Today we’re going to talk about the importance of grooming. Now, don’t be alarmed! It’s regarding your dog. I don’t know about you but working from home has created a slight change in the way that I go about my daily tasks. Working through this change, I have realised that establishing certain daily regimes and sticking to them is a catalyst for a healthy day and a healthy mind.
In the same vein, helping your dog keep up with certain grooming and exercise regimes is going to ensure that they feel their best at all times.
Grooming your dog in between visits to the grooming salon is vital to their wellbeing – both physical & mental. It may seem like it’s not a big deal but imagine how you would feel if you hadn’t brushed your hair for a few weeks? Probably a bit less than fresh.
Grooming takes many different forms. Whether it’s clipping your dog’s nails to the right length; cleaning their teeth for a big, healthy smile; cleaning their ears, wiping their eyes so that they can see comfortably as well as brushing and bathing their coat to bring out its healthy natural shine.
A dog’s fur can often become tangled and knotted around itself without frequent brushing. Matting occurs a lot in many dog breeds with curly, fine or double coats. In extreme cases, a dog’s coat can become what groomers call ‘pelted’. This is when matting is very tight to the skin, preventing proper air flow.
Matting and pelting prevents proper temperature regulation, causes skin irritation, hides parasites like fleas or other nasties, and causes extreme discomfort and pain for the dog. In these cases, humanity over vanity is the best case scenario. Taking your dog’s fur back quite short – although a daunting thought! – is actually much better for the well-being of your pooch. This way, it will grow out much healthier and your dog will feel healthy and happy.
It’s all about putting preventatives in place.
‘Looking good now and feeling great later’. For instance, cleaning your dog’s eyes regularly with specially formulated pet eye wipes, helps to clean away any existing tear stains and dirt that could cause a blockage of the eye duct later on.
Another extremely important aspect of grooming your dog is familiarising yourself with your dog’s body. For example; combing your dogs fur is a good opportunity to catch any skin anomalies much earlier on.
By regularly cleaning your dog’s teeth, you will realise quickly if anything is out of the ordinary. You’ll know if they seem more sensitive or even if there is a slightly different smell which could be a sign of infection. When cutting their nail’s, you will notice a difference in sensitivity – if there is one.
Grooming is so important for both you and your dog as you are better educated on any potential problems you may want to bring up to your vet.
And it’s a great way of keeping your home clean!! The more you brush and bathe your dog, the more fur you catch in the brush and less floats around your home. It’s a win win really!
A dog grooming glove is a great option for lifting excess hair whilst simultaneously massaging your dog for a therapeutic –and most importantly, positive grooming experience.
I’d say one of the most important aspects of dog grooming is being able to bond and build trust between you and your dog. If anything occurs in the future, your dog will allow you to ease them through situations that they feel uncomfortable in.
Grooming your dog is a great relaxant for you both and an easy way to give your gorgeous dog some much needed attention.