Written by Ruby and her hooman mum.
“I get complimented all the time for my admittedly glorious hair. You want to know the secret? My hooman mum never missed a day from my grooming schedule (although sometimes I wish she did!). But the truth is that dog grooming isn't just about appearances – it's about ensuring our overall well-being and comfort. So, why should you bathe and groom your dog? My mum will tell you why”. Ruby, the elegant Golden Retriever.
Hi there fellow pet parents. It is true, I’m a bit passionate regarding my dog’s grooming. It is because grooming keeps them clean, it allows me to check for anything on the coat that should not be there, and it keeps their coat free from dead hair, tangles, and oiliness.
Their coat protects their skin, the largest organ of their body; Together with their coat, their skin helps regulate their body temperature and insulates them from the weather conditions, sun radiation and other external factors. While feeding, walking, health checking and playtime are all essential aspects of their care, the dog baths and coat brushing, the ears, eyes and teeth cleaning, and their nails trimming should also be in routine care. Let's delve into the reasons:
Benefits of frequent Dog Grooming at home
1.To Maintain a Healthy Dog Coat and Skin
Regular dog grooming helps keep the coat and skin in optimal condition. Bathing removes dirt, debris, and allergens that can accumulate on their fur, reducing the risk of skin issues.
Using a dog shampoo specially formulated for their skin pH ensures a gentle and effective cleanse without stripping natural oils.
2.To Prevent Matting and Tangles
Regular brushing helps prevent painful matting and tangles, especially in long-haired breeds. Brushing removes loose hair, prevents knots, and promotes better air circulation, reducing the chances of skin irritations.
3.To Monitor and Detect Early
Grooming sessions provide an opportunity to examine your dog's body closely. You can detect any lumps, bumps, wounds, or changes in their skin or coat early, potentially catching health issues before they worsen.
4.For Clean Paws and Healthy Nails
Keeping your dog's nails trimmed is crucial for their comfort and mobility. Overgrown nails can lead to pain and difficulty walking. Don’ t forget to inspect and care for their paws, ensuring they're clean and free from debris.
5.For Healthy Ears and Eyes
Regular grooming includes cleaning your dog's ears and eyes. Proper ear cleaning reduces the risk of infections, while eye care prevents irritations and infections caused by dirt or discharge.
6.Because it's one more opportunity for hugs and bonding
Grooming sessions can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet. It fosters trust and strengthens your relationship, making your dog more comfortable with being handled.
7.To Reduce Stress
Regular grooming helps desensitize your dog to being touched, making future vet visits and grooming appointments less stressful.
8.Because it Boosts their Confidence
A well-groomed dog feels good and comfortable; This boosts their confidence and overall wellness.
Some additional and important Dog Bath tips
Washing: Use a high-quality dog shampoo that suits your pet's specific coat type and needs. Look for shampoos with natural ingredients to ensure gentle cleansing and moisturization.
Drying: After a bath, ensure that the coat is thoroughly dried to prevent skin issues. Towel drying followed by gentle blow-drying on a low temperature setting can help.
Brushing: For greater effectiveness and to avoid damaging the hair, brushing should be done with a suitable brush for your dog's coat type, especially in dogs with long, double, or curly hair. On top, specialized but for generic use products such as conditioners and masks, can massively help in keeping the coat healthy while brushing.
Nail Cutting: If you know how, you can trim the dog's nails carefully with a special tool, avoiding going too deep (blood vessel). If you are unsure, ask a professional groomer or your vet to do it.
Remember, grooming isn't only about aesthetics. By investing a little time and with the right tools, you're ensuring that your floof enjoys a comfortable and joyful life by your side.