The Importance of Dog Grooming
Grooming is an important part of owning a dog that is often overlooked. From brushing to bathing, there are numerous benefits to grooming your dog.
If this is news to you and you find yourself wondering “Why should I groom my dog?”, don’t worry! We have a list of all the reasons why dog grooming is so important!
Benefits of Brushing
If you wait until your dog starts looking pretty scruffy before you groom them, then you might be doing them a disservice. Not only do some dogs not look as scruffy as others, but regular grooming can be good for your dog’s health as well.
For instance, regularly brushing your dog’s coat helps their fur grow strong and healthy by removing the old damaged hair, much like when humans go for regular haircuts!
Plus, brushing your dog is a lot like massaging them. Not only will they enjoy it, but it also helps stimulate blood flow and promotes healthy blood circulation.
Regular brushing and grooming helps give their skin a chance to breathe and keeps grease levels down in their coat. Too much grease in their coat can block their pores and cause skin irritation and other issues.
Preventing Issues
Some dogs molt which means their coats shed seasonally. For longer-haired dogs, this process could become particularly painful if their molting fur becomes matted and tangled. This is best avoided with, you guessed it, regular brushing.
If the molting fur does not get brushed away regularly, not only will it get tangled, but it could get bad enough to pull on their skin and create sores. Those sores could also get infected if they go unnoticed underneath so much fur.
Health Checks
That’s another reason why regular grooming is so important. It gives you a chance to regularly inspect your dog for health concerns, and gives you a chance to address them if need be!
Some good things to look for include sores, scratches, bumps, fleas, and any changes in the conditions of their feet, ears, and eyes.
Other good places to check on your dog’s body include between their toes. Grass and mud can get clumped or stuck in there, causing discomfort.
Quality Time
Grooming your dog yourself is a great way to spend some quality time with your pooch. And you will both enjoy the bonding moments together!
If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy it at first, give them a second to settle in. The more you do it, the more they will get used to it. Especially if you make it a fun time for them. Give them lots of praise, and plenty of treats if need be.
Some other best practices for grooming your dog yourself include starting them off young and choosing a relaxing time for grooming, such as right after a walk.
Professional Groomers
Sometimes, some dogs just need the extra help of a professional groomer. Shorter-haired dogs tend to require less grooming than longer-haired dogs, but it never hurts to take them to a professional groomer from time to time to ensure their coat and skin are healthy and for any extra advice the groomer could give you on home grooming.
Professional groomers are loaded with advice on dog grooming! They know all the best tricks for keeping dogs calm, the best products and equipment, and so much more.
Socialization
Another often overlooked benefit of going to a professional groomer is socialization! Taking your dog to a professional groomer gives them a chance to work on their social skills and allows them to experience different environments and people.
Specific Styles
Some dog breeds are known for their specific grooming styles to go with their specific coat’s needs, and professional groomers would be much more adept at achieving the perfect final look.
Even if you go to them just one time for advice on your dog’s needs, they can provide you with plenty of information on how to take care of your dog’s specific needs!
As you can see, there are a ton of benefits to regular dog grooming! And, hopefully, instead of wondering “Why should I groom my dog?,” you’re now wondering, “When should I start?!”