Apart from the right nutrition, adequate time for play and socialisation and regular visits to the vet, dogs need to be groomed. In fact, when you are looking to adopt or buy a dog, grooming requirements are one of the critical factors that you need to consider.
Regular grooming offers several benefits in addition to making your furry little pal look good. For one, it can improve the health of your canine. It can also help alert you and the veterinarian about potential health issues, especially those affecting the skin, coat, feet, teeth and ears. Furthermore, it can further strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Grooming requirements will depend heavily on the dog's breed. But despite these differences, there are a few basic dog grooming requirements that must be met by almost all dogs.
Here's a brief list of these requirements as well as how often your dog may need it.
Bathing
Some dogs get dirty and smell bad more often than other dogs. When it comes to bathing a dog, experts vary in their opinion. Most say that dogs do not need daily baths like humans do. Most dogs can fare well with baths every two to four months. In fact, frequent bathing can strip away Fido's natural oils. Of course, if your dog sleeps on your bed, you might want to bathe it more frequently.
Experts recommend soaps and shampoos specifically made for dogs. Your soap and shampoo may simply be too harsh for your pet.
Brushing
Ideally, you should brush your dog's hair every few days, regardless of whether it has long or short hair. This will help your pet achieve a healthy coat, remove dry and dead skin cells, and stimulate the skin. It can also help prevent hair mats and facilitate the shedding of seasonal coat.
Nail trimming
Your dog's nails grow in a curve, and left untrimmed, these can make your pet feel uncomfortable and lead to potential issues like broken toes. Furthermore, nail trimming can help prevent damage on your floor and carpet.
Ideally, your pet's nails should be trimmed every two weeks. If you hear a clicking sound while your dog is walking, you should have its nails trimmed ASAP.
Ear cleaning
Make sure that your dog's ears are cleaned on a weekly basis. This will help prevent ear infections. Also, this will alert you of the presence of parasites hiding inside your pet's ears.
Teeth cleaning
Unlike humans that need to brush their teeth after every meal, dogs need their teeth cleaned two to three times a week.
Just like human teeth, dog teeth can succumb to dental problems like cavities and gum disease. While your dog is still a puppy, practise cleaning its teeth. This will help him grow accustomed to it and prevent the need to have it anesthetised for professional cleaning.
Consider seeking the help of the best pet grooming services in Australia.