The Importance of Grooming Your Dog

People will often groom themselves. This involves combing our hair and cutting it when needed. We will also brush our teeth and get other dental work done. Also, trimming nails and maybe other parts of our bodies that appear unkempt. A lot of the time, this is to maintain our physical appearance, but that is not the only motive behind it.

Grooming is also important for personal hygiene and wellbeing. If we don’t take care of ourselves then we could begin to pick up some complications. The same goes for our pets and your dog will also need regular grooming to keep them looking good, and to keep them feeling good.
 

A Healthy Coat

One part of your dog’s body that will need regular grooming is their coat. If not kept in good condition, hair can become matted and knotted and this could lead to a great deal of discomfort. Simply brushing your dog’s coat regularly will help to keep their coat in good condition, and the skin beneath along with it. Breeds with longer hair will likely need more attention, although those with short hair should also receive some grooming as well. As well as helping to keep the skin and coat healthy and looking good, it also helps to identify potential parasitic infections, allowing you to nip them in the bud before they can get at all serious. Using a good quality dog shampoo and conditioner will also make grooming easier and more effective.

Grooming your four-legged friend’s coat also has another benefit. Throughout the animal kingdom, animals will groom each other regularly and this helps to form and maintain bonds between individuals. In grooming your dog’s coat, you are also helping to strengthen the bond between you, helping to make sure that you have a loyal friend for life.
 

Dog Dental Health

Your four-legged friend’s teeth and gums are made from the same things that ours are. This means that they are also susceptible to the same complications that we can experience. Buildup of tartar, plaque and bacteria can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and other complications if your dog’s dental health is not taken into consideration. This can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort, and potentially expensive trips to the vet.

While brushing your pet’s teeth is not usually practical, there are alternatives that can help. Many treats and toys are made with your pooch’s dental health in mind and help to keep teeth clean and the mouth generally clear of harmful bacteria. Special pastes are also available that provide extra protection to your pooch’s teeth and gums.
 

Dog Nail Care

Generally speaking, your pooch’s nails will wear down naturally as they are slowly eroded while they walk and run on rough surfaces. They can sometimes still grow too long, though, and this could lead to them requiring a trim. This is often the case in sick or old dogs that are not as active as they once were. If they are not trimmed then they could become torn or damaged, and this could prove to be very painful for your pooch.

Part of a dog’s nails has soft tissue inside with nerve endings so it is important to be very careful when trimming them. If you are not sure, it is advisable to ask a vet or professional groomer to do the trimming for you. When done correctly, the procedure is fast and painless, and your pooch will be free to run or walk straight away….