The Hidden Benefits of Dog Grooming
Although the coats of many dog breeds can stay clean looking and attractive without being brushed and washed regularly, grooming provides numerous health benefits that may not be immediately obvious.
Why Grooming Your Dog is Important
Below our Lincoln Park veterinary team list a few reasons why grooming is important for your furry friend.
- Brushing sweeps away old damaged fur, helping to ventilate their coat which helps to promote healthy growth.
- Grooming helps to reduce oily residue, allowing your pup's skin to breathe and reducing the instances of blocked pores and other skin problems.
- Gently brushing your dog's fur is like giving your pet a relaxing massage, and helps to promote healthy circulation of the blood.
- Grooming time is quality time spent together and will help to strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.
- Regular brushing helps to remove loose fur and debris that could otherwise lead to matting which causes painful patches on your dog's skin.
- Weekly grooming provides you with an opportunity to inspect and monitor the health of your dog's skin, ears and feet and look for unusual lumps, bumps or injuries.
- When you groom your dog you have a chance to check between your dog's toes for any uncomfortable clumps of mud, stones or ticks.
- Brushing and bathing your pooch regularly will allow you to spot parasites such as ticks and fleas early, and treat them before they become a more serious issue.
How to Start a Regular Grooming Routine at Home
Choose a time when your dog is relaxed and has had plenty of exercise. Grooming a dog that's full of energy can quickly turn into a battle of wills.
Make the experience positive by offering your pooch plenty of treats and praise when they allow you to brush their coat, handle their paws, and examine or clean their ears.
Begin establishing a grooming routine while your dog is young. This will make grooming a normal part of your pup's day-to-day life and can help to prevent anxiety over grooming.
Choose shampoos, conditioners, skin products and coat products that are specifically formulated for your dog's skin. Products formulated for humans can lead to uncomfortable skin issues for our four-legged friends.
Be sure to use the right tool for the job. Purchase combs and brushes that are designed to work well on your dog's coat type.
Take it slow if your pet is scared or anxious. It may be necessary to simply sit your dog in a dry bath, pet them, then give them plenty of praise and treats. Once they adjust to the bath you might consider using a wet sponge, then so on until they are able to calmly have a bath.
Visiting a Professional Groomer
While many pets and their owners find grooming time to be a great way to spend time together, for some pet parents it is difficult to find the time and they just don't have the right tools for the job. That's where professional pet grooming comes in!
Professional groomers have the tools, products and skill to deal with all sorts of different breeds, coat styles, and temperaments. These trained professionals can spot skin problems early and suggest cost effective treatments.
Not only that, professional groomers are also trained to handle the 'yucky' tasks that pet parents dread such as ear cleaning, nail clipping and anal gland expression.
If your dog is a breed that is known for a specific haircut, a professional groomer will be able to make your pet the envy of all their friends with breed specific cuts that are bound to impress the judges.
Professional Dog Grooming in Lincoln Park
At Dix Animal Hospital our groomer Lee Nagy has been keeping our patients fresh and sleek since 2007. From haircuts to help your fluffy friend manage the summer heat, to flea control treatments, shampoos, and nail trims, our grooming services include everything your pet needs to stay clean, healthy, and as adorable as ever!
Our professional pet grooming services help to keep pets looking and feeling neat, clean, and healthy – while saving you both time and energy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.