QUOTE
‘Know yourself and don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.’ – Ann Landers
During this lockdown period all our local pet shops and doggie parlours have not been operational, giving many of you the opportunity to do some home-grooming on your dogs.
Grooming your dog is a great way to bond with him. I often tell mine a story or sing to them as it relaxes them and they don’t care how badly I sing! No wonder my grandchildren call me a ‘crazy dog lady’!
There are numerous reasons why grooming is essential for the well-being of your dogs. So, let us take a look at some of them.
If you are under the impression that grooming your dog is merely about brushing him, making him look pretty and smell good, then you need to think again. Grooming your dog regularly will enable you to observe any underlying diseases or conditions, resulting in a consultation with the vet before it is too late for effective treatment.
All too often, long coated dogs may have a tumour which is concealed by the dog’s coat, and cannot be observed – but if you groom your dog regularly you will be able to feel it and hopefully, get treatment quickly and efficiently before it is likely to have any lasting effect on your dog.
ALSO READ: You and Your Dog: Seperation anxiety after lockdown
BRUSHING
Brushing removes dandruff, dead hair and dirt from the dog’s coat.
Regular brushing prevents tangles and matting which can lead to pain and infections.
Brushing stimulates the natural oils in your dog’s fur, these oils spread across the coat giving the coat a glossy healthy sheen.
Brushing gives you the opportunity to thoroughly examine the dog’s skin, for infections and parasites, such as ticks, fleas, bald or dry patches.
If there are any swellings or other abnormalities, they will also be easier to feel.
EARS
We all tend to neglect our dog’s ears. Some breeds are more susceptible to infections and parasites in their ears.
Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections than dogs with ears that stand erect.
Your dog’s ears should be regularly cleaned with an ear cleaner that you can obtain from your vet.
Please do not put any over the counter medication in your dog’s ears, or use human medication – consult with your vet for the best advice.
The dog’s ears should be clean and odour-free.
If the ears appear to be swollen, red or have an unpleasant odour, or show any sign of mites, the dog should be examined immediately by your vet.
TEETH
Too many dogs are suffering with periodontal disease due to neglect by owners.
Wild dogs would kill and eat their prey, they would chew on the bones of the carcass and in this way they always had good dental hygiene.
Unfortunately, domesticated dogs are not given bones to chew, and although kibble is advertised as a good source of dental hygiene, it is not enough to keep your dog’s teeth clean and free of tartar build-up.
The only way to help combat periodontal disease is to regularly brush his teeth.
Dogs whose teeth are not brushed regularly have very bad breath!
You do not want a dog whose breath smells bad as bad breath is a sign of dental problems.
Speak to your vet who can recommend a special pet toothpaste and toothbrush.
It is also advisable to have his teeth, ears and eyes checked during his annual veterinary visit.
If the vet thinks it is necessary, he may book your dog in to clean his teeth and ears under a general anaesthetic.
EYES
If the hairs around the dog’s eyes are not kept trimmed, they might cause the eyes to become infected.
A dog’s eyes should always be bright and clear. If the eyes are watery or appear to be sore, consult your vet.
Older dogs should be carefully checked for any signs of glaucoma or cataracts.
Glaucoma is a serious disorder that cannot be cured but your vet will prescribe eye drops to prevent the dog from suffering pain or discomfort.
BATHING
Bathing your dog can be a lot of fun.
Some dogs love water and enjoy a bath, while others may not enjoy it so much.
This is one area of dog grooming that should NOT be done too often.
Bathing your dog too often can be detrimental to the dog’s skin and it often strips the natural oils from the skin, often leaving dry itchy patches, which when scratched can cause an infection.
Bathing is necessary to keep your dog clean and germ free. If you are in doubt, contact your vet ask if he could recommend a bathing schedule.
NAIL TRIMMING
Nail trimming can be quite a mission if your dog has not been handled correctly from early puppyhood.
As a young puppy your dog should have been exposed to having his feet and nails handled.
If the nails are not kept trimmed the dog could suffer injury, such as the nails becoming hooked in carpets or between small spaces such as on brick paving.
By keeping the nails trimmed you can prevent in-grown nails.
For older dogs keeping nails trimmed could help ease arthritis and joint pain, as if the nails are too long it may cause the dog to slip on floors, causing injury to the hips or other joints.
If he cannot place his feet on the ground correctly due to long nails, it could cause difficulty in walking properly.
If you have a dog who is very afraid to let you trim his nails, let the vet do the nails under anaesthetic.
If you are uncomfortable about nail clipping, do not attempt it.
I hope I have not frightened you off! Dog grooming can be very therapeutic, do yourself a favour and try it sometime, but never groom a dog if you are in a bad mood.
Happy grooming.
Yvonne Eland
ADIPCBM (UK)with distinction
Advanced Diploma Specialising in Canine Behaviour and Management
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