Regular grooming is important for dogs of all breeds. This keeps the coat shiny, healthy and tangle-free, and allows you to check your dog for parasites and skin problems, promoting general hygiene. If your dog poop looks like sausage casing check out that article. In addition, grooming strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Even dogs with short, easy-care coats should be brushed, bathed, and nail clipped regularly. Dogs with longer coats may need a proper haircut. You might take your dog to a professional grooming salon to have their hair cut. The following seven tips will help you care for your dog’s coat at home.
1. Brush your dog regularly to keep their coat from matting
Regardless of breed, your dog needs regular brushing to keep their coat shiny. How often you should do this depends on the length and texture of the dog’s coat. Long-haired breeds like Golden Retrievers and Collies need to be brushed more frequently (at least once a week, if not every other day); short-haired breeds such as greyhounds or labradors only every two weeks.
A matted coat can cause painful skin irritation in long-haired dogs. Dogs lick or bite the irritated areas, which can quickly lead to infection. In addition, foreign objects such as grass seeds can hide in a matted coat and even penetrate the skin, where they cause abscesses. If a long-haired dog is brushed regularly, the risk is reduced.
Short-haired dogs should also be brushed. This removes loose hair, dirt and dander from the dog’s coat and reduces the need to bathe your dog as often.
2. Trim your dog’s hair – but be careful
Most dog owners prefer to take their dog to a salon to have their fur trimmed. But if you’re careful, you can trim hair around your dog’s eyes or paws too long at home – perhaps to reduce the need to go to the groomer as often. By trimming the hair around your dog’s eyes, you avoid obstructing his vision or rubbing and damaging the hair on his eyes.
Wait with the scissors until your dog is calm and lying down. Move slowly and carefully, especially when the scissors are close to the skin. Reward your dog with a treat when you’re done.
Trimming the hair inside the ears can improve airflow and prevent ear infections. However, it should ideally be carried out by an experienced groomer or at the veterinarian’s.
Remember: it’s easy to accidentally injure your dog with the scissors or nail clippers. So always be careful when clipping hair or claws. If you’re nervous or don’t want to trim your dog’s hair yourself, consult a professional groomer.
3. How to trim your dog’s nails
If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on hard floors in your home, then it’s time to clip his nails. In this way you can prevent your dog from having pain when moving due to the long claws. Before you clip your dog’s nails for the first time, there are a few safety tips you should read.
4. Check your dog’s skin when grooming
Skin allergies are common in dogs. They cause itching, and the dog will scratch, bite, or lick the irritated areas.
Make it a habit to check your dog’s skin every time you brush it. First, run your fingers through your dog’s coat and feel for any unusual knots or bumps. Then part the fur to examine the skin more closely for wounds, redness, rashes, bald spots, and signs of parasites.
5. Teach your dog to enjoy grooming
Many dogs, and especially puppies, need a little motivation before their first grooming session.
These tips ensure that the first care units at home run smoothly:
- Spread a little malt paste on a washable surface and let your dog or puppy lick it while you brush or bathe them.
- Take things slowly – with lots of treats and lots of praise so your dog looks forward to the next round of pampering.
- Put a non-slip mat in the tub to keep your dog from slipping while bathing.
6. Examine your dog’s ears regularly
When grooming your dog, take a close look at their ears. Ear infections can be painful. So if you observe any of the following changes or behavior, have your dog checked by a veterinarian:
- The inside of the ears is inflamed or moist.
- The ears smell strange (a dog ear infection often smells sweet).
- Your dog shakes his head or scratches his ears.
- The ears contain more or different types of earwax than usual (a little earwax is normal).
- Your dog will howl or bark if you examine his ears.
7. Don’t bathe your dog too often
Most dogs with healthy skin only need bathing every few months to avoid hygiene issues and unpleasant odors. Bathing your dog more often will strip the coat of its natural oils and dry out the skin.
If your dog has an unpleasant odor without having rolled in something smelly, you should speak to your veterinarian as the odor may indicate dental disease or a skin infection.
When bathing your dog, remember:
- A dog’s skin has a different pH level than ours, so never use baby or adult shampoos, instead use a non-soap and gentle shampoo specifically formulated for dogs.
- Pour warm water over your dog until he is thoroughly wet. Then gently massage the shampoo into the coat. Be careful not to get anything in your dog’s eyes, mouth or ears.
- Rinse off the shampoo with warm water. Then the dog can shake and air dry outside in warm weather. In cooler weather, gently towel dry the dog or blow dry on the lowest setting.
Good personal hygiene, regular bathing and skin and ear checks not only keep your dog healthy. They also show your love and spend time together.