How should dogs be properly groomed or bathed?
First is grooming their body. Depending on the breed, some breeds, if they have short hair, just need a good bath. A lot of the longer-haired breeds, such as poodles, if they're not clipped and groomed routinely, can develop a lot of matted fur, skin infections underneath, and it can be difficult to assess their skin if they have matted hair. We're unable to assess well for masses or lumps or bumps.
Also, it is very important to check and clean ears regularly. The amount of ear wax and debris varies from dog to dog as well. If ears aren't cleaned regularly, we can run into issues with infection. Nail trimming is quite important. They should have their nails trimmed regularly. If not, it is common for dogs to break their nails if they get them stuck in a blanket or in between the slats of a deck. It can affect the way that they walk and stand if their nails are overgrown, which can make them uncomfortable.
What level of grooming care do dogs need?
There can be a lot of variation in the level of grooming care that dogs need. For example, a Labrador, with a short hair coat that sheds readily, may only need a bath once every one to two months. Spot cleaning is needed if they roll in something unpleasant or if they get their paws muddy, but they don't require a ton of maintenance.
For other breeds, the ones that people deem "hypoallergenic," such as poodles, they need a lot more care. The average dog that does not shed readily needs to be groomed at least every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent matting and infections underneath their hair coat.
What are the best shampoos for dogs?
A lot of human shampoos have strong fragrances and can be harsh and irritating to dog skin. I usually recommend using a dog-specific shampoo if your dog doesn't have any medical conditions. I really like some that are soothing or oatmeal-based. However, a lot of dogs with chronic allergies or prone to skin infections often need a medicated shampoo.
Your vet will be able to assess which shampoo is best for your pet. Many pets will use something with an antimicrobial or an antifungal to help manage their skin infections.
What are the signs of poor hygiene in dogs?
Oftentimes, if a dog has poor hygiene and isn't being groomed properly, one of the first things we'll notice is odor. If they have a skin infection or urine scalding, you'll be able to smell that. Some dogs will also develop redness or rashes, a visual representation that there's a problem on their skin. Poor hygiene is one of the causes, especially in dogs that are matted or unchecked, but there are medical conditions that can contribute.
One common issue is allergies. Dogs with bad skin allergies can have a lot of redness and inflammation, leading to secondary infections that require more attention and care than the average pet's coat. Other conditions include obesity, where excess skin folds can trap moisture and lead to infections, and arthritis, where dogs with limited mobility may have trouble posturing to urinate or defecate properly, sometimes resulting in them soiling themselves.
How can you bathe a dog who is scared of water?
This is a common problem. Many dogs are scared of hoses or showers, making it challenging to bathe them. With fears of any kind, we recommend working up to it gradually and slowly. Put the hose on a slow trickle of water. While it's running, give them treats and reinforcement so they learn it's not always a scary thing. Eventually, work up to slowly putting the water over their back.
If that doesn't work, some dogs may need a washcloth wetted and then used to gently apply water over them. If these techniques and desensitization don't work, we sometimes use medications, such as anxiety medications or sedatives, to help calm them during the bathing process.
What other hygiene tasks should I consider for my dog?
In terms of hygiene, we typically think about ears, coat, and nails. Additionally, consider your dog's teeth. Just like humans, we should brush dogs' teeth to prevent plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease. Ideally, we would brush their teeth every other day. If a dog isn't used to that, we should gradually work up to a more frequent regimen. Teeth brushing is ideal.
Other considerations include washing their bedding frequently, and cleaning food, water bowls, and toys, as they can harbor bacteria.
What are signs of dental disease in dogs?
There are several symptoms associated with dental disease. Most pet owners notice bad breath or halitosis first. If your dog's breath is suddenly much stinkier than it used to be, that could indicate disease along their gum line. Occasionally, there may be bleeding or pus from their gums. If you lift their lip and notice something abnormal, it's a good idea to get them checked out.
Signs of pain or discomfort can include excessive drooling, pawing at their face, and difficulty picking up food or toys. Dogs may attempt to pick things up and then drop them because they experience sharp pain in their mouth. Any of these symptoms warrant a checkup with their vet to investigate potential issues in their mouth.
At City By The Sea Veterinary Hospital, your pet always comes first. Whether they need routine care or something more urgent, call (848) 217-5000 or email [email protected] to schedule a visit. Our team is here for you and your pet.