GROOMING FOR PET HEALTH

What your dog eats will directly affect the condition of their coat and nails, their paw pads, their skin and ears.  Keep an eye on all these parts of your dog, especially as they get older.  With any changes, check with your vet to see if this is normal. You go out every day well-groomed and trying to look your best. It should be no different for your pet.

Grooming also gives your dog an emotional lift. They do know when they look and smell nice, and certainly feel refreshed after a bath. Our elderly Westie used to act like a puppy after every bath, she was so happy. She was an animal who had been neglected for 14 years until we rescued her.  She was so matted with fur when we got her that when we washed her, the entire bottom of our large tub, to a depth of about an inch, was filled with her fur.  Her toenails were growing in to her pawpads.

And our 12 year old cocker spaniel was in the same condition and had to be shaved down, plus, her years were in a terrible infected state and had to be cleaned out every day, twice a day.

Our bichon started to bleed from his rectum one day after a bowel movement; his anal glands had impacted. Depending on which professional groomer you use, they will often check the ears and anal glands and clean them out. But many just go for the cosmetic aspects of grooming, so do ask, and if they don’t do it, make sure your vet checks them at every visit.

A regular schedule of grooming as well as vaccinations, is essential for the overall wellbeing of your dog. That should also include tooth brushing—remember, they can’t do it themselves. What you think YOUR teeth would look like if you didn’t brush for 5 to 15 years?

Again, once your dog is properly vaccinated, you do not have to worry about it being in public with other dogs, such as at the groomers.
The Importance Of Regular Dog Vaccinations As Part Of Your Dog’s Overall Care Part4 will deal with other key issues regarding vaccinations and the dos and don’ts of dog health care.