For most people, making their dogs look clean and smell nice is the primary reason they groom the furry, four-legged members of their family.
However, dog grooming is so much more than just having a clean and nice-smelling pet.
When we brush, bathe, and trim the nails of our beloved pooch, we are also taking care of their overall health and wellness.
Brushing their fur regularly, for example, isn’t just to remove loose hairs and debris. The brushing action also helps distribute their natural oils evenly, which will give them a nice, shiny coat throughout. Running a brush through your dog’s fur regularly also stimulates blood flow. You also get to improve airflow to the skin as your brush frees your pet’s coat of mats and tangles.
Trimming your pet’s nails is one of the trickier aspects of dog grooming because of the quick, blood-filled cuticle-like part of your dog’s nails. Make the mistake of cutting it, and your dog will bleed and feel a lot of pain.
Still, their nails need trimming just the same because the alternative won’t do your dog any good. Untrimmed nails are already uncomfortable, and there’s always the risk of their becoming ingrown or infected. For older dogs, long nails can cause arthritis in the hips and knees.
If you take your dog to a professional groomer, you will get the added benefit of a thorough checking of your pet’s body. Professional dog groomers are always on the lookout for lumps, rashes, infections, inflammations, and rashes that you might not be able to detect yourself. Should they find any of the above, you should be able to act on them right away.
All the health benefits of dog grooming are more than enough motivation to groom your dog regularly.
