Let's be honest, not many people like to keep up on dog grooming because it takes time and your dog hates it. But in fact, many dogs may actually enjoy the experience as a way to bond with you, build your relationship, and they feel good afterward! Don't be discouraged before you begin as it'll have a life-long impression on both you and your dog in the end. Let's start with some key points about grooming:
Bathing, brushing, and fur/hair cuts:
- helps your dogs coat breathe, grow healthy, and avoid having skin irritation from built-up grease
- prevents hair/fur mats, which can actually grow so tightly that they can cut off blood circulation, and in severe cases the need to amputate an extremity.
- reduces shedding: allows you or the vet to feel or see skin irritations or any concerning health conditions
- minimizes fleas, ticks, and harmful parasites from invading and staying
- minimizes "hot spots" from dogs licking, trying to over-clean themselves
- improves your bond!
- the timelines vary from dog-dog, depending on how quickly fur grows, how dirty they get, and what their coat type is. Generally, between 6 weeks - 3 months. We wouldn't recommend bathing more frequently as this can strip the natural oils down that protect your dogs skin and coat
Ear Care
- reduces ear infections
- routine care helps visualize if there are other concerns as ear swelling and infections may be a symptom of underlying health concerns
- improves their quality of life
- clean at least monthly, more if needed
Dental Hygiene = VITAL!
- reduces risk of tooth decay and oral infections which can spread to important organs, including the kidneys, liver and heart
- prevents tooth loss which can lead to poor ability to eat and poor nutrition which can lead to early demise
- prevents constant pain from gingivitis
- improves and prolongs life
- reduces bad breath
- saves money!
- try to brush daily, if not, 3 times a week minimum
Nail Care
- reduces pain and arthritis- overgrown nails put pressure upward on the foot and leg with every step
- improves mobility
- if you do not clip for extended amounts of time, this can lead to the nail quick growing too long to keep the nail short enough and may require surgery
- trim nails approximately every 2-4 weeks, depending on rate of growth
Tip: If you or your dog has trouble with any of these grooming tactics, start slow, use those training treats and build up a positive association with the activity. Use an encouraging voice and body language, and begin with very short segments (even if only for 30 seconds at first) and build up slowly with time.
Both you and your dog will appreciate the health benefits of grooming. So please, don't doom them, groom them. Please refer to your Veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your specific pooch!
Check out our YouTube videos about grooming to learn more!