Grooming is an essential part of your dog’s health and well-being. It promotes blood circulation and spreads natural oils for healthier coats and skin.
However, grooming is surrounded by myths that can cause confusion among pet parents. This article will dispel some of the most common dog grooming myths and help you make the right choices for your dog.
1. Dogs Don’t Need Frequent Baths
Dog owners are always looking for tips and tricks to make their dogs happier and healthier. Unfortunately, some of these tips are actually false or can cause your pet harm.
One of the most common myths is that dogs need frequent baths. This can actually be damaging to the coat, skin, and overall health of your pet. While it’s true that bathing is a necessary part of grooming, the frequency depends on your dog’s breed and lifestyle. For example, a long-haired dog who spends time splashing through puddles may need to be bathed more frequently than a short-haired dog who lives inside the house.
Regular bathing also helps spread natural oils across your dog’s coat, keeping it shiny and healthy. This can be especially important for dogs with dry or irritated skin. It’s best to use shampoos made specifically for pets, which protect their natural oils and maintain the correct pH balance.
Another myth is that grooming a dog’s nails is unnecessary. In fact, trimming your dog’s nails is an essential part of grooming, as it can help prevent joint pain and infection. Nails that grow too long can cause your dog to walk with their feet misaligned, which can put strain on their back and joints. This is why it’s important to have your dog’s nails trimmed at least twice a month.
While it’s true that some dogs do not enjoy getting groomed, it’s important to know that this is mostly due to unfamiliarity or past negative experiences. If you are patient and gentle with your pet, they can learn to appreciate the experience. It’s also a good idea to start socializing your dog with grooming and bathing techniques as early as possible, so they are used to the process at an early age.
2. Dogs Don’t Need To Be Brushed
Grooming is not just about keeping your dog looking good, it’s also about keeping them healthy. Brushing removes loose hair, helps prevent mats and tangles, spreads natural oils that make their coat shine, and gives you the opportunity to spot external parasites like fleas and ticks before they become too big of a problem. It’s important to groom your pup throughout the year, regardless of the weather, as snow and slush can quickly cause tangled fur and mats.
If your dog is particularly nervous or aggressive during grooming, it’s important to work with a trained groomer who is used to working with fearful dogs. They may have to team up with other groomers in order to restrain your pet safely, but they will know how to make it as low-stress and enjoyable as possible for both the pet and their handler. In the meantime, you can try to build a positive relationship with your dog during at-home grooming sessions. Start with short brushing sessions where you praise them, and gradually increase the length of each session as they start to accept it.
It’s also important to use a quality dog shampoo and conditioner because human shampoo is too harsh for a canine’s skin and can lead to irritation. You can even try using a spray bottle of water to wet your dog’s coat and help remove dirt and dander before it becomes too matted or tangled.
The shedding myth is another common misconception because it’s true that certain breeds shed less than others, but all dogs shed. Regular grooming can help reduce shedding, and it’s also important to brush sensitive areas of your dog’s body, such as the belly or feet, so that they don’t get matted. For those in the area, there are many options for expert dog grooming services in Pembroke Pines, ensuring your pet gets the best care possible.
3. Dogs Don’t Need To Be Shaved
Many people believe that shaving their dogs will help them cool down during summer, but this is not the case. Shaving can actually damage your dog’s coat by permanently disrupting the natural balance between its dense, softer undercoat and longer, coarser guard hairs. The two layers work together to regulate temperature and protect the skin from sun, bug bites, branches, sticks, and other debris. Shaving removes this protective layer, which exposes the skin to sunburn, itching, and other problems.
In addition, shaving can also cause the merocrine sweat glands (like the ones we have in our armpits) to become inactive. These glands are located in the paw pads, and they can be activated by hot weather to help keep your dog cool.
Grooming your dog is not something to be afraid of – especially if you take it slowly and gently from a young age. A well-trained groomer has the knowledge and specialized tools to thoroughly clean your pet’s coat and help them maintain the health of their skin and fur. This is important for preventing parasites and allergies, keeping their ear flaps and anal glands healthy, reducing excessive shedding during molting periods, and much more.
Most importantly, grooming is an opportunity to bond with your pet in a low-stress and stress-free environment. By establishing a positive relationship with grooming at a young age, you can avoid any negative behaviors like biting or hiding that may develop over time. Grooming can become a relaxing ritual for both you and your dog, so make sure to take advantage of this great bonding opportunity by starting grooming early!
4. Dogs Don’t Need To Be Trimmed
There is a myth that dogs with long or thick coats need to be trimmed more frequently than those with shorter hair. However, this is not true. Every dog, regardless of its coat length, should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair, dirt, and debris. This will help to prevent matting and keep the fur healthy, shiny, and free from pests such as fleas.
Grooming is not just important for the health of your pet’s skin and coat; it can also give you insights into the state of your pup’s body. For example, if you notice that your dog has a lot of fur in its paw pads, it may be an indication of an infection or even a bone fracture. Likewise, if your dog has a lot of hair in its ears it could indicate an ear infection.
In addition, if you trim a dog’s nails too short, it can lead to permanent damage to the nail bed and a painful condition called dewclaw syndrome. This condition causes the dewclaw to bend backwards or up, putting pressure on the digit and forcing it into a position that is like wearing shoes that squeeze your toes.
So, although there are some grooming tips and tricks that are more effective than others, don’t let them discourage you from giving your dog the care it needs. Grooming is vital for a dog’s health and should be done on a regular basis to support your pet’s well-being. With the right knowledge and a professional dog groomer, you can be sure that your pup is in good hands. This will allow you to spend more time cuddling with your beloved furry friend.
5. Dogs Don’t Need To Be Trained
Grooming is more than just making your pet look good. It is an important way to promote skin and coat health, spot external parasites or lumps, reduce shedding, and even help your dog feel comfortable during stressful situations. Grooming also provides insights into your dog’s health and wellbeing, revealing issues that can lead to major concerns if left unchecked.
While it is true that some dogs are more reluctant to be groomed than others, this doesn’t mean that dog grooming should be avoided altogether. With the right technique and tools, many pets can be successfully groomed by their owners at home. Gradually introducing puppies to grooming tools and sessions from an early age can make them more accustomed to the sensations of being brushed and cut, making these activities less stressful over time. Professional groomers are also specially trained to handle dogs in a calm and controlled manner, so that the grooming experience is as stress-free as possible for pets.
Another common dog grooming myth is that shaving will keep your double-coated breed cool in the summer. However, shaved dogs can be more vulnerable to sunburn and overheating. Additionally, the undercoat of double-coated breeds provide insulation against cold temperatures, so removing it leaves them exposed to hypothermia and other winter-related illnesses.
While some grooming tasks, like trimming nails or brushing the undercoat, are best done by a professional, most other routines can be safely and effectively performed at home. By debunking these dog grooming myths, you can ensure that your pup is receiving the appropriate care they need to live a happy and healthy life!
