, see a vet.

It is not recommended. Scraping teeth at home can damage the enamel and gums, and tartar under the gums remains anyway. Professional dental cleaning is done by a vet, usually under anaesthesia. At home you can only help prevent new tartar by brushing regularly.

See a vet if you notice yellow or brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, loose or broken teeth, or if the dog chews on one side, drops food, drools or paws at its mouth. Dental pain often goes unnoticed because dogs hide it.

Replace a dog's toothbrush when the bristles splay or wear out, usually every few months. Rinse it after each use and store it upright to dry. If the dog has chewed it, replace it at once so sharp edges do not injure the gums.

Small breeds have their teeth crowded into a small jaw, so plaque and tartar build up faster and dental disease starts earlier. That makes daily brushing and regular dental check-ups at the vet especially useful for them.

Rubber toys with grooves or nubs, especially when smeared with dog toothpaste, scrape off some plaque as the dog chews and satisfy the urge to chew. They are a useful extra, not a replacement for brushing. Choose a size the dog cannot swallow and replace toys that are chewed up.

Dog wet wipes are handy for paws after a walk, the muzzle after eating, coat stains or the rear end when a full bath is not needed. They are alcohol-free and formulated not to irritate the skin. They do not remove heavy dirt as well as water.

Fragrance-free, alcohol-free baby wipes usually do no harm now and then, but they may contain fragrance or other additives that the dog licks off. Dog wipes are made for dog skin and are safer if the dog licks itself. Do not use household wipes on wounds or near the eyes.

Dog perfumes and coat sprays are usually milder, with no or little alcohol. Still, a dog's sense of smell is very sensitive, so a strong scent may be unpleasant for it. Spray sparingly on the coat, not on the head, and do not use on irritated skin.

Regular brushing helps most, because it removes dead hair and skin oils that hold odour. Also wash the dog's bed, blankets and collar often, and always dry a wet dog thoroughly. Between baths you can use dry shampoo or wet wipes.

If the smell comes back soon after a bath, its source may be the ears, teeth, skin folds or anal glands rather than the coat. Damp spots left in the coat or a dirty bed are often to blame too. If the smell is strong and persistent, talk to a vet.

First blot up as much urine as possible with paper towels, then use an enzymatic cleaner for pet stains and odours that breaks down the source of the smell. Cleaners containing ammonia are unsuitable, because they smell like urine and may encourage the dog to mark the spot again.

Be careful: some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, can be toxic to dogs, especially when applied to the skin or licked off. Even diffusers can irritate a sensitive dog. To reduce odour it is safer to use products made for dogs and clean the dog's things regularly.

This behaviour often means the dog's rear is itchy or sore, for example from full anal glands, parasites or skin irritation. Expressing the glands yourself is not recommended — see a vet, who will find the cause. Meanwhile you can gently wipe the area with a damp wipe.

Choose bags that are thick, leak-proof and tear-resistant, in a size that suits your dog. Bags on rolls that fit in a dispenser on the lead are convenient. Scented bags reduce the smell, but the main thing is that the bag is reliable.

Biodegradable or compostable bags break down only under certain conditions, usually in industrial composting facilities, while in landfill or nature it takes a long time. Check which certifications are shown on the pack. Always put the bags in a bin rather than leaving them outdoors.

It is a small holder for a roll of bags that clips onto the lead handle or a belt, so bags are always at hand. Some dispensers have a torch or room for treats. Choose a sturdy clip and a size that fits your bag rolls.

Absorbent pads are used when house-training puppies, for old or ill dogs with incontinence, when travelling and after surgery. They soak up liquid and hold in odour. Pads should not replace regular walks for a healthy adult dog.

Put the pad in the same place each time, away from the bed and bowls. Take the puppy to it after sleeping, eating and playing, and praise it straight away when it goes on the pad. Later move the pad gradually towards the door if you plan to teach it to go outdoors.

Dog nappies are used when a dog cannot hold its urine due to age or illness, after surgery, for females in season or when travelling. They have a hole for the tail and come as disposable or reusable. Change them often and wipe the skin to prevent irritation, and discuss the cause of incontinence with a vet.