Reasons Why Grooming Your Dog is Important
If you own a dog, you’ve probably already resigned yourself to the fact that everything you own will be covered in dog hair. Some dogs shed more than others, but regular brushing can help minimize the amount your dog sheds. Brushing your dog is something you should do at least once a week, but many dog owners fail to keep up with this routine task. Keep reading to learn why grooming your dog is so important and to receive some handy tips.
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Grooming your dog is about more than his appearance. Of course, your dog looks best when he’s just been brushed or trimmed, but there are many other benefits to grooming your dog regularly.
Here are the top four reasons you should groom your dog regularly:
- It helps him look his best. On top of making your dog look extra cute, grooming improves his appearance for the people he interacts with. People may be wary of an unkempt dog while a clean, well-groomed dog looks more inviting.
- It’s a good chance to check his health. As you’re brushing your dog, it’s a good opportunity to check for bumps or lumps that could be hidden under his fur. If you come across a spot that’s tender or painful, take a closer look and call your vet if needed.
- It provides an opportunity to bond with your dog. The more time you spend with your dog, the closer the two of you will become and grooming is a great opportunity.
- It helps keep his skin and coat healthy. Your dog’s skin produces natural oils that protect the skin and keep the fur shiny and soft. Brushing helps distribute those oils more evenly.
By now it should be obvious that grooming your dog is an important part of your job as a dog owner. Read on to learn some simple tips to making grooming easier than ever.
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It is recommended that you brush your dog once a week at a minimum, more depending on his coat time. You should also bathe your dog as needed and take him to the groomer for a trim if he has a coat that never stops growing. Grooming doesn’t have to be a chore, but it does require some effort.
Here are some simple tips to making grooming your dog a breeze:
- Keep plenty of treats on hand – reward your dog for staying calm and letting you work.
- Try to brush for a few minutes every day to stay on top of shedding.
- Take care of mats as soon as you notice them before they get bigger.
- Bathe your dog once every three months or so using a dog-friendly shampoo.
- Trim your dog’s nails every week or two to keep them at an appropriate length.
- Try using a grooming mitt for brushing to make the work easier.
Grooming is a great way to spend quality time with your dog while also keeping his coat shiny and healthy. Plus, the more you brush your dog the less he’ll shed. It’s a win-win!
Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.
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