Obviously, we desire that our dogs must be happy, healthy, and have clean, smooth, silky coats. You can enjoy cuddling them when they have a good smell and a smooth coat. Unfortunately, most people have the misconception that they only need to clean their pets when they get filthy. However, if you wait until they get very dirty, then most likely your furry friend is already overdue for their grooming.
Aside from aesthetic purposes, regular grooming offers your dog several benefits that are vital to their health and well-being. Sometimes taking your dog to the groomers every quarter might not be enough for them. Here, we are going to explore some of the greatest health benefits of dog grooming, why it is essential for your pets, and how to select the proper products.
Why is good grooming important for your dog? Good grooming can make your dog look and smell fresh, but at the same time, it can also be an excellent bonding moment for you and your dog. Also, keep in mind that dog grooming is important for their health and happiness. The following are some of the vital health benefits of dog grooming:
Skin Problems Can Be Detected Earlier
The more time you spend bathing, brushing, and cuddling your dog, the more familiar you become with their body. So, when something seems odd, you can recognize it right away.
And the sooner you detect these skin problems, the better the chances are that they can be treated effectively. Some of the most typical skin problems to observe when grooming your dog are eczema, hotspots, allergies, ringworm, and skin infections.
Noticing and Treating Fleas or Ticks
Regularly grooming your dog is also a great opportunity for you to notice those fleas and ticks. The longer these parasites stay on your dog’s body, the more vulnerable they become to serious problems. Spotting these fleas earlier can help prevent an uncontrollable infestation.
Additionally, identifying ticks earlier can prevent severe infections such as Lyme disease. So, always check your dogs for fleas and ticks, especially if they spend time outdoors. Ticks often latch onto your dogs’ ears because they are moist, warm, and hard to reach for dogs. Hence, this is the area where you should check first!
When bathing and brushing your dog, also check for fleas and ticks. As you brush your dog’s coat, be on the lookout for any critters. Finding adult fleas can be challenging enough, let alone searching for their eggs. It is easier to notice adult fleas compared to flea eggs since the latter are tiny. Sometimes dog owners even mistake flea eggs for dry skin or sand.
Search For Lumps or Bumps
The more you care for your dog, the better. It not only strengthens your bond with your pet but also makes you more familiar with their body. This familiarity enables you to easily notice lumps, bumps, or any abnormalities. You may come across various types of lumps on your pet, ranging from soft to hard. Some of these lumps may be more concerning than others.
However, early detection can aid in treating and preventing them from worsening. Common types of skin growths include warts, abscesses, fatty tumors, and mast cell tumors. When you discover any abnormal lumps or bumps, be sure to promptly consult your vet.
If you detect a lump while grooming your dog, take a picture of it and note its size, color, and shape. This will help you monitor any changes over time. Alert your vet immediately upon noticing any lumps. Even if it’s a non-cancerous tumor, delaying treatment could lead to complications.
Prevents Ear Infections
Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears is essential for promptly identifying any abnormalities. Removing wax and other debris from their ears helps prevent ear infections. If you notice anything unusual, it could signal an underlying condition. Breeds like cocker spaniels or basset hounds, with floppy or flat-laying ears, are particularly susceptible to ear infections.
However, all dogs can develop ear infections if not properly cared for. While cleaning your dog’s ears, watch for discharge, pus, redness, and especially foul odors, as these are signs of an ear infection.
Nail Trimming Can Improve Physical Health
Many dog owners feel apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails. However, neglecting this task can lead to various physical health issues. If your dog’s nails are not properly maintained, it can exert excessive pressure on their joints and toes. Additionally, untrimmed nails may become caught on bedding, carpet, or their own fur.
Without regular trimming, nails may grow too long, potentially leading to arthritis, poor posture, and bone deformities. Extended nails can press into the paw pads, causing discomfort. There’s also a risk of nails splitting or breaking, with sharp edges posing injury risks to your dog. Longer nails increase the likelihood of slipping on hardwood floors, which can result in injuries.
Take Out Dead Skin Cells and Hair
Regular shedding of dead skin cells is inevitable, as it makes way for new skin cells. This applies to both humans and dogs. When your dog has dead skin, it can clog their pores and cause itchiness.
Continuous itching may result in raw, red, and painful skin. Moreover, dead skin can promote the buildup of smelly yeast. However, regular bathing and brushing of your dog can help remove these dead skin cells and hair, encouraging the growth of new skin and hair.
Brushing your dog at least every other day can effectively remove dead fur while preventing matting and tangles. Avoid overbrushing, as it can damage their follicles, leading to a brittle and dry coat.
If your dog’s coat is dirty, opt for washing it with hydrating, natural dog shampoos instead of brushing. With regular brushing, your dog may come to enjoy it, as it mimics a massage and strengthens the bond between you and your pet.
For most dogs, a pin brush is a good option, as it stimulates the skin and penetrates the hair. However, the ideal brush for your dog depends on their breed. A stiff comb works well for medium-hair dogs, particularly those that shed. Conversely, a brush with soft bristles is suitable for dogs with short and smooth coats.
Eliminate Mats
Mats in your dog’s coat can be very irritating and painful for them, as they can pull on the skin. However, regular grooming and brushing can help prevent matting.
For quality grooming for your furry friend, Shaggy’s Dog Wash and Grooming is the perfect place to go. To book an appointment, call us at 701-232-4367 or send an email to shaggysdogwash1@gmail.com.