Bathing Your Airedale

A normal, healthy dog should be bathed as infrequently as possible because the dog's skin is different from that of humans. It is very rich in oil glands and deficient in sweat glands. The oil keeps his skin soft and prevents it from drying and cracking. It also protects the coat and keeps it water-resistant. When a dog is bathed too often, the natural oil is removed from his skin and the skin and coat become dry. Minute cracks in the skin cause irritation, the dog scratches and bites himself and eczema or other infectious skin ailments may result.

So bathe your dog only when he gets so dirty that it is impossible to clean him any other way, and when you are doing the periodic coat stripping. When a bath is necessary, protect the dog's eyes and ears from water before putting him Into the tub. Put a drop of castor oil into each eye and plug his ears with cotton. The water should be lukewarm, never hot or cold. Use a special dog soap which does not contain much alkali and rinse all traces of soap from his coat. Then dry him with a thick towel, massage his coat with your hand and brush him. If the day is warm and sunny, let him run outdoors to complete the drying, but if it is cool keep him indoors.

Watch The Toenails

Many dogs that run on gravel or pavements keep their toenails down, so they seldom need clipping. But a dog that doesn't do much running, or runs on grass, will grow long toenails that can be harmful. The long nails will force the dog's toes into the air and spread his feet wide. In addition, the nails may rorce the dog into an unnatural stance that may produce lameness.

You can control your dog's toenails by cutting them with a special dog clipper or by filing them. Many dogs object to the clipping and it takes some experience to learn just how to do it without cutting into the blood vessels. Your vet will probably examine your dog's nails whenever you bring him in and will trim them at no extra charge. He can show you how to do it yourself in the future. If you prefer, you can file the points off your dog's nails every few weeks with a flat wooden file. Draw the file in only one direction-from the top of the nail downward in a round stroke to the end of the nail or underneath. You'll need considerable pressure for the first few strokes to break through the hard, polished surface, but then it gets easier.

Incidentally, it's a good idea to keep your young puppy from walking on waxed or slippery floors, as this tends to break down the pasterns.

Eyes, Ears And Teeth

If you notice matter collecting in the comers of the dog's eyes, wipe it out with a piece of cotton or tissue. If there is a discharge, check with your vet.

The Airedale's ears should receive daily care. Brush the ear flap to remove any matted dirt or food. Examine the ears and remove all visible wax, using a piece of cotton dipped in a boric acid solution or a solution of equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide. Be gentle and don't probe into the ear, but just clean the parts you can see. If your dog constantly shakes his head, twitches his ears or scratches them, it is best to have the vet take a look.

If you give your dog a hard chewing bone-the kind you can buy at a pet store-it will serve him as your toothbrush serves you and will prevent the accumulation of tartar on his teeth. However, check his mouth occasionally and take him to the vet if you find collected tartar or bloody spots on his gums.