Grooming
Good For Looks, Good For Health
Grooming is a must for each and every dog. Not only will
it keep your dog looking sharp and smelling, well, much
more pleasant than it would otherwise, grooming also helps
keep your dog healthy by getting rid of fleas and ticks
before they become a real nuisance. It also helps ward
off ear infections, eliminates matted coats and can also
serve as a bonding experience between humans and pets.
But remember, grooming is more than just taking a brush
to the dog’s coat every now and then — it
also involves trimming/clipping nails, bathing, brushing
teeth and yes, unpleasant though it may sound, emptying
anal sacs (you’ll know your dog is overdue when
it starts doing the infamous Poodle scoot). How often
dogs need complete grooming sessions is up for debate
(discuss your particular breed’s needs with your
vet), but once-a-month is a good guideline. Regardless,
brushing should be a regular part of your weekly routine
(especially for long-haired dogs) and combing should be
done daily. And what about hiring a professional groomer?
For long-haired breeds (Collies, Cocker Spaniels) especially,
this is a very wise idea, as groomers are professionally-trained
to keep dogs looking gorgeous. Just like choosing a vet
or dog-sitter, you’ll want to find the most qualified
and personable groomer around, so ask trusted sources
for referrals, and don’t return to one that makes
you or your dog feel uneasy. For those who choose to take
care of the grooming at home, stock up on all the appropriate
supplies and set aside plenty of time on a not-so-busy
day — you’ll need it.
