The Importance of Dog Grooming

Dogs are known for being full of love, energy, and devotion to whoever is part of their family. New dog owners have a lot they can look forward to discovering as they get to know their dog and experience life together, and one of the things every dog owner should learn about is the importance of grooming.

Grooming is essential for keeping your dog feeling their best, even when you don't think they need any grooming attention. It's about more than a quick bath or a few minutes spent sitting with a brush. The care that's put towards their hair, nails and more can extend the life of your pet by helping them stay healthy. Read below to learn why dog grooming is so important and how your dog will benefit from a little extra care.

Not All Dogs are the Same

Different dog breeds will require something a little different in terms of grooming. It's very important that every dog owner knows exactly what their dog's breed needs when it comes to grooming. Here's why.

A standard dog that many families have is the golden retriever. They have long, soft hair, so they're known for shedding. They need to bathed and brushed, but there may not be anything particularly challenging about their upkeep. A change in breed can change this entirely, making grooming an even more essential part of your dog's life.

A golden doodle -- a mix between a poodle and a golden retriever -- really may not want go a week without brushing. They may have matted hair, which can tangle  quickly. The longer these mats are left to build up, the harder they may be to untangle. 

Trimmed Nails are Key

Forgetting to trim your dog's nails could end up harming their health. Long nails cause dogs to experience pain while they walk, because the pressure of each footstep pushes the nail up into the nail bed. 

Diseases can be Caught and Prevented

As your dog gets professionally groomed, they get checked all over for potential bumps, lumps, and other signs of ailment. Their teeth, eyes, ears, nose and paw pads are all inspected for any abnormalities. If your dog was given a quick bath at home, you might not catch anything unusual. 

If you're new to the dog world, just moved or have any other reason to not have a groomer you can trust, it only takes a minute to look one up online. You may even find more than a groomer, since groomers often have resources for supplies, parks and other products they recommend. Read the reviews and pay attention to the ones left by people who have the same breed as you.

Talk with the groomer about how often your dog should be brought in, so you can get additional health grooming habits started right away.