Once you realize the importance of grooming your dog, the next question is usually, “How often must my dog be groomed”? This depends on a number of factors, for your dog is as individual as you are!
Type of dog
How often you groom your dog will depend on the breed, type of coat, and a number of other factors. In some instances a brush once a week and a good look at eyes, ears, feet and teeth once a month will be enough. In other cases the dog may need daily care and a thorough grooming once a week. Your grooming routine will depend on your dog and your individual circumstances.
Factors to take into account
What you need to do regularly
Whether your dog needs regular grooming, or is low maintenance, there are issues that should be attended to regularly, two or three times a week. Firstly, be alert to a change in behavior, like suddenly licking his lips constantly, or scratching her ears. These can indicate a more serious underlying issue. In short, pay attention when he shows discomfort.
Secondly, look after her teeth, dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for humans. Neglected teeth can cause a number of serious health issues. Whatever method you choose, keep your pup’s teeth healthy and clean.
Establish a grooming routine that suits you and your dog. The result should be a happy, healthy dog and a proud owner.
Type of dog
How often you groom your dog will depend on the breed, type of coat, and a number of other factors. In some instances a brush once a week and a good look at eyes, ears, feet and teeth once a month will be enough. In other cases the dog may need daily care and a thorough grooming once a week. Your grooming routine will depend on your dog and your individual circumstances.
Factors to take into account
- The first issue, as mentioned earlier, will be the dog’s hair and coat type. The determining issue is that your pup should be comfortable and look healthy. The coat should be shiny with no matted hair. Long hair breeds shouldn’t have hair in their eyes, ears, anal glands, or be uncomfortably hot. Bottom line, she should look good, smell nice and be welcome on the couch!
- The health of family members will help determine the care you give to the coat in particular. When there are people sensitive to dog hairs in the home, a weekly bath and brush every other day will help to keep shedding to a minimum.
- Different breeds also have different grooming needs. Some are low maintenance, like the Rottweiler, Great Dane, and Beagle. Breeds like German shepherd, golden retriever, poodle, and Labrador retriever need to be groomed once a month. Pomeranians, Pekingese and collie are among the breeds needing regular brushing to remain looking good and get rid of matting.
- The climate will also help to determine his grooming needs. Hot climates plays havoc with the comfort of a long hair dog. Find out what treatment will be best for your breed; he may need to be shaved during the summer. Other issues in summer are sun damage for light skinned, short hair dogs. Extremes of climate can also result in oily or dry skin for some dogs.
- An active dog, especially if it involves rough terrain, will need attention in case of matted hair, insect bites, collecting ticks and other parasites, as well as scratches and abrasions, particularly to the paws.
What you need to do regularly
Whether your dog needs regular grooming, or is low maintenance, there are issues that should be attended to regularly, two or three times a week. Firstly, be alert to a change in behavior, like suddenly licking his lips constantly, or scratching her ears. These can indicate a more serious underlying issue. In short, pay attention when he shows discomfort.
Secondly, look after her teeth, dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for humans. Neglected teeth can cause a number of serious health issues. Whatever method you choose, keep your pup’s teeth healthy and clean.
Establish a grooming routine that suits you and your dog. The result should be a happy, healthy dog and a proud owner.