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.

Laurel Pet Groomer Going Strong after 25 Years - Patch.com

Laurel Pet Groomer Going Strong after 25 Years Patch.com By Joshua Garner Cheryl Labbe, owner of All Breeds Pet Grooming, shows how to groom a dog the old-fashioned way. Cheryl Labbe, owner of All Breed Pet Grooming in Laurel, has been grooming cats and dogs for 25 years. Working in a modest building off ... and more »

Bill would hound pet groomers - Victorville Daily Press

Bill would hound pet groomers Victorville Daily Press As if California didn't have enough laws and regulations, now the Legislature might regulate pet groomers. Senate Bill 969 is by state Sen. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego. Bathing Fido would be, as the bill's summary puts it, “licensed and regulated by the ... and more »

Dogs Get Cancer Like People, and Hold Clues to Cures - Wall Street Journal

Wall Street Journal

Dogs Get Cancer Like People, and Hold Clues to Cures Wall Street Journal Dr. Gately had a biopsy from the dog's cancer analyzed for genetic data. •Dogs have strong genetic similarities to people. They also get naturally occurring cancers. •There are similarities in the types of cancers that develop.

Critter Cleaners moves to State Street to join All Pet Pantry - Suburban Life Publications

Critter Cleaners moves to State Street to join All Pet Pantry Suburban Life Publications All Pet Pantry and Critter Cleaners opened today in the State Street strip mall, 1120 State St. Critter Cleaners will offer grooming and All Pet Pantry sells food and pet supplies. By Janice Hoppe, jhoppe@mysuburbanlife.com All Pet Pantry and Critter ...