Scott Haiduc is the Director of Publishing for iHeartDogs, iHeartCats and The Hero Company. When not working, Scott spends his time on the farm, taking care of his animals and crops.Read more
Mats can cause irritation, infection, and even maggots to appear in your dog’s skin
How often do your groom your dog? Once a week? Once a month? When you can’t stand the smell anymore? Never? Regardless of whether you have a long or short haired breed, grooming your dog is essential to her health. In fact, it could save your dog’s life.
Why Frequent Grooming Matters
Grooming your dog once a day (long hair) or several times a week (short hair) is about more than just a shiny coat. Here are several key reasons you should be grooming your dog often:
It teaches puppies to enjoy being handled, which can prevent them from biting in the future. It also deepens your bond.
It removes dead hair, dirt and dandruff, and stimulates the oils to spread over your dog’s coat, which makes it healthier and less itchy for your dog.
It prevents mats from getting down to the skin, where hot spots can form. Left alone, your dog will get MAGGOTS under the coat.
It brings your attention to any cuts, scrapes or skin conditions that may be hiding under your dog’s skin. Some of these skin conditions can be deadly if left untreated.
It allows you time to check for unusual lumps or bumps that you may not otherwise see or feel.
The last one is particularly important. Failing to notice a tumor at its first stages could be life or death for your best friend. As we all know, the quicker you can catch cancer the better, which means grooming your dog regularly just might save her life.
About the Author
Based in Tustin, Calif., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She also owns her own custom pet products company, A Fairytail House, where she makes personalized collars, leashes, beds, keepsake pillows and blankets, and anything else your imagine can think up. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs.
