Grooming can sometimes feel like an intimidating task; however, the benefits for your dog truly outweigh the challenges. Fluffy puppies get mats. Long nails can cause pain and other issues. Skin irritations can lead to infections and other things we may not know need attention. Let’s look at five reasons why grooming is essential for our dog.
Dog Grooming Can Help Find Tumors, Warts and More
Our dog’s coat does more than just give them a beautiful, unique look. The coat is made up of two layers. Their topcoat protects them from dirt and rain. When the weather is cold, their undercoat keeps them warm. Some dogs grow thick winter coats that they shed in the spring. When brushing your dog, you can tell when the shedding begins, as if their fur tells us the season is changing.
There are six basic types of dog hair: hairless (or almost), smooth or short-coated, wire-haired, long-coated, curly-coated, and double-coated. Regular brushing helps keep your dog’s natural oils moving, making coats shiny and eliminating dead skin. Under their luxurious manes is the dog’s delicate skin. Even though we don’t see it directly, it also needs care. As dogs get brushed, washed, and dried, the person who is grooming them feels their body, noting any lumps and bumps on or in the skin.
Hidden out of sight, your dog could have warts, skin tags, button tumors, and even abscesses, which is why dog grooming is so important. While warts and skin tags are not necessarily severe skin issues, it is crucial to know they are there. In some circumstances, they can become irritated.
For instance, if your dog has a wire or long-haired coat, one of those hairs or another animal’s hair could wrap around the tags or warts, causing irritation. Warts and skin tags are nothing to worry about; however, if you suddenly notice an abundance of them, it is time to talk with your vet.
Often raised, firm, and may have an almost button-like appearance, the button tumor usually appears in young dogs and is a fast-growing mass. It is common for Boxers and Dachshunds to get this type of tumor. Owners often say they appear overnight, but they fully develop in one to four weeks. Your vet should be aware of this type of tumor on your dog, but no treatment is necessary in most cases. Most of them disappear in about three months.
The abscesses are a more serious growth to find under your dog’s coat and one of the top reasons your dog should be groomed regularly. While most are not life-threatening issues, they are very painful to our dog. An abscess is a soft swelling or an open sore that drains pus. You may notice your dog licking and chewing, especially on their legs and paws, even if the irritation is not there. However, it is imperative to know that a dog’s comfort licking and/or chewing may cause irritation that leads to its own abscessed area.
Sometimes the pockets of pus need to be drained by a vet to begin the healing. If you notice a swollen lump that seems sensitive or sore to the touch, contact your vet. Once the issue is addressed, your dog will be feeling better within two to three days, if not sooner. One type of abscess dogs get is when their ears swell up. The underlying issue is usually an ear infection or irritation. The abscess is actually caused by the dog excessively shaking their head.
Your dog’s coat plays a considerable role in their overall health. Regular grooming is important to their long, healthy lives. You cannot always see what is hiding underneath, but you can feel what is happening, especially when they are good and soaked for a bath.
Grooming Keeps Paws and Feet Healthy
Our dog’s feet do way more than just leaving a mark on the ground or those infamous impressions on our hearts. They are the most-used part of their body and are often overlooked when it comes to care. This is one of the top areas your dog needs the most grooming.
Dog’s nails grow and require trimming, even if there are owners out there who think dogs wear off their nails. This is not entirely true and can leave a dog dealing with unnecessary pain. However, there is a bit of complexity when it comes to our dogs getting regular nail clippings. The growth rate depends on the dog's breed, and the wear rate depends on the dog’s lifestyle. One more factor that needs to be considered when it comes to dog nails is if they are a puppy.
When our dogs are young, their nails grow really fast. Still, suppose they spend a lot of time walking, running, and playing on hard surfaces like cement, blacktop, or rocky areas. In that case, their nails will wear down quickly and do not require a lot of cutting. Most of the time, when a dog becomes less active is the time when you start to do complete nail care.
There is one more thing you need to consider about having your dog’s nails trimmed. Our dogs have one claw referred to as the dewclaw. It’s a bit higher up on their paw like a thumb and gets less contact with the ground. Some people choose to have it totally removed, but if your dog has theirs, you should be aware that it often requires trimming more often than their other toenail.
Beyond the toes are your dog’s pads which also require care. Once again, your dog’s age and activities play a role in the frequency of needed care. The dog’s pads go from super soft with youth to drying out, which needs some moisturizing help like our human skin. The seasons also play a role in the condition of your dog’s paws, just as they do on your skin. Your dog only has one set of feet to walk on.
Vaseline and dog-safe lotions are great options for keeping those youthful puppy feet feeling awesome. In fact, dogs that are used to having a good foot rub love it when you take the time to massage their feet. Giving special care to those adorable paws we love also teaches our dogs to trust that we always do what is best for them.
