Clean and Healthy Canines

Keeping your dogs clean is as important as feeding them. Grooming your dog will ensure that he is free from dirt and bacteria that could lead to illnesses. Aside from that, grooming will make your pet look more attractive, thus he will be more appreciated by the people around.

Bathing your dog is the most important grooming routine. How frequent a dog should be bathed depends on the dog’s activity and physical traits. Active dogs, dogs that stay inside the house and mingle with children, and dogs that have thick and long coats need to be bathed frequently. On the average, dogs should be bathed twice a week. When doing so, be sure to use dog shampoo to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Some owners use human shampoos on their dogs not knowing that doing such could damage their dog’s skin and coat.

Bathing your dogs does not only make them look and smell clean. It also prevents them from being infested with fleas and other skin diseases.

After bathing, blow drying is necessary especially to breeds that have long and thick coats. Be sure to dry not only the coat but also the skin itself. When doing so, avoid direct air flow to the skin, the eyes and the ears.

Grooming doesn’t stop at bathing. Your dog’s teeth, ears and nails should be given proper attention also. Brushing your dog’s teeth twice a week is necessary to keep him or her from contracting periodontal diseases. There are pet toothpastes available in clinics and pet shops that you can use to clean your dog’s teeth. Avoid using human toothpaste since not all of its contents are safe for animals. Also, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and do soft strokes when brushing to avoid damaging the gums. Every now and then, your dog might need to see the vet too for serious cleaning.

Ears are next. Ear inspection should be done twice a month to avoid your dog from getting ear infections. If you see red spots on the ears and your dog constantly scratches that part or shakes his head, then you might want to check for ear infection. Take him to the vet if you find any sign of swelling or rashes. If your dog’s ears are perfectly fine, keep them that way by cleaning it regularly using a cotton ball moistened with warm water or mineral oil. Do not probe too much for you might damage the inner ear.

Clipping your dog’s nails is also important. Keeping their nails short and trimmed prevents them from wounding themselves due to scratching. When you clip your pet’s nails, be sure to use the right dog nail clipper to avoid hurting them. Part of a dog’s nails contains nerves and blood vessels (called the quick) and you should avoid cutting through it because doing so will cause bleeding and pain for your pet. Cut or shorten the nails gradually to avoid cutting into the quick.

These are just some of the ways on how you could keep your pets healthy and clean. If you want to give them an extra treat, you could take them to a pet grooming station to have them pampered.