Understanding The Importance Of Proper Grooming For Your Dog

While it can sometimes seem like a luxury to take your dog to the groomers or the veterinarian for grooming, it is important for your pet to have a proper grooming a couple of times a year. There are things that a bath alone will not dog for your pup, some of which are health-related and some just cosmetic. Whether it be at your vet's office or the local groomer, taking your dog in for a full grooming once in a while can be a treat they look forward to.

A Complete Bath

The first step in any grooming is the bath. Completely washing the pooch from head to paw to get the dirt off and out of their coat. This is the time when the groomer will look for fleas, skin issues, and other problems you might not see under the fur. They can tell a lot about the dog's health as well by just looking at his coat. If there are problems that you should be aware of, this is the time that they will be found.

Ear Cleaning

When was the last time you cleaned your dog's ears? We don't always think of it when we bath our furry friends, but the groomer will clean their ears as part of the routine. This is also a good time to find things like ear mites or problems with their ears. If the groomer sees a problem, they will let you know so that you can get your dog to a veterinarian right away. Don't take a chance if you get a report that says there might be an issue, take your dog to a vet and have them checked if you have any concern at all.

Cleaning The Anal Glands

While it is not a pleasant job, your dog has two small glands near their anus that need to be checked and expressed from time to time. These glands secrete a liquid that tells other dogs the age, sex, and health of the dog. This is why they sniff at each others' rears when dogs meet. If the glands become blocked, they can become infected and painful for your pup. The groomer will check and express or empty the glands as part of the grooming process. If there is a problem and they cannot be expressed, the groomer will recommend a trip to the vet for your dog so the vet can check your dog for health issues.

Trimming Their Nails

Another tough thing to do properly is cutting your dog's nails. If you cut them too short, they can bleed and be very painful to your dog. If you don't cut them, they can also be painful. The best thing to do is have them trimmed when your dog is groomed. They will know how to do them right, and it just takes a few minutes to do.

Trimming Fido's Fur If your dog has excessive amounts of unneeded fur, it can become matted and dirty very easily. The groomer will also trim the dog's fur, helping to keep them comfortable and healthy. The full treatment for your dog will vary in cost by the groomer and the size of the dog but once every few months, take them in for a full groom. They will feel better and so will you.

Contact a dog boarding facility for more information and assistance. 


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