One more thing some dogs need to have done to their feet is trimming the hair between the toes. Long-haired dogs often have long hairs between their toes. It often gets caught and catches things that could cause pain or discomfort to the dog. By grooming your dog’s feet, you are helping them live happier, pain-free lives. You will have fewer instances of broken or cracked claws, dry cracked padding, and less chewing of uncomfortable feet.
One more benefit you (and your home) receives when you have your dog groomed regularly is minimizing wear and tear to your flooring. Trimmed nails do not leave deep scratches on softwood floors. They do not catch as easily on carpet strings, loose vinyl, or tiling the way long nails do. By having your dog’s feet cared for regularly, you not only omit problems that could cause them pain, but you also prevent wear and tear on your house.
Prevents Dog Shedding
While regular grooming does loads of good things for your dog, it also does good things for your home. Have you ever run the vacuum only to wonder where that strange animal that leaves balls of hair all over is hiding? Maybe you’ve walked out of the house and suddenly realized you’re wearing a huge amount of your dog’s coat?
Bathing and brushing your dog regularly helps with the amount of hair they are shedding. When the dog is washed and scrubbed, loose hairs come out less on the couch and floors. Loose hairs also come out less on your clothes. Depending on the breed and the season, much more hair comes off when they are brushed.
Brushing and bathing do more than just help control the hair. It also helps control the dander levels in your home. Dander is the dry or dead skin dogs shed, much like humans do. Even though you are not necessarily allergic to your dog, you could still experience the occasional odd stuffiness that comes with people suffering from dog allergies, especially if you live in an environment where your home is closed up for months.
Grooming Keeps Your Pet Smelling Fresh
Grooming Keeps Your Pet Smelling FreshYou may be picturing a dog who found the perfect patch of mud for a good roll, and while that can be pretty messy, dogs have areas on their body they need help maintaining. Some breeds of dogs are known for having leaky or sleepy eyes. When your dog is groomed, its eyes are gently cleaned, helping slow the continuous buildup.
Dogs can get some horrible breath. Getting a good tooth brushing during a grooming session can improve the quality of their breath and what can happen in your dog’s mouth. Dogs with good dental care have significantly fewer tooth and gum-related problems as they age, which means incorporating this regular care can save you significant vet bills.
A dog parent who has experienced ear issues knows that one must pay attention to the ears. Even though you rub them on the head and talk with them several times a day, the problem can go unnoticed until a smell and infection starts. A dog who regularly receives baths has its ears looked over more often.
A professional groomer knows floppy-eared dogs need extra care for those beautiful ears. Floppy-eared dogs especially tend to get dirty ears and there is a bit of a balance when it comes to the ears of these type of dogs. It is good to wash them, keeping them free of debris; however, one has to make sure they are not too wet instead of just cleaning them.
Tying your dog’s ears up is not possible and running a hairdryer can cause damage. Good drying with a soft cotton cloth is generally sufficient but should be double-checked at the end of the drying phase. If you have a dog prone to ear problems, a dog-specific ear cleaner that dries quickly could be the solution.
Cleaning Anal Glands
Have you ever noticed a funky aroma coming from your dog? Are they scooting on their butt across the floor or maybe they’ve even developed a leaky butt? Well- the issue might be your dog’s anal glands.
Your dog has two anal sacs, also called anal glands, located on the lower sides of his anus. They provide a particular scent that tells other dogs (and knowledgeable vets) a lot about your dog. They define their sex to other dogs and can provide your veterinarian with information about the dog’s health and even their approximate age.
The problem is once in a while, they get plugged. This is caused by inflammation, and the first sign of it is a dog attempting to lick or scoot the problem out. If left untreated, you may notice swelling by your dog’s butt and tail, alerting you that your dog needs their anal glands expressed.
Keep Your Dog Happy
Keep Your Dog HappyOur dog’s number one reason for regular grooming is all about vanity. Yes, it’s true! Our dogs possess a bit of arrogance. You can clearly see it when they walk around other dogs or admire themselves in the mirror. A couple of hours getting washed, trimmed, and fluffed is just as good for our dogs as a day at the spa is for us. After good grooming, they are super soft, their coasts have that extra shine, and their eyes beam with joy. A clean, pampered pup is a very happy dog. The time and effort are worth it, and after all that grooming, we are sure your dog will be strutting with pride!
FAQs
Why grooming your dog is important? ›
Brushing your dog ventilates their coat, helping it grow healthy and strong and takes away old and damaged hair. Grooming also ensures that your dog's skin can breathe and keeps down the level of grease in their coat. Too much grease can block pores and cause irritation and all sorts of skin problems.
Why is it important to groom animals? ›However, it is a crucial part of a pet's overall health and well-being. Quality pet grooming is about more than keeping your pet looking cute and smelling good. With proper pet grooming, you can decrease shedding, eliminate fleas and ticks, and even detect health conditions.
