Grooming is an important part of being a dog parent. Grooming doesn’t just make your pup look good, it’s an essential part of keeping them healthy. Overgrown nails, impacted anal glands, and bad teeth can cause pain, discomfort and in some cases, death.
Brushing your dog’s teeth prevents all kinds of unpleasant health problems that have nothing to do with dog breath… like heart, liver and kidney disease.
Keeping nails trimmed allows your dog to move around comfortably. Long, overgrown nails can be very painful to your pup. Plus, trimmed nails are less likely to mark up your floor.
Cutting any hair that falls into the eye can prevent eye irritation; keeping ear hair trimmed can help prevent ear infections. Cutting hair and brushing helps keeps mats and dreadlocks away.
Bathing keeps dirt from being tracked all over your home but also helps control parasites like fleas.
Here are the basic tools you’ll need to groom your dog. You can find them at any pet supply store:
- Brush (Talk to the clerk and make sure to get the right kind of brush for your dog’s fur. You may need a few brushes.)
- Nail clipper (Don’t get the cheap ones, talk to the clerk and get the good ones. It makes all the difference.)
- Organic Flea Control Shampoo (Never buy anything made by Hartz)
- Dog toothpaste and toothbrush (Don’t use human toothpaste)
- Towel
Depending on your dog’s coat, you’ll need a specific type of brush or a flea comb, most of which are available at good pet supply stores. Certain flea prevention products and toothpastes are only available at your veterinarian’s office. If you’re not sure which tools are best for your dog, a talk with your vet will help you get started.