From a Professional Mobile Dog Groomer

It is vital to keep your dog healthy by paying regular attention to bathing, grooming and brushing which is why it’s a good idea to find a professional dog groomer. Even dogs with short hair will benefit from these essential grooming routines that are important to his health. You may be surprised to know that regular grooming does more than just make your dog look pretty and smell great. Here are the top reasons why it is medically necessary to regularly have your dog groomed so he stays healthy and feels his best.

The Better To See You With

When you keep your dog’s face free of long hair around the eyes you can prevent eye irritation and help him feel more comfortable. Many toy breed dogs, such as the shih tzu, Lhasa apso and poodle, have long hair that hangs in the eyes causing irritation and damage to the cornea. Check your dog to see if there are hairs lying on the eye. These longs hairs must be trimmed by a professional dog groomer or by calling a professional mobile dog groomer.The groomer knows how to safely trim around the eyes and face, and she can even draw the hair up into a bow to keep the eye area free of long hairs. NEVER use scissors or sharp objects around your dog’s eyes. Seek professional assistance.

Some dogs have a problem with drainage from the eyes.

Many toy breeds also suffer from drainage from the eyes that causes tear stains, which are dark discolorations under the eyes. This problem may have many causes. Check with your veterinarian to help rule out any medical conditions that can be solved. If the drainage is persistent, make sure you keep it wiped away. Skin and fur that stays constantly moist can discolor and become infected. To remove the discolored hair safely, call on a mobile dog groomer. She will use clippers to scoop out the hair and debris that can build up from the tear stains. This is an easy way to manage the buildup and your dog will also see better.

My, What Big Ears You Have

Those long floppy ears are endearing but they cover your dog’s ear canal creating a moist, warm environment that does not receive proper air circulation. This can cause your dog to suffer from chronic ear infections that can be difficult to cure and can re-occur. Cocker spaniels, shar-peis and golden retrievers are just a few of the breeds that suffer from this all too common problem. Infections that go unchecked can result in serious and painful ear disease. In addition, dogs such as Miniature Schnauzers and Poodles must have the hair that grows inside the ear canal plucked by a groomer. This hair can create buildup that leads to unwanted ear infections. Learn how to clean your dog’s ears to help prevent these problems. Your veterinarian can show you how to clean them properly and advise you on the use of an ear cleaning solution. Have your mobile dog groomer shave the hair from the inside of the pinna (the floppy part of the ear) to allow for air circulation, and gently remove any hair that may be growing in the ear canals. Once again, NEVER use scissors or sharp implements in or near the ears. A healthy ear should look and smell clean. Any foul odor, discharge or excessive scratching should be immediately investigated.

Say Cheese

Dental disease in dogs is common. Checking your dog’s mouth and teeth will help you spot trouble before it becomes a big problem. Your veterinarian can show you how to keep your dog’s teeth clean with brushes and toothpastes designed specifically for dogs. Your older dog may not think too much of dental care. If you can’t get him to accept having his teeth brushed, make it a regular habit to check his teeth for tartar, chipping or excessive wear, or any lump or bump that looks suspicious. Dental disease can be very painful and serve as a source of infection for the rest of the body, so check those teeth and tell your dog’s doctor if you find a problem.

Everybody Into the Tub

Most every dog will need a bath a few times a year. This need will vary depending on your dog’s lifestyle, breed and any skin problems he may have. Bathing helps remove old hair, dirt and oil from the skin. The physical action of being washed is pleasant to most dogs and it may make you aware of a lump or bump that may have appeared or changed suddenly. This is also a good time to check for parasites such as fleas and ticks. Dogs that swim in natural waterways such as lakes, ponds and rivers, or those lucky enough to visit the beach should be rinsed after every outing. There are a lot of different shampoos and conditioners for every type and color of dog. Your groomer or veterinarian can advise you if your dog has special needs. Be sure to protect your dog’s eyes with a little mineral oil or eye ointment before bathing.

Break out the Brush and Comb

Between baths, brushing and combing your dog will help keep the coat clean and free of hair mats. Mats can be irritating and cause skin disease under the hair. Longhaired dogs require everyday brushing to keep their coats healthy. To prevent matting, comb your dog first to detect any small tangles and then follow up with the brush. You should do this before and after the bath to prevent unwanted mats. Most dogs enjoy grooming and often wait eagerly to be combed. If your dog’s fur is badly matted, he may need to be shaved. This is a job for a mobile dog groomer. NEVER attempt to cut out hair mats with scissors at home; you may cut the skin as well if the mats are clinging to the skin. As your dog’s hair grows back, begin with daily brushing and combing to keep the new hair soft and tangle free. Your groomer can also recommend a spray conditioner to keep the coat shiny and soft.

Nails

By far the most dreaded grooming chore is trimming your dog’s nails. If you have a young dog, touch her feet and toes often to get her used to having her feet handled. Older dogs often are very frightened by the chore of nail trimming and may be completely uncooperative. Despite their protests, nail trimming is a must. Long overgrown nails often break at the base exposing the nail bed and they can get caught in soft bedding. Walking on long nails can be painful, aggravate arthritis and cause the toes to splay. Long nails can curve around and grow into the pads. A dog walking on overgrown nails is like you trying to walk in swim fins. Regular visits to your groomer will prevent overgrown nails.

Mentioning the Unmentionable

Lastly, there is your dog’s rear end. Most dog owners don’t make it a habit to check their dog’s bottom but it is an important place to look. Longhaired animals can get feces trapped in the hair surrounding the anus causing an obstruction. Have your groomer keep the sanitary area clipped short. Situated to the sides of the anus are two anal glands. These glands manufacture a foul smelling material that is normally expressed when your dog has a bowel movement. These glands can become painfully blocked and infected. Learn to recognize the sign of infection. Scooting is often a giveaway. Your veterinarian and groomer can help keep these sacs empty. And lastly, and most indelicately, your dog’s rear end is a place to attract parasites. It is easy to see fleas here, and those awful signs of a tapeworm infection, small white worms that look like grain of rice or cucumber seeds. Even the nicest dogs can get them. Have your veterinarian look at any suspicious life forms you find.

To Your Dog’s Health

As you can see, owning a dog requires much responsibility and careful attention to any sign of discomfort. Having a budget to regularly take care of your long or short-haired dog is a must if you are going to become a pet owner. Regular visits with a mobile dog groomer and veterinarian are important to the health of your new best friend.