We are all about grooming at Petlox, and not just for the beauty reasons but also for health benefits! In this blog post, we’ll breakdown why getting your dogs regularly groomed is a must.
Appearance is Just the Start!
First and foremost, appearance is not everything but it sure does set the tone for everything else. Regular grooming sessions keeps your dog looking, feeling fresh and smelling ; which also reflects well on you. Depending on their coat growth, dogs should be groomed every 6-8 weeks and if you need help finding a great groomer, we’ll hook you up with our pros through the Petlox app.
Shiny Coat, Please !
One of the initially noticable things that grooming maintains is a healthy coat and skin. Healthy and shiny coats shed less because they are trained to breathe better. No matter which breed your dog is and however long their hair is, consistent grooming benefits the quality of their coat as well as conditions it. Professional brushing alone helps to remove dead skin, dirt and any other hidden surprises. A lesser known bonus is that brushing it, helps spread their natural oils over their coat which shows up as shiner and healthier looking.
For medium-long haired coats, matts may develop due to the fur becoming bunched and entwined. If left untreated, they can grow large and pull aggressively on the skin which may be very uncomfortable for your dog; especially in sensitive/tight areas. If the matts have become advanced in their process, the groomer may have to trim them out to relieve pupper.
Hygiene is non-negotiable and there is nothing worse than a stinky dog! Cleaning and brushing away all that dead skin and buildup can do wonders to your dog’s hygiene and smell.
Bonus Checkup!
Your groomer is often a more consistent health care professional in your dog’s life than the vet and they will become familiarized with your dog and if there are abnormalities. These could be anything from bumps, lumps or skin analogies that were missed during their brushing sessions at home. Early detection is the key to stopping any issue in its tracks and cutting it off from spreading.
Catching Ear infections is an art form!
Preventing ear infections is all about reducing gunk and buildup in your dog’s ears. Also, the groomer is trained to recognize when to trim the lengthier parts of hair which could be contributing to more issues. Unfortunately, ear infections are one of the main things that causes dogs to go deaf, so regular ear checks are all about long-term hearing maintenance.
Pesky Fleas!
We all know that having dogs in our lives, come with dealing with fleas. Regular grooming is a great way to keep an eye out for fleas and their eggs. The more often they are washed, clipped and brushed the more difficult it will be for fleas to survive. To be on the even safer side, ask for a flea treatment to make extra sure to keep them away; you may have to pay a small fee but it will be worth it!
Trimmed Nails and Healthy Posture
Trimming your dog’s nails is not just about maintenance, it actually reduces the risk of bad posture and/or bone deformations. Nails that are unkept and grow too long can become very uncomfortable for your dog to be able to move. They may move differently in their posture to adjust themselves to the longer nails. At first, it may not be a big deal, but if left untreated it could lead to bone deformations, incorrect skeletal posture and arthritis; to name a few. If your dog’s nails are touching the ground when they stand, it’s a sign that they need a trimming.
That’s it for the health benefits of dog grooming. Here at Petlox, we’re all about knowledge, resources and keeping you on your toes! Follow along with us on Instagram @Petlox to always be in the loop for our latest blog post and more.
Happy Grooming!