Body Care

Body care for service dogs in dog units is an essential part of health care and operational readiness. Professional grooming not only contributes to the dog's well-being but also ensures optimal performance in the field. This guide covers all important aspects of body care for service dogs.

Importance of Body Care

Regular and proper body care is particularly important for service dogs because it:

• Maintains the dog's health and prevents diseases
• Ensures operational readiness
• Promotes the animal's well-being
• Strengthens the bond between dog and handler
• Allows early detection of signs of illness

Basics of Body Care

Body care encompasses various areas that must be performed systematically and regularly. Each area requires specific knowledge and techniques.

Frequency of Care

The frequency of body care depends on various factors:

Grooming Supplies

For professional body care, handlers need various supplies:

• 001. Brushes and combs (various types depending on coat type)
• 002. Pet Shampoo and conditioner (dog-appropriate, pH-neutral)
• 003. Ear cleaner and cotton pads
• 004. Nail clippers or file
• 005. Toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs
• 006. Towels (several, absorbent)
• 007. Hair dryer (on low temperature setting)
• 008. Paw care products (e.g., paw balm)

Bathing

Bathing is an important part of body care, but should not be done too frequently to avoid damaging the natural protective layer of the skin.

When Should Bathing Occur?

Dogs should be bathed when:

• They are heavily soiled after an operation
• Unpleasant odor occurs
• Skin problems need to be treated
• Medical shampoos need to be used
• Regular care routine (every 2-3 months)

Bathing Process

The bathing process should be performed systematically:

• 001. Preparation: Prepare all supplies, check room temperature
• 002. Pre-cleaning: Remove coarse dirt with brush
• 003. Soaking: Gently place dog in water, completely wet the coat
• 004. Shampoo: Distribute shampoo evenly, massage gently
• 005. Dwell Time: Let sit for 5-10 minutes
• 006. Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
• 007. Conditioner: Apply conditioner if needed and rinse
• 008. Drying: Dry with towels, use hair dryer if needed

After Bathing

After bathing, thorough drying is important:

• Dry dog completely, especially the ears
• Watch for drafts
• Brush coat to prevent matting
• Check paws and care for them if needed

Coat Care

Coat care is the most frequent and important part of body care. It serves not only appearance but also health.

Importance of Coat Care

Regular coat care:

• Removes loose hair and dirt
• Prevents matting and knots
• Stimulates blood circulation in the skin
• Distributes natural skin oils evenly
• Enables early detection of skin problems

Techniques by Coat Type

Different dog breeds have different coat types that require specific care:

Coat Care Routine

A systematic coat care routine includes:

• 001. Preparation: Bring dog to quiet place, prepare supplies
• 002. Coarse Cleaning: Remove loose hair and coarse dirt
• 003. Brushing: Brush with appropriate brush in direction of growth
• 004. Combing: Comb through with comb, carefully loosen matting
• 005. Inspection: Check skin for abnormalities
• 006. Finishing: Smooth coat, apply care products if needed

Ear Care

Ear care is particularly important, as ear problems can significantly impair the dog's operational capability.

Frequency and Inspection

Ears should:

• Be inspected weekly
• Be cleaned as needed
• Be examined by a veterinarian immediately if abnormalities are found

Signs of Ear Problems

The following signs indicate ear problems:

• Scratching at the ears
• Head shaking
• Unpleasant odor
• Redness or swelling
• Excessive earwax formation
• Pain reactions when touched

Cleaning Technique

The correct cleaning technique is crucial:

• 001. Preparation: Prepare ear cleaner and cotton pads
• 002. Inspection: Check ears for abnormalities
• 003. Cleaning: Gently apply ear cleaner into the ear canal
• 004. Massage: Gently massage the ear (approx. 30 seconds)
• 005. Removal: Remove excess fluid with cotton pad
• 006. Drying: Gently dry ears

Paw Care

The paws are particularly stressed in service dogs and require regular attention.

Paw Inspection

After each operation, paws should be checked for:

• Injuries or cracks
• Foreign objects (stones, splinters, etc.)
• Excessive callus formation
• Redness or inflammation
• Interdigital problems

Paw Care Measures

Regular paw care includes:

• 001. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean paws after operations
• 002. Inspection: Check interdigital spaces
• 003. Care: Apply paw balm for dry skin
• 004. Nails: Check nail length and trim if needed
• 005. Pads: Check pads for cracks and care for them

Special Situations

Care After Operations

After operations, body care requires special attention:

• Thorough cleaning of soiling
• Inspection for injuries
• Removal of foreign objects
• Treatment of minor wounds
• Documentation of abnormalities

Care for Injuries

When injuries occur, care must be adjusted:

• Do not bring wounds into contact with shampoo
• Use care products only on intact skin
• Follow veterinary instructions
• Regular monitoring of healing

Winter Care

In winter, dogs need special care:

• Protect paws from road salt
• Dry coat after walks
• Protect ears from cold
• Skin care in dry heating air

Summer Care

In summer, other aspects are important:

• Sufficient shade and water
• Coat care for temperature regulation
• Protection from sunburn (especially for light-colored dogs)
• Inspection for ticks and parasites

Documentation

Documentation of body care is important for:

• Traceability of care measures
• Recognition of changes over time
• Communication with veterinarians
• Quality assurance

Care Documentation

The following points should be documented:

• 001. Date and time of the care measure
• 002. Measures performed (bathing, brushing, etc.)
• 003. Products used (shampoo, care products)
• 004. Abnormalities (skin problems, injuries)
• 005. Dog's reactions (relaxation, stress)
• 006. Follow-up measures (veterinary visit, etc.)

Avoiding Common Mistakes

The following mistakes should be avoided in body care:

Cooperation with Veterinarians

Body care should be carried out in close coordination with veterinarians:

• Regular consultation on care measures
• Use of medical products as instructed
• Reporting of abnormalities
• Adjustment of care in case of illness