Dog Grooming Tips for Better Health and Wellness
Good grooming is more than just having an intelligent dog. You can handle potential health problems. Therefore, dog owners must learn how to groom their dogs. It helps identify health problems at an early stage and successfully treat them.
dog eyes
The dog’s eyes should be bright, white, and free of crusts. The eyelids have to be pink and the hair must always be trimmed, so that it does not get into the eyes. If you notice tear-stained fur, squinting or discharge eyes, or unequal-sized pupils, it’s time to visit the vet.
eye discharge
• Clear discharge: May be allergies due to wind or dust getting into the eyes and is treatable.
• Watery discharge: Mucus from one or both eyes is due to foreign matter, such as an eyelash.
• Pus-like discharge: A greenish-yellow discharge indicates a serious infection.
Watery or mucous discharge is a sign of a condition called conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the lining of the dog’s eye. The causes are due to
• allergies
• birth defect
• Foreign affairs
• Tear duct problem
• injury
• Tumors
• Dry Eye
• Distemper and more
Signs of conjunctivitis
• Red eyes
• Overblinking
• Crusty eyes
• Keep your eyes closed
• Squinting
• Frequently rubbing their eyes with their paws
An excessive watery or watery eye is also a condition called epiphora. This condition infects the skin or causes the fur to give off a terrible odor. A veterinarian can help you diagnose the cause of conjunctivitis. Treatment may include removal of irritants, antibiotics, pain-relieving lotions, antihistamines, or saline flushes. Birth defects are treated with surgery.
Discharge from the eye if ignored can cause vision loss, so visit the vet as soon as possible!
dog ears
Spaniels or basset hounds have floppy ears, making them prone to ear problems. It does not mean that other dogs cannot develop infections or get ear mites. Therefore, inspect your ears every fortnight for any buildup of dirt, foreign matter, or odor.
The ear canal has to be clean and pink. Remove any visible dirt with liquid canine ear cleaner. A dog that swims a lot is prone to an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe products to help keep your ear canal dry.
ear discharge
• Blackish-brown crusty discharge: The dog has ear mites, which cause it to tremble and scratch its head.
• Reddish-brown or yellow waxy discharge: This is an ear infection due to allergies, overproduction of earwax, excessive swimming, polyps, etc. Other signs are swollen ears, head shaking, scratching, and a bad fruity smell.
Types of ear infection
• External otitis [Outer side, which gets treated with antifungal lotion, antibiotics, or ear drying solution]
• Internal Otitis [Inner or middle ear gets infected. Vets may flush the ear or recommend surgery in severe condition]
Ear discharge can cause balance problems, bruising, severe pain, and even deafness. So, make an appointment with the vet for treatment!
dog dental hygiene
Dog teeth need regular brushing along with a healthy diet routine. Even chew toys can help maintain your oral health. Even do regular home checks to identify any signs. Bad breath is a sign of illness, so a breath test is recommended. Lift your lips to examine your teeth and gums. The teeth should not show brownish tartar and the gums should be pink. Brush the dog’s teeth with the proper technique two to three times a week.
mouth disorders
• Periodontal disease: Infection between the gum and the tooth can cause pain, loosening of the teeth, runny nose and sneezing.
• Swollen gums: When food gets trapped between the teeth and tartar builds up, swollen gums develop.
• Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums due to the accumulation of tartar, plaque and bacteria under the gum line. Bad breath, bleeding, swollen and red gums are signs of gingivitis.
• Proliferative gum disease: a genetic condition in which the gums develop over the teeth. You need treatment to prevent infection.
• Halitosis: Food particles trapped between the teeth are an excellent situation for bacteria to grow. The bad smell is its first sign, which is eliminated with proper brushing.
• Salivary cysts: Under the tongue or near the corners of the jaw, large fluid-filled blisters develop. The vet will remove the infected salivary gland to drain the cyst.
• Tumors in the mouth: On the gums, you will see lumps. The vet will diagnose and surgically remove the malignant tumor.
Always look for canine toothpaste and toothbrush, or ask your vet!
dog nail care
• Dogs that are more active outdoors don’t need trimming because their claws wear down. Indoor dogs need nail care.
• Long nails can cut the skin on the toe pad and cause pain or infection.
• You should trim your nails regularly to prevent cutting your skin.
In case you accidentally cut yourself, apply septic powder to stop the bleeding. Many dog owners find nail trimming intimidating, so they visit a veterinarian or pet groomer.
Dog skin and coat care
• Check your dog for fleas or ticks after your dog returns from outside.
• Control dandruff, which is caused by skin infections and parasites.
• Brush dogs’ coats regularly to remove dead hairs, which can form clumps and possibly affect their hearts.
• Brushing the hair will also stimulate the distribution of skin oil throughout the coat.
• Choose the right hairbrush.
• Bathe the dog gently with canine skin care products to maintain the oil level.
• The use of a suitable shampoo helps to avoid multiple health problems and makes the dog feel comfortable.
• Brush the coat before bathing to remove loose hair or clumps, which can trap shampoo and cause skin irritation.
• Choose a healthy diet and skin nourishing supplements to nourish the dog’s fur and coat.
Aside from the dog’s appearance, the other benefit of proper grooming is better health and wellness for your pet!