The importance of dog grooming

The importance of dog grooming

Grooming dogs is a pertinent step in maintaining appearances and more importantly, a healthy practice to develop. The process of grooming requires a commitment of time and learning know how, to facilitate owners in observing and identifying any changes or alterations in their coat, skin, paws and the rest of the body. Repetitive grooming aids in allowing owners to easily spot anything unusual as soon as they arise and handle accordingly. If you choose to use the services of a dog groomer, please ensure they have adequate dog grooming insurance

In order to make the process seamless each time, a dog needs to be trained to get accustomed to the steps in grooming, this will not startle the dog or make the animal in any way uncomfortable. Grooming may include a number of activities, especially based on the breed (s) in questions. Long haired animals will of course require more time and possibly different grooming tools to complete the process, therefore keep in mind grooming practices and schedules should revolve around the type of dog in the household. We have reviewed the best dog clippers that are available for home or professional use in 2022.

As previously mentioned, some activities that are typically included in the grooming listing are as follows:

  • Brushing of the hair (to maintain sheen and an unmated coat),
  • Clipping of claws and general inspection of paws (both underside and between claws are to be clean and free from pests as well as cracks in the paw),
  • Nose (to be moist and free from cracks)
  • Cleaning the ears (to ensure it being odour free and generally clean)
  • Eyes and teeth (to ensure eyes are clear and dog is alert, teeth are free from obstructions and maintaining a healthy colour),
  • Under belly and tail examinations (to be free from broken skin, scarring and tears)

Being knowledgeable of the physical conditioning of your dog gives an insight to the possible state of how healthy they are internally. A good example is being able to tend to fleas and ticks as soon as the dog is sighted scratching or when brushing these insects are actually seen.

Another tip for grooming are bath schedules. Dogs do not require bathing as often as people do, as their skin provides natural oils to maintain their coat and aid in masking odours. If the animal has outdoor exposure frequently or generally lives outdoors, then the general rule of thumb is to bathe them once per month. Make sure to choose a dog specific shampoo, more so formulated for the hair length and type. Additionally, if the dog requires a haircut, it is advised that such a task not be handled by an amateur. Hair cutting skills, especially for longer haired animals, demand patience and the requisite training.

It is always a good idea that when in doubt, do the necessary research or seek professional assistance with grooming. For new owners, demonstrations may be easier to grasp than by reading a book or online article. Being vigilant with grooming will indeed save some trips and the expense of visiting the veterinarian’s office. In order to have a happy dog, make sure to take care of their health, both inside and out.

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