How Important is Proper Dog Grooming?

Grooming your dog is a pleasant bonding experience that goes beyond making he or she look good - it is essential to good health. Your dog cannot tell you when things don’t feel right or beginning to go wrong. Grooming is a preventative medicine technique that will pay off with a healthy and happy pet. The essentials are regular brushing, bathing, dental and ear care, and toenail clipping.

What makes Brushing Essential? 

Your dog has an eventful life full of poking into bushes, digging up things, hopefully not the roses, and rolling in whatever! Brushing with a soft brush distributes lanolin through the fur and pinpoints any problem areas of matting. These mats need to be cut off with a clipper, then your pet should be rebrushed with a wire brush. This will remove ticks and any loose fur. A dog regulates body heat by perspiring just like a human an excess fur gets in the way of this necessary process.

Why is weekly bathing good? 

Aside from the obvious, a smelly dog, redolent of the compost heap he has just rolled in, bathing removes build up perspiration, loose hair and excess skin oils, all of which keep your pup’s coat healthy and prevent mange, an ugly and costly doggie affliction.

Why is dental care more than just chewing bones? 

Dogs can get cavities just like humans and are also subject to Gingivitis. They need yearly professional dental assessments and teeth cleaning. In-between, you should brush the teeth with a canine dentifrice and give bones, and chlorophyll chews to promote healthy gums and better breath.

Is it a good idea to clip a dog’s nails?

In a word, yes. It is essential. Regular clipping protects your floors as well as the pet’s feet and prevents nail splitting. Long toenails can actually get in the way when a dog walks and distort its balance. And while you are clipping with a quality clipper, check out the footpads and look for any cracking. If you find this, apply Vaseline and a sock to help keep the treatment on the foot, not your couch.

Is Pantene good for dogs? 

NO, NO. Your favorite shampoo is probably far too drying for a dogs skin. Please find a good dog shampoo formulated for the correct breed and use it weekly. Supplements such as olive oil, fish oil and brewers yeast added to the dog food will also help make the coat shiny and fresh.

Is it necessary to clean a dog’s ears? 

Most definitely, yes. Many breeds are susceptible to ear infections and can have hair grow into their ear canals. Gently pull any hair growing in the ear to the outside and clip away, if necessary. Clean your dog’s ears with a cotton swab and alcohol several times a month. Be on the lookout for an odor from the ear or excessive head shaking. If you notice either, head straight for the veterinarian.

Establishing a regular grooming routine will ward off many health problems and can become a fun time for you and your pet.

Handsome Harley and Sassy Sheik Dog Grooming Salon opens in Port St. Lucie

Handsome Harley and Sassy Sheik Dog Grooming Salon Inc. has opened for business at 1764 S.E. Port St Lucie Blvd., Port St Lucie.

Cypress man says Petco injured dog during grooming session

HOUSTON --- A man said a trip to take his dog to the groomer ended in the veterinarian’s office.  Cypress resident Jason Baldwin said the simple grooming trip to Petco on Sunday turned into a nightmare for him and his 9-month-old cocker spaniel. He said he found deep gashes in the dog’s neck and paws and he immediately took her to Bansfield Pet Hospital, where the cuts had to be closed with ...

Grooming dogs way of life for woman who opens shop in Plum

Aubrey Fantuzzo, 23, fell in love with the craft and in November opened her own dog grooming business, The Barker Shop, at 1014 Unity Center Road in Plum.  read more »

Shangri-Paw Doggie Daycare, Dog Wash & Grooming

kdhnews.com, thekilleendailyherald.com: The Killeen Daily Herald, your source for news, sports, business & classifieds. Serving the Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights & Fort Hood area for over 100 years.