The importance of regular grooming may sometimes be understated, but the benefits are certainly not skin-deep. Keeping your dog clean and groomed are only a few examples of the responsibilities for owning a pet. Whether you choose to book your pet for monthly sessions at a professional groomer or do it yourself with pet grooming items, both vets and fur parents alike attest to the positive effects of a good bath and brushing.
Taking care of a dog is a big responsibility, regardless of your age and experience. It can also be expensive. A company selling dog supplies and offering pet food delivery in Dubai reveals some of the reasons why you should practice regular grooming and how it helps reduce your vet bills.
1. It helps remove or minimize your dog’s smell
Dogs have a smell that is unique to them. Even different breeds can have unique scents. But much like humans, intense odors can be an indication of an underlying medical condition.
The food we eat and the oils on our skin can affect the type and intensity of our body odor. The same can be said of dogs.
As a canine sweats through its feet, you can expect the most potent stenches to come from this area. Strong odors coming from other parts of the body could be a sign of a disease. For instance, stinky ears could indicate infection.
Skin issues such as canine seborrhea manifest as a musty, old cheese smell. Other potential causes for odors include yeast, fungus, hormonal imbalances, allergies, infection, bacteria, or even parasites, among others. Internally, it could be an indication of gastrointestinal or respiratory issues.
Some of these issues can cost a bundle to treat or manage. So groom your dog regularly to minimize the chances of your pet developing more serious diseases.
2. It improves coat quality
Shedding is normal, even among active and healthy dogs, with some breeds losing more fur than others. There are many reasons why some dogs can shed more than usual, including dry skin, health conditions, and dehydration. As surprising as it may sound, brushing can help minimize shedding.
Sending your pet to the groomers is recommended if you have the time and budget. Professional groomers have the tools, skills, and expertise to remove any loose hair and dander while bathing your pooch. Plus, they can give your pet a cut that suits its breed and the weather.
If going to the groomers is not plausible or practical, you can minimize the shedding by brushing the coat every day.
Brushing has many benefits for your dog. For one, it makes your dog look cleaner. Removing any loose fur also keeps the fluff away from your home and furnishings.
Regular grooming is especially beneficial if you or somebody else in your home has allergies. By brushing regularly, you minimize potential allergens that could cause attacks or respiratory issues.
In addition, doing the brushing personally has its perks. Brushing lets you feel your dog’s skin. This allows you to inspect for any lumps, bumps, lesions, or other unusual features, some of which may require a check-up or a visit to the vet.
Plus, it’s a way to spend quality time with your four-legged pal. Keeping the coat free of matting or tangles can take time, effort, and the right tools. But it is worth it to build a relationship with your dog and ensure that he is healthy and happy.
3. It provides additional comfort
Trimming nails may seem like a minute detail, but not trimming them can affect your dog’s health and well-being. Once the nails become too long, they can become uncomfortable to walk on. They may even grow long enough to the point that they curl and grow back into your pet’s footpads.
If not handled properly, over time, having excessively long nails may affect the way your dog walks. Bones can become malformed as a result, or your dog could develop arthritis. Trimming the nails once a month prevents this from happening.
Dogs rarely enjoy this task. With so much wriggling and writhing, homeowners may end up trimming more than needed. Ask a friend or relative for help, or have the nail trimming done by a professional groomer.
4. It discourages parasites
Having fleas and ticks is one of the unfortunate but inevitable outcomes of taking your dog out of your house. Parasites are everywhere – on other animals, on blades of grass, on the ground and other surfaces, in unclean food, and so much more. Your canine will pick up a parasite or two at some point in its life, but it’s up to you to determine how long it will stay on your dog.
Regular grooming, whether done personally or by a professional, can reduce the chances of parasites taking a hold on your pet. Fleas can get washed away during a bath, while ticks can be detected and removed when drying the canine’s coat. There are also grooming products that can make it easier to remove these annoying pests from your dog.
Grooming is one of the primary responsibilities of a pet owner. A clean dog is a healthy one. By grooming your dog regularly, you are minimizing the reasons to go to the vet, and for practical and loving fur parents, that is what matters.
