Grooming Guide to Keep the Dog Healthy and Happy

A dog will give the human family many years of loyal and affectionate companionship. These pets are highly valued thus loving families will provide the pet with a dog-proofed home. Not many dog owners though realize that aside from the regular meals, the pet has other special requirements too. Enough food would not maintain the happiness and overall well being of the pet as exercise and grooming will be necessary as well.

Dogs have different grooming requirements, your dog can be one of the high maintenance or low maintenance breeds. Not all dogs would enjoy grooming routines thus an owner that fits a grooming session to the busy schedule would find the task tedious and challenging. Grooming though is necessary and following a grooming checklist will make the task easier.

Bathing is one of the necessary grooming routines of dogs. This grooming routine though should be done on a “as necessary” basis only. As frequent bathing removes the natural oils of the skin, the appearance of the fur can be affected and some skin concerns can also develop. Breeds hallmarked by beautiful coats would still need regular brushing to maintain the topnotch appearance of the coat. Parasite infestation and developing health concerns can be noticed and resolved at once by brushing the dog’s coat regularly. Twice a week brushing would do for short haired breeds but long haired dogs need about 30 minutes brushing every day.

Ear cleaning is another grooming routine that should be done weekly. Retrievers and other dogs that spend more time in water as well as pendulous eared dogs would need more frequent ear cleaning. Daily cleaning is as well necessary for the dog’s delicate eyes. Eye wipes or a clean cloth must be used to clean and to remove the gunk from the dog’s eyes.

Most dog owners would find trimming the nails and brushing the dog’s teeth more challenging grooming routines as dogs that love having the coat brushed are generally not compliant to these grooming routines. However, apart from the need to ensure that the pet has fresh breath because it is hugged and kissed by the family members, teeth cleaning is also necessary to prevent periodontal diseases. The nails have to be kept trimmed as well. The dog would be more compliant to being groomed if the routines were introduced while the pet is still a puppy.

A regular grooming routine is necessary in the maintenance of the dog’s overall health. Through these grooming sessions, the relationship of the owner and the pet is enhanced.

Sarah’s Dogs provides more information on dog grooming.