How to Groom Your Dog Properly
When it comes to taking care of our four-legged companions, it is important not to underestimate the role of dog grooming. Apart from making your fur baby’s coat clean and shiny, it also keeps your dog away from parasites, fleas, ticks and other diseases. Reality is – there is more to dog grooming than just aesthetics. In fact, dog grooming is crucial in disease prevention.
There are many good habits that should form part of your regular dog grooming routine. This includes the following:
- Bathing
Establishing a regular bathing schedule is not only important in getting your dog to smell good, it also plays a big role in eliminating dirt, fleas and ticks from your dog’s body.
- Coat brushing
You should also be brushing your dog’s coat on a regular basis to help eliminate tangles and tags, but also to help distribute the oils through your dog’s coat and as a result, get it to maintain its luster and shine.
- Teeth brushing
As dental plaque can lead to more serious health problems, it is important to brush your dog’s teeth daily using a soft toothbrush. All you have to do is simply lift the dog’s lips and gently brush the outer surface of the teeth.
- Ear cleaning
It is best to check your dog’s ears regularly to make sure they aren’t red, inflamed or have a high build-up of wax.
- Nail trimming
One of the most important aspects of your dog grooming is keeping your dog’s nails clipped. Long nails are not only prone to getting dirty more quickly; they also make it difficult for your dog to walk properly.
How Often Should Dog Grooming Take Place?
There is not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to how often you should groom your dog. After all, it really depends on the breed, size, activities, and coat quality of your dog. Some breeds tend to require higher maintenance than others, while most only need periodic care.
- Curly-coated dogs such as Poodles only require grooming at least once every two months
- Silky-coated dogs such as Cocker Spaniels require thorough grooming sessions four times a year, however their coats need to be brushed daily.
- Short-coated dogs such as Boxers need weekly brushing. However, it wouldn’t do you any harm to just bathe them at least twice a year.
- Long-coated dogs such as Collies and Sheepdogs require daily brushing to keep their coats in good condition. They should also be bathed once every month.
- Smooth-coated dogs such as Labrador Retrievers and Dachshunds are very low-maintenance dogs that require only weekly brushing and bathing only when they’re really dirty.
As the breed dictates what kind of grooming routine your dog would need, it is important to learn more about your dog’s grooming needs. Otherwise, you may be over-bathing your four-legged companion and instead of keeping them clean and healthy, make them more prone to any diseases and skin conditions.