The Importance of Grooming to a Dog’s Overall Health

Grooming Is More Than Just Looking Good!

Even if your dog doesn't look "scruffy," regular grooming is a key part of keeping them healthy and happy.

What a Good Brush Does:

• Helps their coat and skin: Brushing lets air get to the skin, clears out dead hair, and stops grease from building up. Too much grease can cause itchy skin problems and blocked pores.

• Feels great: It's like a mini-massage that gets their blood flowing.

• Prevents painful matting: When dogs shed, that loose fur can tangle up. If you don't brush it out, it forms tight mats that pull on their skin and create painful sores. These can get infected, and you might not even see them under the fur.

• It's great bonding time: The more you do it, the more relaxing it becomes for both of you.

Use Grooming as a Weekly Health Check

Your dog can't tell you where it hurts, so grooming is the perfect time to check them over. Be sure to look for:

• Any tangles, mats, or sores on the skin.

• Clumps of mud or grass seeds stuck between their toes.

• Fleas, ticks, new lumps, or scratches.

• Check that their eyes, ears, and feet look clean and healthy.