What are three reasons to groom dogs? ›- Socialize. When it comes to dogs and cats, the most common pets, performing some grooming rituals daily helps the animal become accustomed to being touched. ...
- Control Shedding. ...
- Avoid Medical Problems. ...
- Dental Health. ...
- Appearance.
How important are grooming and hygiene for my dog's health? Grooming is essential. There are many skin conditions, ear conditions, and infections that can come about without the proper treatment and proper grooming techniques. So grooming is vital to a lot of different breeds' success in having a healthy life.
What are the 5 importance of good grooming? ›It enhances beauty, health, and hygiene
-Unhealthy practices such as overfeeding, not bathing often, nail-biting, and so on. These are harmful to your health and can cause illnesses. They can also damage skin and your physical appearance. The concept of grooming is proper hygiene.
Proper grooming and professional appearance are important to gain not just positive impression but also respect in the workplace. First impressions matter and the way you look and carry yourself create impact on people you get along with in the work setting.
What does grooming mean animal? ›Grooming refers to behaviors involved in cleaning and maintaining body function and hygiene. Social grooming, or allogrooming, is grooming of one individual by another. This behavior is displayed by many different animals, including mammals, insects, fish, and birds (Britannica.com).
What is basic dog grooming? ›Basic grooming covers services like ear plucking, paw pad shaving, and nail cutting that will keep your doggo's physical health in check. Every time you groom your dog, the health of its skin, coat, mouth, ears, and paws are in the spotlight.
What does grooming your dog mean? ›A professional grooming session typically consists of the dog being brushed, bathed, and dried, as well as trimmed or clipped with clean, sanitized brushes and clipper blades. Groomers brush or comb out mats before the bath, making it easier to lather the dog with shampoo.
How often should dog be groomed? ›While the timing can differ between dog breeds, according to the American Kennel Club, for most breeds you should have your dog groomed once a month. Consistent grooming for your dog will help prevent matting and knots.
What happens if you don't groom your dog? ›
Matting can cause serious challenges for your dog including reduced circulation on their skin, hot spots, bacteria, infections, scabs/cuts, and more. On top of that, if you don't take care of a matted coat your dog can experience pain on their skin, and their skin and even become raw and inflamed.
What does grooming include? ›Pet grooming will involve shaving, clipping, or trimming the coat when necessary. Some dog breeds require more trimming than others. Depending on the breed, the groomer will use special scissors and clippers to remove all unwanted hairs. Professional groomers have extensive knowledge about different dog breeds.
What are the three most important grooming habits? ›To be well groomed, shower daily, and apply deodorant after your shower to stay smelling fresh all day long. Additionally, brush your teeth at least twice daily, once in the morning and again in the evening before bedtime.
What is the value of good grooming? ›Self-grooming enhances your personality | Once you start presenting a better version of yourself, you'll notice a significant improvement on your self-esteem. A boost in self-esteem will allow you to be more comfortable which in turn, enables your true personality to come out and shine!
What is one of the benefits of grooming? ›Regular grooming helps to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Scrubbing, blow drying, and brushing removes dead skin and hair as well as allowing air to circulate through the coat. Brushing also helps to distribute the pet's natural oils throughout the coat.
What is the most important aspect of grooming? ›Personal hygiene is the most important aspect of grooming. If you are not clean and smell no one will want to be near you. Ensure body odour is fresh, clean, and pleasant.
How does grooming improve quality of life? ›Grooming and hygiene are crucial for maintaining the physical health and mental well-being of older adults. Proper hygiene practices can prevent infections, improve self-esteem, and promote a sense of dignity and independence.
What are examples of animal grooming? ›Introduction. Pet grooming is a health maintenance activity that is fundamental to the welfare of companion animals. Most companion animals require some degree of grooming, which can include basic hygiene care such as brushing, clipping, and trimming hair, bathing, cleaning the ears, and trimming claws.
What does best grooming mean? ›having the hair, skin, etc., well cared for; well-dressed, clean, and neat: a well-groomed young man. (of an animal) tended, cleaned, combed, etc., with great care. carefully cared for; neat; tidy: a well-groomed lawn.
Are there two types of grooming? ›I found two types of social grooming (elaborate social grooming (orange) and lightweight social grooming (green)) and social relationship forms depending on them.
Why is it called dog grooming? ›
Very possibly early primitive humans as they gradually began a domesticated relationship with early proto-wolf/dogs may have “groomed” these “dogs” somewhat as gratitude for the protection that they provided to their family.
What are the characteristics of grooming? ›Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked. Anybody can be a groomer, no matter their age, gender or race.
Does grooming mean clean? ›grooming noun [U] (APPEARANCE)
the things that you do to make your appearance clean and neat, for example brushing your hair, or the things that you do to keep an animal's hair or fur clean and neat: She pays great attention to make-up, grooming and clothes.
