Jana Lumley/iStock
READ MORE ABOUT:
Pretty puff balls on the tail, blue and pink ribbons, or a sassy red bandana—all souvenirs of a trip to the dog groomer. While you may say "no way" to the ribbons and bows for your buff baby, a simple cut can do more than paint a pretty picture. Having your dog groomed can be good for his health too. And preventing health problems early is always green.
Whether you take your dog to a professional groomer (be sure to look for one that uses green pet products) or if you groom him yourself, good grooming can prevent health and pest problems along with making your pooch pretty—or handsome.
Dog Grooming Helps Prevent These Health Problems:
Skin Problems
Overlooked mats in your dog's fur are difficult for your pup to remove. In pulling or biting at the tangled fur, the skin underneath can become irritated. And eventually sores can develop. By grooming your dog regularly, you or the groomer can identify hot spots or other skin irritations early.
Pests
Keeping your dog well-groomed will help you keep an eye out for creepy crawlers on their fur. Fleas or ticks will be spotted earlier by you or the groomer, making it easier to treat the problem pest. If you uncover a flea or pest problem, try to treat it naturally.
Bacteria and Eye Infections
For the furriest of dogs, it's easy to grow a waterfall of fur over the eyes. Not only does this make it difficult for your dog to see, dirt and bacteria around your pet's peepers can lead to eye infections.
Overgrown Nails
Clipping your dog's nails will make it easier for him/her to walk and let you to locate any problems around the paws early.
Other Health Problems
Grooming is an excellent time to check for anything abnormal on your pet. Whether it's a lump or tender spot, or even just odd behavior, you can detect problems early by taking a little time out to brush your little buddy. The American Veterinary Medical Association gives tips on recognizing illness.
Grooming can be a good bonding time for you and your pet. Though some dogs are not a fan of getting groomed, many enjoy the brushing and attention that comes along with it. For tips check out How Stuff Works How to Care for a Dog: Dog-Grooming and Bathing Tips.
Sure, sometimes it is greener to go au naturale when it comes to hair-dos for you and your pet. But giving your dog a good grooming will leave him looking spiffy and make sure he's in tip-top shape.
More about green pet health:
How to Treat Dog Skin Problems the Green Way
Get Rid of Fleas the Green Way
Reduce Your Pets' Chemical Exposure
How to Go Green: Pets
-
- {}
