We all love our fur babies, but bath time can be a challenge. Dogs can be fidgety when you're trying to do your thing and it's easy to get caught up in rushing the routine forget about the other important areas of their body that need attention too. We're talking about their skin, teeth, ears, and paws. These four areas are just as crucial as a shiny coat when it comes to keeping your pup healthy and happy.
In this blog, we'll explore why these four areas are so important, how you can take care of them, and share some helpful tips and tricks that even the most seasoned dog groomers will appreciate.
Skin
Let's start with their skin. Regular grooming and brushing are key to keeping your dog's skin healthy and free of dirt and debris. Make sure to use a natural shampoo on their coat to keep it shiny and soft, and keep an eye out for any signs of irritation or infection such as redness, dryness, or excessive itching. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to take your pup to the vet for a check-up. A de-shedding brush can also help to remove any loose hair and dirt, which can help keep your pup's skin healthy and itch-free.
Teeth
Next, we have their teeth. A healthy smile is just as important for dogs as it is for us! Regular dental care is crucial to maintain your pup's oral health. This can include brushing their teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs, or providing them with dental chews or toys. Trust us, they'll love you for it! (And those puppy kisses will be much more pleasant). Doyalson animal vet here in Australia reports that dental disease in dogs can increase the risk of heart disease. While they recommend a dental checkup with your vet at least once a year year they also recommend you lift your pet’s lip and have a look and a smell. If you notice any yellowing of the teeth or redness of the gums or your pet’s breath smells a bit ‘off’, it is time for a check-up.
Ears
Third on the list are their ears. Regularly check your dog's ears for any signs of redness, swelling, head shaking or discharge. Clean their ears with a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with a mild, natural ear cleaner. Regular cleaning will significantly reduce the risk of infection or irritation. If you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms, be sure to take your pup to the vet.
It's important to note that dirt and mess from your dog's paws can easily transfer to their ears, so be sure to clean their paws regularly to help prevent any issues. Think about it... If you'd been walking around barefoot all day you wouldn't want your feet anywhere near your face.
Paws
Last but not least, let's talk about their paws. These little pads are tough, but they still need some TLC. Regularly check your dog's paws for any signs of injury or infection such as cuts, abrasions, or redness. If you catch yourself thinking "why do my dogs paws smell like corn chips?", they are likely experiencing a yeast infection in their paws. This is caused by the dog excessively licking the paws. You might not think it, but many dogs are in fact allergic or sensitive to grass. Here in Australia the Kikuyu, Buffalo and Couch (pronounced cooch) varieties are the most common culprits and unfortunately in almost every Aussie yard or park. Keep any eye out for licking, scratching and chewing of the feet next time your dog has been playing or walking on the grass. Also be sure to check for redness and irritation by gently pulling the paw pads apart.
Now you're probably thinking great I need to give them a bath after every outing. Or I can't let them go on the grass! But how can we deny them their park time? Well we don't have to. A rinse free paw cleaner will get rid of any pollen or build up trapped in the paw, and save you time and water running a bath. If the irritation or licking persists please consult your local vet.
Be sure their paw pads are moisturised and trimmed their nails. If you live in a hot or rough terrain area, consider if it is the right time or route to be taking them for a walk. If you notice any dryness of the paw a small amount of a natural paw balm will have those little feet soft and supple in no time.
Remember what we said before about the link between paws and ears? When your pet steps on dirt, debris, or bacteria, these contaminants can stick to their paws and be transferred to other parts of their body, including their ears. When your pet scratches their ears, the bacteria and dirt from their paws can easily get into their ear canal and cause an infection. The ear canal is a warm, dark, and moist environment that provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. This is why it's crucial to pay attention to your pet's paw care and hygiene, especially if they spend a lot of time outside or in dirty environments. By keeping their paws clean and free from contaminants, you can prevent the transfer of infection and keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
These little habits go a long to your pooches health and happiness. With the right products it can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. You can make bath time easier with yummy treats or lick mats to stop the fidgeting.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of these areas is crucial to keep your pup healthy and happy. So, next bath time, make sure to give their skin, teeth, ears, and paws some love.
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