Let’s face it, nobody wants to be around a dirty, smelly dog. No matter how much you love your dog, you want to keep them clean and well groomed. Keeping your dog fresh is not only important for their look, but is also crucial to their well-being. Routine dog grooming helps keep your dog free of any parasites, and skin irritation. It also helps you detect any abnormalities. It also helps them maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Dog grooming should begin early in your pup’s life. This will make it easier to continue comfortably grooming in years to come. There are few parts of grooming that can be done by you routinely in order to keep your dog in good health.
Caring for Your Dog’s Coat
A routine brushing or combing of your dog’s coat will help bring any loose hair or dirt to the surface. If your dog has a thick coat you might consider brushing your pup daily. For thinner coats a weekly brushing will suffice. Brushing your dog’s hair also helps bring out the natural oils.
Checking Your Dog’s Ears
Healthy dog ears are often pale in color, soft and odor free. If you see any dirt or build up in your pup’s ears simply use a recommended ear cleaning product on a cotton ball and gently wipe their ears clean. If you are concerned about the look of your dog’s ears you should contact your veterinarian or professional dog groomer.
Maintaining Good Dental Health
Just like with humans, a dog’s oral hygiene is very important. You should brush your dogs teeth at least twice per week using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
Nail Trimming
Clipping your dogs nails can be difficult, especially if your dog moves around and does not cooperate with the process. Before trimming your dogs nails it is important to consult with your veterinarian or dog grooming specialist. If you are going to do it, make sure your dog is used to having his paws handled. This will make the process much easier. Make sure you hold the paw gently and cut just below where the curve of the nail begins. Be sure not to cut the nail too short or you could clip a small vein that carries blood to the nail. If you feel uncomfortable trimming your dog’s nails, go to a dog groomer.
Visiting Your Dog Groomer
Maintaining a regular dog grooming schedule is important to your dog’s hygiene and health. You should do what you can at home, such as brushing your dog and checking his ears. However, you should also take your pup to a dog grooming professional to get a complete cleaning.
Keeping your dog well groomed will keep both you and your dog healthy. Follow these simple tips to maintain a clean dog, and to ensure that no abnormalities appear. If you have any questions, it is important to visit with your dog grooming professional or veterinarian.