The Value of Frequently Grooming Your Dog
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Grooming your dog is essential for the dog to look good. Groomers work hard to make sure your dog leaves looking good. They also perform a basic health check on your pup, including removing fleas and ticks and cleaning your ears and eyes.
Groomers work hard to make sure your dog leaves looking good. They also perform a basic health check on your pup, including removing fleas and ticks and cleaning your ears and eyes. A tip is a great way to show your appreciation. Hand it directly to the groomer as they bring your dog out to greet you.
Essential Parts of Grooming Your Dog
Teeth Cleaning
Dogs with long, thick coats often need a professional groomer to trim their nails and hair and keep their ears clean. It will help prevent matting, help them shed less, and make their fur look shinier.
Grooming allows you to feel around for any lumps, cuts, or external parasites your dog may have that aren’t immediately obvious to the naked eye. Even a tiny, harmless bump left untreated could become infected and potentially cancerous over time.
You can show appreciation for your dog groomer work by tipping them 15% to 25%. It is similar to the amount you would typically tip a wait staff or delivery driver. Groomers work hard to ensure your pet’s comfort and are valuable to your pet’s health. Be bold and speak up if you have concerns about the service you receive or want them to try something different!
Ear Cleaning
Ears are a warm, humid environment that can harbor fungus and bacteria predisposing your dog to ear infections. Regularly cleaning the ear can help prevent these infections. Use a cotton ball or gauze to clean your dog’s ears and outer canal (never a Q-tip, which might harm your dog’s ear drum and result in irreversible hearing loss). Be sure to use a specially designed ear cleaner, not hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.
Grooming your dog regularly can also be an excellent opportunity to feel around their body for signs of trouble, such as lumps and bumps, rashes, bald spots, or evidence of ticks or fleas. However, if your dog pushes away or whines while having their ears groomed, it may be a sign that they are in pain. Healthy dogs typically like having their ears scratched. Pay particular attention to any odor or redness in the ears as well. It can signify that they must visit the vet since they are infected.
Brushing
Whether they have long or short hair, dogs should be brushed frequently to keep their coats lustrous and mat-free. Grooming also allows pet owners to check for skin problems, parasite infestations, etc. It can also be a tremendous one-on-one bonding experience for the dog and owner!
Brushing also helps to spread natural oils throughout the coat. It can prevent dry, brittle, or itchy skin. Regular grooming can also help you spot and quickly deal with tangles or loose fur, reducing the need for a trim.
Start with short sessions and gradually increase your time and the areas you brush as your dog becomes used to the routine. Use lots of treats and praise to make the session enjoyable. It will ensure they look forward to it. Check behind the ears, between the legs, and other hard-to-see places for tangles. Also, check the paw pads for excessive hair and dry, cracked, or bleeding areas.
Bathing
Getting your dog used to being bathed and brushed early in life is crucial so that they will become accustomed to these routine activities. It will make them more comfortable, and they may even start to look forward to it.
The grooming process also allows you to feel your dog’s skin, looking for bumps, rashes, bald spots, and other abnormalities. It can help you detect health issues before they become serious, like cancer or infections.
A regular grooming routine will help to remove the build-up of ear wax and tangled hair from around your dog’s ears. If left to accumulate for too long, this can lead to pain and itchiness.
Grooming your pet regularly is also a great time to check for fleas and ticks. Finding fleas before they go out of control is critical, and identifying ticks quickly can prevent severe diseases such as Lyme disease.
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