You do what you can to keep your dog healthy, but a second set of eyes is helpful. If that doesn’t convince you to start taking your dog to a groomer, check out these 10 benefits of dog grooming.
WHAT DOGS NEED GROOMING?
Certain dog breeds that need grooming include:
Poodles
Schnawsers
Sheep dogs,
Afghan hounds
Bichon Frise
Cocker Spaniels
Puli
Husky
Golden Doodle
Lhasa Apso
Maltese
Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier
BENEFITS OF DOG GROOMING
1. BUG-FREE
Even if you treat your dog for fleas and ticks, your dog groomer will look for signs of these nasty critters in your dog’s fur. They’re trained to look for evidence of fleas and embedded ticks. Some groomers, once they find evidence, will go ahead and treat and bathe your dog to kill fleas or remove ticks. Check with your groomer to see if this is part of their policy.
2. CUTS DOWN ON SHEDDING
Regular grooming cuts down on your dog’s shedding. Your groomer may use special tools to remove extra fur before they cut your dog’s hair. Getting your dog groomed regularly will keep your dog’s fur in control. You’ll have less fur around your home, which is helpful to anyone who struggles with fur allergies. Be sure to feed your dog a nutritious diet to keep its fur thick and shiny.
3. PREVENTS MATTED HAIR
Matted hair is unsightly, but it’s also unhealthy for your dog. Matted hair can cause skin problems and, if left untreated, can lead to infection. Severe hair matting may cut off your dog’s blood circulation in its legs, which in a worst-case scenario, requires amputation
4. CLEAN EYES
A crusty discharge in the corner of a dog’s eyes stains and is also uncomfortable for your pup. A good groomer removes the crust and gives your dog’s eyes to be sure they are infection free.
5. CLEANING ANAL GLANDS
Certain small breeds need their anal gland cleaned at least every three or four weeks. These breeds include:
Chihuahuas
Toy poodles
Cocker spaniels
Basset hounds
Lhasa Apsos
Beagles
These signs indicate your dog needs to have their anal gland cleaned:
Licking their bottom
Scooting on their bottom on the ground
Stiff-legged walking
Abscesses may form if your dog doesn’t get its anal gland emptied. They can eventually burst, causing pain and odor.
6. NAIL TRIMS
Besides trimming your dog’s hair, your groomer trims your dog’s nails. Neatly trimmed nails keep your dog healthy on its feet. They’ll check for ingrown toenails or bone deformations, which could cause walking problems. Dog groomers also look at your dog’s foot pads for cracks or signs of infection.
7. DENTAL HEALTH
Even if you brush your dog’s teeth regularly, your groomer can peek at your dog’s mouth to look for problems when grooming your dog. Check with your groomer to see if brushing your dog’s teeth is part of their policy. This service is worth asking to ensure your dog’s teeth and mouth stay clean and healthy.
8. HEALTHY EARS
Some dog groomers include ear cleaning with their services. Keeping your dog’s ears dirt-free prevents ear infections. Ask your groomer if they clean your dog’s ears, especially if it has long, floppy ears. Ear infections are more common in dogs with floppy ears. Long floppy years are prone to infection because moisture gets trapped inside them with little air circulation.
9. DOG LOOKS AND FEELS GOOD
You do what you can to take care of your best buddy, but an extra set of eyes is always helpful to guarantee your dog is healthy and happy. Your dog will not only look their best but also feel healthy.
Signs your groomer is keeping your dog healthy include:
Clean, shiny coat
Odor-free ears
Eye clear and clean
Fresh breath
10. EARLY DETECTION OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS
Most dog groomers can detect medical problems or issues that may be going on with your dog. They notice if your dog winches when they touch their legs or hips, it could be a sign of arthritis or dysplasia. They’ll notice any odors in your dog’s ears or mouth, which could indicate infection. A well-trained groomer is you and your dog’s best friend.
CONCLUSION
Dog grooming is more than making your pup look cute. Today’s dog groomers keep dogs healthy with a watchful eye on health problems or issues. The benefits of having a good dog groomer are worth investing in.
If you have any questions regarding your dog’s health or would like to schedule a grooming appointment, please give us a call at (773) 698-7525 or Request an Appointment. We are more than happy to help you and your pet here at Wrigleyville Veterinary Center.
