Hygiene Tips for Dog Owners
A major part of being a pet parent means taking care of your dog’s hygiene. From bathing, brushing, haircuts, and ear checks, there is a lot that can go into making sure your pet is clean and healthy.
It can be a lot to manage, so here are a few tips to make keeping Fido clean a little easier.
Nails
Do’s:
- Trim your dog’s nails regularly. If you neglect to trim your pet’s nails, it can cause injury and issues for them.
- Go slowly and carefully when you first begin, especially if your dog is not used to having their paws handled.
- Use the proper tools made specifically for dogs’ nails.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use human nail clippers or trimmers.
- If you don’t feel confident in your ability to trim your pet’s nails, have a vet or groomer do it or show you the proper methods.
Paws
Do’s:
- Check your pet’s paws regularly to ensure there are no thorns, rocks, or other debris embedded in their paw pads that can cause discomfort.
- Check between the paw pads and toes to ensure there is nothing stuck in there.
Ears
Do’s:
- Clean your dog’s ears out weekly with a moist cloth or cotton ball. You can just use water or there are special ear-cleaning solutions made specifically for dogs’ ears.
- Wipe out the inside of the ear to remove excess wax or anything else that could be hiding in there.
- If you notice any redness or inflammation, call your vet as they may have an infection.
Don’ts:
- Do not use Q-tips as these can push debris further into the ear canal.
- Don’t clean your dog’s ears more than once a week as overcleaning can cause irritation.
- If there are foreign objects in their ear, do not try to remove them yourself and instead contact your vet.
Mouth
Do’s:
- Use a cloth to rub over your dog’s teeth and gums before your brush their teeth to help desensitize your pet to the feeling of having their teeth handled.
- Use a toothbrush that is appropriate for the size of your dog’s mouth.
- Use toothpaste that is formulated specifically for dogs.
- Give your dog nylon chew toys that will help keep their teeth clean between brushes.
Don’ts:
- Do not use human toothpaste as it may include ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
- Do not use baking soda to brush their teeth as it can upset your dog’s stomach.
Bathing and Brushing
Do’s:
- Brush your dog regularly to avoid knots or mats.
- Use a brush suited to your dog’s type of fur. Bristle brushes are better for short hair dogs while pin brushes work better for long-haired dogs.
- Brush your pet before bathtime. Washing your pet while they have tangles in their fur can make them even worse.
- Use shampoo specific for dogs.
Don’ts:
- Don’t over-brush your dog. It is recommended to brush them every other day or just a few times a week.
- If your dog is matted, do not try to cut it out with scissors. Your dog could get scared and accidentally get cut. Instead, use a comb to try and gently unravel the mat, and if you can’t get it out, take your dog to a professional groomer.
- Don’t bathe your dog outdoors in cold temperatures.
Taking care of your dog’s hygiene can be a big undertaking. However, if you follow these tips, you should have a clean, happy dog!