Grooming Is For Dog Too
You might think that “dog grooming” could only be done in costly pet salons. Though it is true that your dog could do without the fancy haircuts and expensive spa treatments, dog grooming basics are essential for your dog’s health, as well as for his well-being. Neglecting to do your dog’s grooming habits could cause concerns and issues in his health later on. Specialists on dog grooming usually advise owners that dogs must look good and feel good.
Here are a couple of aspects in dog grooming which you would need to focus on. It is important to begin early on– if possible, right after taking your puppy home from your pet shop.
Caring for the eyes of your dog would require proper routine cleansing. His eyes should always be clean and bright in appearance. Ensure that there is no too much discharge or redness. Buildup would be inevitable in his eyes but it could be cleaned by using a damp, clean cloth to wipe them. However, if the discharge looks like it is thicker than normal or probably mucus-like, it would be necessary to bring him to his veterinarian.
For those dogs with long face hair like Shih Tzus (along with their protruding eyes), their eyes are more at risk for bruises, scratches and injuries. It would be advisable to avoid their hair from getting into their eyes as this can cause irritation. You can place small barrettes to pin down the longer strands of face hair. However, if their eyes still end up getting irritated, there are products that can help alleviate mild infections of dogs’ eyes.
Another important dog grooming aspect would be caring for your dog’s ears. A common source of bacteria growth is dirt and moisture buildup in the ears. When giving your dog a bath, place cotton in his ears to keep water and soap out. Try to clip your dog’s ear hair with small trimming scissors and wipe the ears with a piece of clean cloth top make sure that the ears are always kept dry. If there is any earwax buildup, a trip to veterinarian is a must as it can lead to a serious infection.
Proper dental care is as necessary for your dog’s teeth as you deem it necessary for your own. Gum disease in dogs result from tartar and plaque buildup. Giving your dog a balanced diet does not guarantee him that he will be free from gum diseases and other dental concerns. This is why regularly cleaning your dog’s gums and teeth is very crucial to ensure good dental hygiene.
Dog grooming specialists strongly recommend brushing your dog’s coat regularly, as having a thick and tangled coat can bring on bacterial infections and skin diseases. Brushing to the skin can help stimulate blood circulation, which in turn promotes growth of new skin cells and removes dirt and dander.
For dogs with relatively shorter hair, a firm clothes brush can do the job well, although if you opt for a stiffer brush, there are lots of varieties available at the pet store. For the longer-haired dogs, using a sturdy steel comb and brush is a must. Brushing should be thorough and should be done on the entire coat, the stomach, the ears and behind the legs.
Contrary to common belief, bathing should be done as infrequently as possible. This is because frequent bathing can rid the dog of its natural oils, which dries out the coat, making it harsh. If you do give your dog a bath, it is advisable to do it with a mild dog shampoo.
Finally, grooming your dog’s nails. This is an aspect that should not be overlooked. They should be trimmed every 2 months, which would depend on how much your dog exercises and what kind of ground he walks and plays on. When you cut his nails, instead of using regular scissors, use dog nail cutters, which are available at pet stores.
