5 grooming tips to keep your dog clean and healthy
What's the story
Pets like cats are known to be excellent self-groomers, dogs are far from it. However, they do try in their own way to stay clean. If your dog rolls on the ground, licks its coat, or chews its fur, it is trying to stay clean! There is a lot you can do as a pet owner to groom your pooch at home.
Soft fur
Brush your dog's coat
Ensure a regular schedule of brushing your dog's furry coat to prevent dirt from settling in and matting it. This applies more to long-haired dogs like Golden Retrievers. There's nothing worse than having your dog's hair dirty and matted. Short-haired dogs also benefit from brushing. It removes loose dead hair and dirt from their coat, which can further extend the time between baths.
Bathing frequency
Do not bathe your dog frequently
Brush your dog well to remove mats, and then put them in a tub of lukewarm water. Pour water on them but be careful to not pour water directly into their ears, eyes, or nose. Gently massage with shampoo from head to tail and wash thoroughly. Bathing frequencies depend on the breed, but most dogs should be bathed at least once a month.
Brush their teeth
Pay attention to dental hygiene
Just like us humans, dogs need good mouth care. Regularly brush your dog's teeth. Bacteria can cause build-up on their teeth leading to receding gums and loss of teeth. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends brushing two to three times a week. Extra drooling, bad breath, loose teeth, and swollen gums are signs of a problem in the mouth.
Trimming
Cut those long nails and hair
When it comes to trimming, it involves both their fur and their nails. Be careful while trimming, since you're using a sharp tool, and your dog might yelp or try to get out of your hold and cut themselves in the process. Trim the hair around their eyes, ears, and paws especially. Clip their nails when you can hear them click on the floors.
Signs of infection
Check your dog's ears often
While you brush or bathe them, regularly check your doggo's ears. When ear infections are not treated in time they can be extremely painful and bothersome. If the ears smell odd, or if they jump or cry when you inspect their ears it might be a sign of infection. Reach out to the vet if the inside of the ears is inflamed or moist.