A thorough bath and fresh haircut can make your dog feel like a new animal. It often gives them an extra spring in their step and maybe a case of the zoomies. Maintaining your dog’s fur, skin, and nails plays an integral role in their health, comfort, and well-being. Just as you take time each day to care for your own hygiene, you should do the same for your canine companions.
What are the Risks of Poor Grooming Habits?
Putting off brushing and bathing your dog or getting their fur trimmed can have a negative impact on your pet’s health. It can lead to issues such as:
- Severe matting
- Skin infections
- Ear infections
- Flea or tick infestations
- Excess shedding
- Overgrown nails
- Foul odors
If left untreated, they can affect your dog’s quality of life. Regular care can also help you identify potential problems early on such as newly formed lumps or bumps, rashes, or other abnormalities.
Tips for At-Home Grooming
There are plenty of things that you can do at home to keep your dog looking and feeling their best.
Brush their fur regularly. One small knot or tangle can quickly evolve into a matted mess. Choose the right brush for your dog’s fur and take the time to brush out their entire body from the top of their head to the tips of their toes and tail. This is especially important if your dog has long or thick fur, or if they are a breed that tends to shed. Gently work at detangling knots and consider trimming ones that are tough to comb through.
Brushing your pet’s coat is also a great way to keep their fur shinier and healthier because it distributes natural oils and stimulates continued production. This is good for their skin health as well and helps remove loose fur. Check for signs of fleas or ticks as you go.
Give them a bath as needed. You don’t need to bathe your dog every week, but every few weeks is a good rule of thumb, or when they have become especially dirty or start to smell. Use shampoo formulated specifically for dogs, rinse well, and avoid their eyes and ears. Remove excess moisture by patting them dry with a towel. If it’s warm out, you can let them air dry, or you can use a blow dryer on the lowest and coolest setting.
Use cotton balls and dog-safe ear cleaner to remove any waxy buildup in your dog’s ears. If you notice any foul smells or redness, it may be sign of an infection.
Do some basic trimming. Carefully trim any long fur that has sprouted between your dog’s toes, around the pads of their paws, and around their eyes. This can help them to walk more comfortably and keep their fur from obstructing their vision. Use nail clippers or a grinder to keep their nails at an appropriate length as well, just be careful not to cut down to the quick, which can lead to bleeding.
Keep their teeth clean. Not all dogs will let you safely put your fingers into their mouth, but if your dog does, consider brushing their teeth every few days to reduce plaque buildup and freshen their breath. This can also help decrease their risk of infection and dental problems that can impact their health.
Schedule Professional Grooming
If your dog gets nervous when you bring out the brush or turn on the bath water, working with a professional groomer can be a good idea. They know how to keep your dog calm and can handle all of their grooming needs from removing matting, helping with shedding, trimming their nails, and giving them a fresh haircut. Contact Lake Wylie Pet Resort to schedule your dog’s next appointment!