From training and feeding to providing veterinary care and exercise, caring for a dog is not going to be easy. While certain tasks are more important than others, proper grooming should also be essential. Grooming includes a variety of tasks including brushing, clipping/filing nails, and bathing, which can all become a challenge without proper understanding. This guide will help you avoid a few common mistakes made when grooming your dog.
Not Brushing Enough
Most people are surprised to learn how important brushing your dog is. Not only will it ensure loose hair is removed before it ends up on your clothes, floors, and furniture, but it will also help distribute oils through your dog's coat, keeping their hair healthy and strong.
When to brush your dog's hair depends on the length of their coat. For example, long-haired dogs should be brushed weekly to prevent tangles. Short-haired dogs do not need to be brushed very frequently, but experts still recommend brushing every few weeks to remove dead and loose hair.
Using the Wrong Brush
Not brushing enough can affect your dog's coat, but using the wrong brush is also a mistake to avoid. Again, the type of brush to use depends on your dog's specific coat.
Because long hair can become tangled easily, a pin brush with bent-wire bristles is ideal. These bristles will glide through long hair and brush the undercoat and skin with ease. If your long-haired dog has any tangles or matting, use a comb to tease them out.
A hound glove for removing dog hair or a rubber brush are both good options to brush a short-haired dog. If you do prefer a more traditional brush, opt for a slicker brush with natural bristles.
Not Bathing Enough
There are many obvious times when your dog needs to be bathed. For example, if they got into mud or played in a pond or lake, they will obviously need to be bathed. Unfortunately, if your dog appears somewhat clean, you may think they do not need a bath. In reality, they probably do.
If your dog has skin issues or allergies, talk to your veterinarian for recommendations on when and how bathing should occur. If your dog has normal skin health and no allergy problems, they should be bathed once a month. If you do decide to bathe your dog more frequently, use a gentle dog shampoo with moisturizing capabilities.
Contact a company like Elizabethton Veterinary Clinic for more information about your dog's grooming needs.