Keep Your Dog Groomed

If you are like most dog owners, you love to cuddle with your canine companion. To keep that cuddle factor alive and well in your relationship with your pet, it’s a good idea to have your dog groomed on a regular basis.

Bathing, brushing, nail trimming and clipping are all part of regular grooming. You can do your dog’s grooming yourself at home or take him to a professional groomer. If you go for the do-it-yourself option, invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner, a good brush and a pair of grooming scissors. If you need to trim more hair than scissors can handle, spend money on a quality clipper.

If you have a dog who needs extensive clipping (a poodle or a schnauzer, for example), or if you don’t have the time or physical ability to wash, dry and brush out your dog yourself, take him a professional groomer. A good grooming shop uses quality products and equipment, and the expertise of a professional groomer—especially if you have a dog who needs more precise clipping—is worth the money.

Whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional to get it done, remember that consistent grooming offers many benefits for both you and your dog.

Good Smells

A well-groomed dog smells good. Bathing with a quality shampoo and conditioner removes dirt, oil and that “doggy smell.” A dog who smells good is easier to get close to.

Less Shedding

If you have a dog who sheds, regular grooming can help keep loose hair to a minimum. Bathing brings loose hair to the surface and brushing captures that hair before it ends up on your floor.

Better Health

A clean dog is a healthier dog. Grooming your dog gives you (or your professional groomer) a chance to go over your dog’s body, where you are most likely to notice any issues your dog may be experiencing. Fleas, ticks, wounds, lumps: All of these can be easily discovered during a grooming session. Professional groomers are also good at expressing a dog’s anal glands, which can help keep this area clean and free from problems.

Great Socialization

Although your dog may not like baths or trips to the groomer, these events are an important part of his life. We sometimes have to do things we don’t enjoy, and that applies to dogs, too. Doing your own grooming at home gives you a chance to spend some interactive time with your dog. Most dogs enjoy being brushed, so a once over with a brush every few days or at least once a week is a good way to keep your dog clean while deepening the bond between you.

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About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/