When you welcome a dog into your life, you’re not just getting a pet but a companion that will offer unconditional love and support because these animals are known for their loyalty and affection.
Additionally, there are physical and emotional benefits that you can enjoy with dog ownership, such as better mental health and social life, decreased stress levels, and even lower blood pressure.
However, pet ownership also comes with responsibilities, including financial obligations for veterinary care, food, grooming services, and other expenses related to their wellness. Thus, it is a long-term commitment that should factor in the pet’s lifespan, plus the care, time, and attention they will require from you to ensure their happiness and health.
Importance Of Dog Hygiene
Maintaining good dog hygiene is beneficial for your dog’s health and your family’s well-being, but it goes beyond keeping your pet smelling nice or looking their best. Instead, it involves preventing infections, ensuring comfort, and nurturing your dog’s overall well-being, like maintaining a clean coat to prevent skin infections caused by dirt, bacteria, yeast, or fleas sticking to its skin.
Aside from keeping your dog in good physical condition, proper care can protect the family’s health as well. This is because a clean dog brings fewer dirt, bacteria, and parasites into your living spaces, contributing to a more sanitary and pleasant household. As a bonus, establishing a routine for your pet care will help you build a deeper bond with your dog because these grooming sessions become moments of closeness and affection between you.
Understanding the Basics of Dog Hygiene
Dog hygiene encompasses several aspects, and each element is crucial in preventing diseases and ensuring your dog is comfortable and happy. If you don’t know where to start, here’s a quick guide to keeping your dog clean and healthy:
1. Regular Bathing
Even among veterinarians and pet experts, there is no universal rule on bathing frequency for dogs because it can vary significantly based on factors such as breed, lifestyle, and the type of coat your dog has. Some experts suggest you can do it at least once every three months, but the best strategy is to tailor bath times to your specific dog and their unique needs, such as whenever they appear dirty.
Hair length is another primary consideration when determining bath frequency: dogs with medium to long coats could benefit from a bath every four to six weeks, while those with short coats might require bathing between one to three months. However, remember not to over-bath dogs with thicker coats, like Labrador Retrievers or Siberian Huskies, because this can wash away the natural oils from their skin that provide insulation.
- Proper Oral Care
Dental hygiene in dogs is often overlooked, yet it’s critical for much more than just keeping bad breath at bay – it helps prevent issues like gum disease, which can cause pain and tooth loss if left untreated. In some cases, severe health problems can also arise since bacteria from the mouth could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs.
It’s best to begin your dental care routine when your dog is still a puppy to get them used to having their teeth brushed and mouth handled, making the experience significantly less stressful as they grow. This entails a combination of at-home tooth brushing with the appropriate toothpaste, dental chews, and a proper diet. Regular veterinary care is also important because veterinarians can perform professional dog dental cleaning and check for any signs of dental problems that need to be addressed.
- Grooming And Brushing
Beyond keeping your dog’s coat looking nice, routine brushing expels dead hair that, if left unattended, can cause uncomfortable matting and tangling. In addition to making your dog more comfortable, regular brushing also helps evenly distribute the natural oils crucial for a shiny, healthy coat, thus rejuvenating its appearance while enabling it to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Meanwhile, grooming sessions also give you an excellent opportunity to inspect your dog for any signs of parasites like fleas and ticks, which might otherwise go unnoticed. This also makes it easier to spot any potential skin issues early on, such as dry patches, sores, or signs of infection, so you can address them before they escalate into more severe conditions.
- Clean Nails And Paws
While caring for your dog, remember to pay attention to their nails and paws, as these are equally important for their overall hygiene. For one, nails that are allowed to grow too long can alter how your dog’s paws hit the ground, forcing them to adjust their walking style and posture. Over time, this unnatural posture strains the leg muscles and joints, which can cause chronic pain, impair mobility, or even cause more serious musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis.
On the other hand, small rocks and burrs lodge themselves between the toes of your dog’s paws, causing them to easily become cracked and dry or even injured. Aside from regularly examining the paws and promptly removing any foreign objects, you can protect them against cracks and maintain paw flexibility by applying a good-quality paw balm. These balms provide much-needed moisture, form a protective barrier that helps shield the paws from harsh surfaces, and are especially beneficial in colder months when your dog is exposed to potentially harmful substances like road salt and antifreeze during walks.