Keeping Fido Clean: Tips For Grooming Your Dog

Keeping Fido Clean: Tips For Grooming Your Dog

7 October 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Dogs are messy by nature, and keeping them clean can sometimes be an uphill battle. Some dogs enjoy getting bathed, trimmed, and brushed, while others may avoid it all costs. Regardless of whether your dog likes to be groomed or not, it's important that their coat, teeth, and nails are properly maintained for their overall health. Here are some tips for dog owners to ensure that their pets are being properly groomed.

Baths

Of course, if Fido comes back inside after rolling around in the mud all day, you'll want to give him a bath. Dogs should be bathed regularly to help avoid fleas and ticks and to maintain their coat and skin. On average, dogs really only need to be bathed every couple of months unless they're extremely active and tend to get dirty frequently. Be sure to use a special shampoo designed just for dogs and don't use human shampoo on their sensitive coats. You can give your dog a bath outside using the garden hose, take them to the local groomer, or even use the kitchen sink or your bathtub. It's really up to you how you'd like to bathe them, but be sure it's done fairly regularly.

Brushing 

Even if your dog has short fur that doesn't shed, brushing them regularly is important. Brushing stimulates the skin by distributing your dog's natural oils and helps keep their coat shiny and healthy. It can also help relieve itching and remove any matting of their fur. Ideally, you should brush your dog's coat every other day or so. If they tend to shed, you can purchase special brushes that help groom and remove excess hair as you brush them.

Your Dog's Nails

Dog's nails tend to grow on a curve, so as they get longer the nails can split or crack as they walk. This can be painful for your dog, so it's important to regularly trim them. If you feel uncomfortable trimming their nails yourself, take them to the local groomer to have them trimmed. If you hear a clicking sound as your dog runs across a hardwood floor, their nails are probably too long. The nails should be trimmed every two weeks to maintain the proper length.

Dental Care

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from plaque buildup and tooth decay. Try to give your dog special treats that are made to help keep their teeth and gums clean. You should also have them come into the veterinarian's office for a cleaning every few months. The vet can help remove tartar and plaque from their teeth to ensure a healthy mouth. Never use human toothpaste when trying to clean your dog's teeth, as it can cause stomach upset. With some easy maintenance, you can ensure that your dog is happy, healthy, and clean. To learn more, speak with a business like Woodside Veterinary Hospital.