Standard Schnauzer Puppy Grooming

Grooming Process

• A well-trained puppy will let you groom it without too much trouble. Others may wriggle during the initial sessions, so you may have to groom the puppy while firmly holding it. Make the grooming process short, about five to 10 minutes initially to get the puppy used to it. Reward your pet for cooperating.

Eye Cleaning

• Clean the debris that gets accumulated in the corner of the eyes daily by wiping it with a damp cloth or a paper towel. This prevents buildup of bacteria.

Ear Cleaning and Trimming

• Check your dog's ears once a week. Healthy ears look pink on the inside. If you see any abnormal coloration, take your pup to the vet. Regular ear cleaning minimizes bad odor and removes bacteria, mites and dirt that get trapped in the wax. Use a few drops of an ear-cleaning solution and wipe the ears dry with a fresh, clean cloth or cotton ball.

  Ear hair prevents the ear canal from drying and traps bacteria. Pluck the ear hair once every two weeks to prevent infections. Use your thumb and forefinger to pull out the hair or tweezers if the hair is slippery.

Teeth Cleaning

• Periodontal disease, gum diseases and cavities are quite common among schnauzers. Bacterial infections can affect the kidney, liver, heart and brain. Teeth infections diminish the pleasure of eating, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Use toothpaste meant for dogs. Teeth cleaning will require some practice and patience at first.

Nail Clipping

• Trim the nails once every two weeks. The nails should not touch the ground, so if your dog makes a clicking sound when it walks, it is time to trim them. Overgrown nails curl into the flesh and cause pain. It also affects posture, and ligament and skeletal health. Calm your pet by touching and manipulating the paw before you begin clipping. Alternatively, get your puppy used to a dog nail file so you don't need a clipper.

Grooming the Paws

• Remove any foreign objects wedged between the pads to prevent cuts and infections. Trim the hair between the paws every two weeks; the growing hair gets matted and makes it painful for the dog to walk.

Bathing

• Schnauzers are relatively clean dogs and do not require regular bathing. Bathing too often dries out the skin and causes the coat to lose color and texture. Comb the dog everyday, wipe the facial hair after every meal and bathe the dog only a few times a year.

  When bathing, use a diluted dog shampoo. Make sure the water does not enter the dog's ears and eyes. Cover the ears with cotton balls, if necessary. Lather well below the undercoat, then rinse thoroughly.

Hygiene Trimming

• Trim the fur in front of the ears and under the tail every two to four weeks to keep your pet clean. In addition, schnauzers have scent glands in the anal area that they use to mark their territory. At times, the glands get impacted, leading to bad odor. Typically, the glands are expressed when the dog is professionally groomed. However, it can be performed at home. Lift the dog's tail and hold a warm cloth against the anus. Keep your fingers at 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock and gently press inward while squeezing.