The Basics of Dog Hygiene
Any kind of dog breed will need grooming to look and feel its best. Grooming your dog may take a few minutes to a few hours depending on what type of dog you have. Not all pet owners may have the time to keep their dog's coat, nails, skin, teeth, and ears in the best possible shape. For these owners, it is best to hire a dog groomer. If you're a dog owner that decides that you do not need the assistance of a groomer, and that you prefer to do the grooming yourself. Here are some tips:
- Know your dog's coat type to see what tools are recommended.
- Make grooming sessions pleasant and short.
- Start grooming early to ensure your dog enjoys a daily brushing in the future.
- Avoid bathing your dog too frequently.
- Brush your dog's teeth every day to avoid plaque build up. It can be easily done by using certain bones, foods, and chew toys. You can even use a normal tooth brush. (Don't use human toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride has been classified as a neuro-toxin.)
- Trim your dog's nails weekly.
- And don't forget about their ears!
- Visit a veterinarian if you see any signs of an unhealthy coat or skin problems - bald spots, scaly patches, excessive dryness or oiliness, open sores of any kind, etc. These coat problems can be symptoms of worse problems.
- Know your dog's coat type to see what tools are recommended.
- Make grooming sessions pleasant and short.
- Start grooming early to ensure your dog enjoys a daily brushing in the future.
- Avoid bathing your dog too frequently.
- Brush your dog's teeth every day to avoid plaque build up. It can be easily done by using certain bones, foods, and chew toys. You can even use a normal tooth brush. (Don't use human toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride has been classified as a neuro-toxin.)
- Trim your dog's nails weekly.
- And don't forget about their ears!
- Visit a veterinarian if you see any signs of an unhealthy coat or skin problems - bald spots, scaly patches, excessive dryness or oiliness, open sores of any kind, etc. These coat problems can be symptoms of worse problems.