Grooming, as we call it, plays a vital role in everyone's lives, be it a man or a woman, it can boost one's confidence in infinite ways. Grooming plays a major role in maintaining high self-esteem and self-confidence.
Is grooming good or bad? ›Child grooming is a form of child abuse. It can occur in various settings, including online, in person, and through other means of communication. Children who are groomed may experience psychological harm and may be coerced into engaging in sexual activity or other forms of exploitation.
Do dogs feel better when groomed? ›Dogs are happier after grooming due to the many health benefits and overall cleanliness that it provides. Grooming also provides an opportunity to be social with other dogs and groomers. Although some dogs may feel down after grooming, this quickly goes away and they truly appreciate the benefits of grooming.
How long does dog grooming take? ›As a rough guide, a Full Groom for a small, long-haired dog can take up to two hours. However, a larger dog's groom may take longer. A Full Groom Smooth Hair takes up to 90 minutes, and a Bath, Brush & Blow Dry takes around 60 minutes on average.
What is normal dog grooming behavior? ›Dogs use their forepaws as grooming tools for the head. They will wipe their face with the medial aspect of the manus, especially around the eyes and ears. Following a wiping bout, they will lick the accumulated matter off their paws and perhaps repeat the sequence.
Do dogs get sad when they get groomed? ›Pups are somewhat like human babies. Grooming sessions can make them very uncomfortable and even sad! In fact, it's not at all unusual to see your pup cowering from you or just looking very sad each time you bring him back from a grooming session.
Is grooming stressful for dogs? ›Many dogs experience high anxiety levels when taken to a dog groomer because they aren't used to being handled by other people. The best way for owners to help their dogs relax during grooming is to handle them regularly.
Does grooming hurt dogs? ›
Sometimes dogs have sensitive skin and it isn't something you can see or tell from just looking at it. When a trip to the salon involves repetitive brushing in the same area, whether there are tangles or matting, it can burn sensitive skin.
What is the most difficult dog to groom? ›Old English Sheepdog
Old English sheepdogs have a double coat that requires extensive grooming down to the skin over its entire body at least once a week. Daily brushing and regular trips to a professional groomer are required, the American Canine Association (ACA) says.
One of the hardest parts about working at a dog grooming salon is keeping up with the cleaning. We have a constant flow of dogs coming in and out of our facility. Some people think that professional dog groomers just playing with puppies all day, and they are wrong!
What are the 6 categories of grooming? ›- Body Hygiene. The most obvious is body hygiene, which refers to the practice of keeping the basic level of self-cleanliness on a daily basis. ...
- Body Scent. ...
- Hair Hygiene. ...
- Clothing Hygiene. ...
- Dental Care. ...
- Skin Care.
Hygiene - Every employee is expected to practice daily hygiene and good grooming habits as set forth in further detail below. Hair - Hair should be clean, combed, and neatly trimmed or arranged. Unkempt hair is not permitted. Sideburns, mustaches, and beards should be neatly trimmed.
Is it bad to not groom your dog? ›Most people get haircuts to look better, feel better, or to simply get a fresh start in life. But for dogs and cats, proper hair hygiene is essential; failure to groom pets regularly can have serious health consequences.
What happens when dog is groomed? ›A professional grooming session typically consists of the dog being brushed, bathed, and dried, as well as trimmed or clipped with clean, sanitized brushes and clipper blades. Groomers brush or comb out mats before the bath, making it easier to lather the dog with shampoo.
Is it clean to kiss your dog? ›In most cases, we say it's better not to kiss your dog. However, recent research suggests that dog saliva could aid wound healing. Yes, your dog has bacteria in their mouth. Pastuerella – lives in the mouths of cats and dogs that can cause skin, lymph node and, sometimes, more severe infections.
Why do dogs hate grooming? ›Some dogs become anxious about brushings. This could be because they have anxiety or because they find new experiences scary.
What is Rule #1 for grooming a dog? ›1. Consider Safety When Grooming a Dog. The most important part of every groom is to make sure both you and the dog are safe. For the dogs, you must make sure that they aren't going to fall off the table, that they're not unsupervised on the table for too long, or that the noose isn't too tight.
Do dogs act different after grooming? ›
All dogs have very different personalities, while some like being pampered and enjoy a grooming session, other dogs may feel uncomfortable during and after grooming. Here are some of the emotions and reactions dogs can experience, from feeling stressed and traumatized to making it easier for them in the future.
What calms a dog down during grooming? ›She suggests taking your dog for a long, relaxing walk right before the appointment (and make sure they pee!), and giving your dog some calming treats, as these can really help pups with anxiety about grooming. The tone of voice you use with your dog when you're discussing grooming with them is also key.