Grooming is an important aspect of being a dog parent. It doesn’t just make your dog look great but is also an important part of keeping your dog healthy. There are certain issues that can come with overgrown nails, impacted anal glands, bad teeth, and more issues that can cause pain and discomfort and lead to disease, illness, and death.

Just the same, brushing your dog’s teeth prevents all kinds of unwelcome health problems that have nothing to do with bad breath or pearly whites. It can prevent health issues like heart, liver, and kidney disease. Keeping the nails of your pet trimmed allows them to move comfortably and they are less likely to damage your floors. Bathing keeps dirt from being tracked all over your home and controls parasites and fleas from entering your home.

In addition, cleanliness is essential to your dog’s hair. Cutting a dog’s hair that falls into the eye can prevent eye irritation, ear infections, and other unsanitary issues. Cutting and brushing hair helps keep mats and dreadlocks away.

Here are the basic tools you’ll need to groom your dog. You can find them at any local 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 the job easier and less stressful for you and your pup.)
  • Flea Control Shampoo (Look into the best shampoo for your breed and dog’s consistent hair length.)
  • Dog toothpaste and toothbrush (Don’t use human toothpaste, it is not good for dogs)
  • Towel (For this, you can use a normal towel.)

Depending on your dog’s hair type and coat length, 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 Certain flea prevention products and pet toothpaste are only available at your veterinarian’s office. If you’re not sure which grooming products are best for your dog, a talk with your vet will help you get started.

are only available at your veterinarian’s office. If you’re not sure which grooming products are best for your dog, a talk with your vet will help you get started.

Grooming practices are also very dependent on the type of dog you have, the length of their hair, the breed standards, the lifestyle they lead, and the recommended grooming procedures recommended by your veterinarian.

You can also outsource the job of grooming your pup, Some veterinarians will take care of this task but many others will refer you to a well-respected and caring groomer in your area who will care for your dog and make sure they are groomed in a proper manner.

For more information please contact The Animal Hospital of Sussex County.