Why grooming is great for your dog's health
Whether you’re a DIY dog groomer, or your pooch gets pampered at the salon the benefits of grooming are endless.
Grooming your dog is not only great bonding time for you and your buddy, but it’s the best time to give your dog a full body check!
Springtime and early summer can be a nightmare for your doggos skin due to plants, pollens, grasses and other substances.
Discover what to look for and how to protect your dog throughout the seasons with tips from our vet nurse.
Skin Health
It’s important to check your dog's skin regularly to look for signs of any issues. During a groom is an ideal opportunity to do this!
Start with a visual check to see if the coat looks shiny and healthy. Healthy fur should be shiny and smooth, not dull and coarse.
Healthy skin should look supple and clear without any greasy, flaky or bumpy areas.
If your dog is scratching at any certain area, this can be a sign of various things. For instance, biting the back end or itching around there can indicate anal gland issues.
Scratching around the neck and back of the ears could indicate ear infections or a build-up of wax.
Scratching under the abdomen can be an indication of fleas, especially if coupled with your dog jumping and suddenly biting a specific area.
Sore, itchy skin can negatively impact your dog’s well-being and if left untreated; some issues can have serious repercussions over time.
There are many things you can to do keep your dog’s skin healthy. From soothing baths and regular grooms to paw balms and supplements developed specifically for skin care.
Our Omega Care supplement contains high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which play an important role in the healthy functioning of the brain, heart, joints, skin and coat!
It is specially formulated to support cats and dogs with:
- Dry flaky skin
- Hair loss
- Dull coat
- Sensitive skin
- Itching or scratching
Parasites
Although a good grooming routine won’t get rid of parasites, it will help you spot them sooner!
External parasites such as fleas and ticks can cause many problems with the skin, from a slight itch to skin infections and flea allergy dermatitis.
Preventative care is much better for your dog than trying to get rid of a flea infestation and potential skin-related disorders.
A good, consistent flea and tick prevention routine will also cost much less than vet bills to fix any disease later.
Check out these top tips from our lead vet nurse, Fiona on the best flea and tick prevention for cats and dogs here.
Lumps and Bumps
Groomers are often the first to discover any lumps and bumps on your doggo.
When the hair is cut shorter or during the brushing and bathing process it's often easier to spot any abnormal areas.
If you or your groomer find any suspicious lumps, get them checked over at your local vets as soon as possible.
Further tests may be needed, and it could be nothing at all. But it's better to be safe than sorry and have some peace of mind!
Seasonal Allergies
Spring and summer bring around pollens, grass seeds and weeds that can affect your dog's skin.
Common symptoms of allergies can include watery eyes, itching, constant sneezing, red ears and gnawing at the paws.
Thorough brushing and grooming will distribute natural oils in your dog's coat and remove any pollen, grass, and other contact irritants that can worsen allergies.
Frequent bathing gets rid of dead skin flakes aka dander and can reduce allergens, along with washing your dog's bed frequently.
Remember to regularly hoover the home and clean with pet-friendly products to keep allergens from piling up too.
You can also alleviate your pets' symptoms with medicated baths and antihistamines.
But remember to always speak to a veterinary professional first if you notice any allergy symptoms. Whether that be your local vet or a Buddycare vet nurse.
A professional can help you pick the best treatment for your dog, taking into consideration their breed, age and health.
Know your dog
Make sure you know your dog and its body, from boop snoot to tail and butt!
Regularly check for all the above issues when grooming and thoroughly look through the coat for parasites or other abnormalities.
Speak with a veterinary professional to see if there are supplements that may support your dog's skin and general health.
Supplements that include the below ingredients can work wonders:
- Omega 3 fatty acids - help protect the skin and coat and keep it shiny. Good sources are fish and flaxseed
- Linoleic acide (Omega 6) - Many pets with dry flaky skin can be deficient in Omega 6. Other signs can be excess moulting, hair loss and dull coat. Good sources are corn, soy and flaxseed
- Zinc - is important for the skin cells which change constantly due to moulting. Zinc can help with hair loss and a dull coat
- Biotin and B vitamins both help the linoleic acid function in the skin
There are many supplements developed for skin health such as our Omega Care mentioned above, amongst others.
Ask our vet nurses for personal advice and product and supplement recommendations to suit your pet, budget and lifestyle.
Along with grooming, there are other things you can do to keep your dog healthy and happy from home.
A high-quality, balanced and complete diet is essential for healthy skin and coat. Hair is mostly made up of proteins so a healthy diet will support a healthy coat.
Essential fatty acids are also good for your dog’s skin and coat, brain, heart and joints.
Whatever type of food you are feeding (dry, wet, raw etc) make sure it is good quality with no artificial colours and preservatives.
If you need help picking the best diet for your buddy, you can speak with one of our vet nurses for free.
Our qualified veterinary nurses can create personalised nutrition plans to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
If you're looking for a top rated dog groomer local to you to give your pooch some TLC, check out Tuft!
Tuft is the first app for finding, booking and reviewing trusted groomers in the UK and Ireland.
