Groomed for Greatness: Keeping your Pooch Happy and Healthy
Shiny coats and happy tails! Follow these grooming tips to make sure your pet looks handsome and suave and his skin is healthy throughout the year!
Grooming should be a part of your pet’s daily routine. It will keep his skin healthy; help strengthen the bond with your pet, and is great for his mental well-being. As winter is leaving and temperature is on the rise, you need to be more careful about your pet’s grooming needs.
Here are some reasons why good grooming goes a long way in keeping your beloved pooch healthy and happy!
Shed the Baggage
It is a myth that dogs shed more during the summer. They shed throughout the year. Yes, in summer the shedding might increase to help regulate their body temperature, but you need shedding control measures throughout the year.
Regular grooming helps remove loose fur, preventing matting and reducing the amount of hair your pooch sheds around your home. It helps distribute natural oils, keeping the coat shiny and healthy. It also keeps his coat shiny and tangle-free, and you can keep an eye on any cuts, injuries, or skin infections.
Beat the Heat with a little trim
If your pet has a thick coat, he might feel hot as the temperatures start to rise. You can get the coat trimmed and keep him well-groomed to prevent overheating. But remember that shaving off the coat completely is a big ‘NO’ as it may harm your pet’s skin.
It is a myth that shaving your pet will make him feel cooler. The coat is an essential part of the dog’s heating and cooling system. It is equally efficient at keeping your pet warm in extreme winter conditions and cool in hot summers. The hollow outer guard hair (top layer) works as effective insulation against both heat and cold. Removing the coat in summer will most likely cause your pet heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and serious sunburn.
Coat Matters
Long-haired, double-coated breeds do not need to be shaved in the hot weather, any more than you need to shave your head in the hot weather. Unless the pet has passed the point of no return in the matting department, the best type of grooming for these breeds is a vigorous undercoat (bottom layer) raking with a special tool that helps remove the undercoat. A bath, professional de-shed treatment, and a blow dry will also help separate the hair so the groomer can get the rest of the undercoat out. Once the undercoat is removed, the dog does feel cooler. The guard hair on the top that does not shed out protects against the rays of the sun, and insulates the dog from the heat.
Most people think their dog is cooler if it’s shaved because we feel cooler when we shed layers of clothing and sit in the shade. But we sweat through our skin. Dogs do not. They sweat through their paws and nose.
Tangle-free from Fur to Paws
Breeds with longer or thicker coats are more prone to developing mats and tangles, which can be uncomfortable for your pet and may lead to skin issues. Regular grooming, including brushing and trimming, helps prevent mats and tangles from forming. So, spend those five–ten minutes every day with your pet brushing him.
Keep Ticks at Bay
Keeping your pooch’s coat clean and well-groomed helps prevent infestations of ticks and fleas, which are more common during the hot and humid months. Regular grooming allows you to check your pet for pests and take preventive measures to protect them.
From Scruffy to Fluffy
While you are grooming your pet daily, don’t forget to check his ears for signs of infection and trim his nails if needed. Do not poke earbuds into your pet’s ears. Just gently clean them with a cotton pad. And if you think that trimming your furry friend’s nails at home is not manageable, then you should get professional help and book a groomer appointment!
Beyond Beauty
Grooming your pet is not only beneficial for his physical health but makes your bond with him stronger. When you spend time grooming him, it strengthens your relationship and creates a sense of trust and companionship.
Be it summer or winter, regular grooming is crucial and as a responsible pet parent you should not ignore it. If you’re not sure how to groom your pooch properly, consider seeking guidance from a professional groomer.
(Jennifer Sidhwa is a canine trainer and professional pet stylist and the owner and founder of Curly Tails Pet Grooming Salon, Mumbai)