It is easy to think dog grooming is just to make the appearance of your dog more presentable, but there is more to it! Grooming your dog on a regular basis is important for your dog’s health. I will share the importance of grooming for your dog’s health below.

If you are not on a grooming schedule with your pup these tidbits might help you start. The level of grooming varies for each dog. My roommate has a Long-haired Irish Cream Dachshund.

With Snoopy’s luscious locks, he needs more grooming care compared to Ryder. Dogs with shorter hair still need some grooming.

It is fine if you decide to take your furry friend in to get groomed. No one says you have to do it yourself. Some pups even do better with someone other than their parent. That part is up to you. But regular grooming is key, and I will share below why you need to start.

 

Nail Care

Trimming your dog’s nails might not be the most fun part of grooming, but it is extremely important. If you do not trim your dog’s nails regularly and they grow too long, it can be pretty painful. When your dog’s nails get too long it can begin to hurt them when they walk. The nail will push back into the paw when his weight is applied. When this happens it throws your dog’s gait and posture all out of whack.

The nail can also end up curling around and growing into the pad. This is very painful and can cause infections. This can make their gait change. If it gets bad enough, they begin walking on the sides of their feet. If that happens, it can cause joint issues, arthritis, and even more pain for your pooch.

Pet shops and even vet clinics can trim their nails if you decide it isn’t something you want to do. Personally, I do not trim Ryder’s nails myself because they are black. In Ryder’s case, his nails grow pretty fast. I take him in to get them ground down. I do have a goal to gain more confidence in trimming them myself.

If you would like to start trimming your pup’s nails at home, here is a great article and video from Pet MD. It outlines the steps to take to have a successful nail trim.

To make sure you are ready to trim your dog’s nails yourself, there are a few items you will need. It would be most handy to keep these in your dog’s first aid kit.

Make sure you have a sharp pair of clippers that are designed for dog nails. Your dog’s claws are a lot thicker than human nails. Human nail clippers will not do the job. In fact, you are more likely to damage your pup’s nails trying to use them.

These are a very sturdy pair of clippers. Make sure they are sharp before every use. Here are a few kinds of tools you can use.

Make sure you also have styptic powder, for when you cut the quick. This will help stop the bleeding.

 

Health Check

If you get into the routine of grooming your pup, you are more likely to find irregularities. You can find differences in their coat, skin, or overall health.

When you are brushing your dog, take the time to really get a feel for their coat. This will help you notice any lumps or changes a lot easier. You might find a sore that wasn’t there before. Or a change in the texture of their skin.

This is a great way to potentially catch something in the early stages if something should arise. Here is a great video I found on YouTube that outlines what to be checking on your dog while you are grooming.

 

 

Brushing

Making sure you brush your dog on the regular is very beneficial for any breed of dog. Brushing will remove dirt, dead hair, and dandruff from their coats.

It doesn’t matter if they have a long or short type of hair, brushing is important. It brings out the natural oils in your dog’s fur that will help give them that shiny healthy coat. The motion of brushing stimulates the hair and massages the skin. In turn, it helps your dog’s circulation.

For long-haired dogs, hair mats are an annoying problem. But mats can also lead to bigger problems.  The risk of skin disease and rashes become larger. The hair is pulling and irritating the skin underneath. The skin is also not able to breathe properly. All of this can lead to bigger health issues.

If you are in the market for a new brush or comb, we just published a review of the Eazee Deshedding Tool. Check it out!

 

Cleanliness

For dogs like Ryder, who have environmental allergies, cleanliness is key. One of the things Ryder is actually allergic to is dust. Yep, dust. Dust mites are everywhere. You can’t always control the world around your pup, but you can keep them clean.

It doesn’t always happen, but I try to give Ryder a bath every week. We have a special antibacterial shampoo that helps with allergies flare-ups. Sometimes Ryder gets hot spots as a result of his allergies. Bath relieves his skin of those irritants.

 

Even if your pup does not have allergies, bathing can help with any skin conditions. Regular baths can keep their skin moisturized and healthy. Baths get rid of all the dead and dry skin.

Caring for your dog helps keep a cleaner home. Less hair loss, dander, and more from happening inside your home. Having clean air to breath is very important for you and your pet. Bathe regularly and see the difference it will make.

 

Flea and Ticks

When you are grooming your canine, you can keep up with fleas and ticks. Especially in the warmer months, you don’t want a tick being stuck on your dog for a long time. They carry diseases that can be deadly, so a regular grooming will help you spot any ticks or fleas lurking. If you find fleas you know it is time to give a treatment and bath to try to get rid of them before it gets worse.

 

Should I be Grooming My Dog Myself?

There are many benefits of grooming your pup yourself. One of the benefits is surely your budget. Depending on the breed, talking your pup to the groomers on a regular basis can get pretty pricey.

But one of the most beneficial aspects of grooming your dog yourself is the bonding time. Ryder and I are all about bringing pups and humans closer together. We can learn to live our life in sync and in understanding with one another.

Think about it. In nature, grooming is a very intimate thing between to trusted animals. In fact, it is more likely than not, the mother grooming her young. Grooming, in the animal kingdom, is reserved for the very closest animals in the pack. I know it sounds kind of silly, but as a dog mom, we have the opportunity to fill that void in our pups.

 

Grooming your dog shows them that you care and love them. You are willing to take care of them. It is one of the highest levels of trust a dog can give. I mean, who wants people looking and poking around your private parts.

The bonding and grooming time you put in not only helps with their physical health. It helps with their emotional well-being. Brushing, massaging, and combing can all be very therapeutic for your dog.

Practicing grooming on your pup at home will also make it less stressful for them when you do have to take them in. Your dog will know what to expect when someone reaches for their paws.

This lessens the stress on everyone involved. So, tell me, do you have a grooming routine? Do you groom your pup at home or take them to a groomer? Comment Below.