Part of being a responsible owner is making sure your dog’s grooming needs are addressed on an ongoing basis. It involves more than giving him a haircut every few months, or a bath when he begins to stink. While many owners think grooming is solely about maintaining their pets’ appearance, it actually plays an important role in 
their health.
Whether you decide to hire a professional groomer or handle the job yourself, become familiar with the reasons baths, haircuts, and nail trimmings are important. Below, we’ll explore each of these areas in more detail. We’ll also list the tools you’ll need if you decide to groom your canine at home.
Giving Your Dog Periodic Baths
While puppies often enjoy being bathed by their owners, adult dogs rarely share their enthusiasm. That said, if they have been bathed in the past without having a negative experience (e.g. shampoo stinging their eyes), they will become accustomed to it.
Monthly baths should suffice for most canines. However, if your pet is active outdoors, or has very oily skin, he may need baths every two weeks. Many owners bathe their pets once a week to ensure their coats are clean of dirt and debris.
Brushing Out Tangles And Mats
Dogs usually enjoy having their coats brushed. Not only do the bristles feel good to them, but they also have an opportunity to spend time with their owners. Brushes come in various shapes and sizes, and offer different types of bristles that are designed to accommodate different coats.
There are practical reasons to brush your pet’s hair. Doing so gives you a chance to work out tangles that may have formed due to loose hair, dirt, and small debris. Brushing also helps to remove loose hair that may otherwise end up on your furniture and floors.
Keeping Your Pet’s Hair Trimmed
Your canine will need regular haircuts, the frequency of which depends on how quickly his hair grows. Some breeds have coats that grow very quickly; they should have them trimmed every two or three weeks in order to keep them manageable. Other breeds have coats that grow slowly; a trim every four or five weeks will suffice.
Owners usually find that giving their dogs haircuts is difficult. This is especially the case if the canine is frightened by the noise made by the clippers. In such cases, hiring a pet grooming service may pose a better option.
Preventing Ear Infections
A lot of breeds cope with problems that affect their ears. For example, Basset Hounds and English Cocker Spaniels often develop infections within the ear canal. Allergies and parasites can also cause problems. For this reason, it’s important to check and clean your canine’s ears regularly. Even if your pet is not susceptible to chronic ear issues, moisture and bacteria can easily lead to infection.
Set aside time to check your dog’s ears each week. If you notice an odor coming from them, ask his veterinarian for medication.
Clipping Your Pet’s Nails
If your canine is very active outdoors, his nails may stay worn down. In that case, there may be no need to trim them (though you should periodically inspect them). Most dogs are not active enough to keep their nails short. They need to have them clipped lest they damage furniture or accidentally hurt someone.
Most dogs dislike the experience. In many cases, past owners have attempted to clip their nails only to cause them pain by doing it incorrectly. If you intend to handle the task at home, have your canine’s veterinarian show you the proper method.
A Few Grooming Supplies To Make The Job Easier
Proper dog grooming requires a few essential items. You’ll need a brush as well as a few combs. You’ll also need clippers in order to trim your pet’s hair. Buy a soap-free shampoo that is formulated for canines, and a conditioner that will help keep his coat moisturized. Cleansers and cotton balls are valuable for cleaning your pet’s ears. Lastly, purchase a pair of high-quality nail clippers.
Keeping your canine groomed takes time and effort. The benefit is that he’ll look his best while feeling more closely connected to you.
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