How's your dog looking these days? Running through puddles, rolling in mud, and fighting off fleas can leave any dog looking drab. But it doesn't have to be that way. And you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a fabulous looking dog. Follow these tips and your dog will be the "cats meow"!

The most essential part of the process is perfecting the coat. You want your dog to have a shiny, healthy coat that leaves people in awe.Before you go and buy brushes, expensive shampoo and cute bows; consider that it's what's on the inside that counts the most.

What are you feeding your dog? Are you giving them their proper vitamins and minerals? A dog's diet is what makes the difference between a scruffy looking coat, and a coat that looks like royalty. Read the labels on the food. To make that even easier here is a tip: if you can find the food in your grocery store- then avoid it. You don't have to buy the most expensive dog food around, but foods with actual nutrients and not cheap fillers (corn, meal, etc.) are not found in the grocery store.

Nothing is a bigger turn off than bad breath! This counts for dogs too. Dogs should have a normal dental routine. Small dogs will need their teeth brushed a few times a week as they are more prone to tooth problems. Additionally, make sure your dog has plenty of chews that clean the teeth. There are also products available that you can put in their water to help reduce plaque and freshen breath.

Some dogs will fight having their nails clipped like there is no tomorrow! But it still has to be done. Training your dog early to accept having their nails clipped can work wonders. If it's too late for that, and your dog gets fiesty, try to make it a relaxing experience. Give yourdog a treat for sitting next to you. Clip a nail, and give another treat. Clip another nail, give another treat. You get the pattern. If that doesn't work you can always have another person distract your dog (either with treats or a toy) while you get to clipping.

After following these steps, your dog should be pretty sexy. But how's his figure? People worry so much about their weight but when it comes to their dogs, they don't seem to mind if they are unhealthily overweight. Ideally, your dog should have a visible waistline behind the ribs. Stand above your dog, if you see a waistline then you're all set. If not, you might want to consider cutting back on some of that high quality food. And definitely cut out the treats!

When it comes down to it, looks are not important. Health is what counts. Feeding your dog a healthy diet, having a regualar dental routine, nail clipping and maintaining a proper weight will all add to the health, (and the life), of your precious pet.