Part 2

NAIL TRIMMING

Nail clipping is not pleasant but it is absolutely necessary in order to prevent breakdown of the pastern. If the nails are allowed to grow too long, two things can happen. The first, and potentially most painful, is that they will curl under the dog's feet eventually cutting into the pads themselves, causing extreme pain. The second, although not as obvious, is just as serious. Long nails push the weight of the foot farther back than nature meant it to be, causing the foot to bend in an unnatural position. This breaks down the pastern, the area just above the foot, weakening the entire leg structure. This can cause limping, uncomfortable movement, and injury.

To clip the puppy's nails, grasp the foot and gently squeeze a toe and its base so that I will separate from the others for easy access. Using the doggie-toenail clippers, snip off the end of the toenail. You can see how far back to cut by looking at the underside of the nail. There is a groove that runs from the end of the toenail to just past the quick. Clip as close to the quick as possible, then file the nail smooth. If you do nick the quick, don't panic. Preparations for stopping any bleeding are available and work quickly. Weekly or bi-weekly nail clipping will become routine for both you and your Cairn if you do not let his/her tendencies to become a dramatic actor performing a death scene get to you.

BATHING

Bathing the Cairn is to be discourages unless he/she is really filthy or has gotten into something that makes him/her an unacceptable houseguest. Unfortunately, any Cairn who has the chance to roll in something totally disgusting will take every opportunity to do so. Bathing too often can dry out a Cairn's skin and soften the coat. A better alternative is to dampen a towel with warm water and vigorously rub your dog down with it, and then dry him/her with a clean towel. A blow dryer comes in handy-set on medium, not hot-to finish drying the Cairn so that he/she does not become chilled. There are also waterless shampoos available at commercial outlets and dog shows that can be sprayed on the offending areas, rubbed in, and then toweled dry.

TEETH

Teeth also need attention. Chewing proper doggie toys and treats can help keep teeth clean and breath fresh. There are a great variety of Nylabone product available that veterinarians recommend as safe and healthy for your dog or puppy to chew on. These Nylabone Pooch Pacifiers usually don't splinter, chip or break off in large chunks; instead, they are frizzled by the dog's chewing action, and this creates a toothbrush-like surface that cleanses the teeth and massages the gums. Occasionally, however, plaque will build up and need to be removed professionally. If you notice your dog's breath has a bad odor, check his/her teeth for brown or yellowish plaque. If the problem has become more advanced, his/her gums will look red and inflamed instead of healthy and pink. Your veterinarian will perform a complete teeth cleaning for a moderate price. Brushing the teeth regularly with a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger or a soft toothbrush using specially made dog toothpaste is recommended as a preventive. Do not use human toothpaste. It will upset your dog's stomach.

EARS

Ears, too need periodic cleaning. Pre-moistened wipes are available at pet supply outlets, or a warm washcloth can be used to clean the visible portions of the inside ear. Long hairs should be removed from the insides of the ears to help keep them clean. If you notice your Cairn shaking his/her head often or scratching at the inside of his/her ears, he might have ear mites. these should be treated by your vet with specially medicated drops.

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