While dog grooming is of course important for keeping your pet looking their best, there are many additional benefits that this crucial element of taking care of pets can offer.
Grooming your dog gives you peace of mind knowing that they are safe, comfortable and their coat not infested with parasites or itchy dirty skin which might lead to infections. A grooming routine in India is even more important given the extreme climate that we are usually subjected to ranging from scorching heat, abrupt winters and heavy monsoons.
The grooming needs can vary depending on the dog breed whether it be for its type of coat and if you have a true outdoorsy golden retriever is going to hate life with no mud or wet surrounding them. Need To Know: 6 Best Grooming Tips For Dogs in India. If you are a Dog Owner and searching for some…medium.com
Step 1 to a Healthy Coat: Brush Your Dog
Irrespective of breed, grooming is essential and arguably the most basic part to maintain it. Daily brushing or grooming helps to get rid of dirt, loose hairs and matted fur; keeping the skin in good condition while encouraging hair growth. Particularly in hot and humid areas like India, regular brushing will aid help to decrease the shedding along with keeping your dog cool.
Dogs with long hair such as Golden Retrievers or Shih Tzus ought to be brushed every day so they do not mat and tangle. These dog breeds are more likely to develop knots, especially in the rains when their hair gets wet and dirty quickly. Short-haired breeds like Beagles and Labradors, need to be brushed, but since their hair cannot grow long enough you can brush it only 1–3 times per week, to remove dead hairs, and protect the oils of its skin.
Always choose the correct brush for your dog’s coat type. Slicker brushes are great for long and fluffy fur while bristle razors work best with short coats. They also can come in soft rubber options where the bristles are a little thicker and softer, that massage without irritation for dogs who have more sensitive skin.
Dog Bathing: Taking Care in Indian Climate
An effective bath for dogs applied with cold water can be really beneficial, especially in cases where your pet sweats and also during monsoons when their fur may collect dirt. With the various types of climate that India has to offer; here are 5 in which you should consider giving a regular dog shampoo! But too much bathing can wash away the natural oils in their skin and cause dryness and irritation. This kind of space filling extrusion keeps most dogs in the tub received only once every 4 – 6 weeks, about their rap track.
Use a dog shampoo when bathing your pooch and use lukewarm water. To be careful because human shampoos will mess with your dog’s pH balance and cause skin problems. Choose a shampoo specific to your dog and its all-natural coat — be it anti-flea shampoos, hypoallergenic worried pores of skin or moisturizing canine shampoos.
Ensure you rinse well, as any residual shampoo will cause skin irritations. After bath, towel dry your dog and if you can, use a blower on low heat to get the fur completely dried. It is even more imperative for dogs with heavy or double coats — wet fur breeds bacterial growth and damp skin can lead to hot spots when the heat wave hits.
Unfortunately, We Often do Fail to Maintain One of the Main Tasks in Grooming: Nail Trimming.
One of those is trimming your dog’s nails, and it can easily slip through the cracks. Having long nails can make this process painful for your dog and eventually causes joint problems. The Indian weather ensures that dogs walking on concrete or pavements will automatically wear down their nails but some indoor and rural (softer ground) living pets may more frequently need a nail trim.
They should get their nails trimmed every 3-4 weeks. Don’t forget to cut your dog’s nails, and make sure you use a good-quality human grade nail clipper for dogs. Be careful not to go too deep- do NOT cut the quick (which is inside part of his or her foot that also contains blood vessels etc..) If you are not confident with trimming the nail of your dog if even do it at home, take them to a professional groomer or vet.
Ear Cleaning: Avoiding Infections
Most dogs get ear infections quicker than us, thanks to our warm and humid climate (worse for breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels or Labradors). Cleaning of an ear then and this is to remove wax, debris from its lumen which can accumulate and provide breeding sites for bacterial infections. Make a note to clean your dog’s ears when you’re in there at least once per week with an ear cleaning solution made specifically for dogs and cotton balls (paper is not hard enough) Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can harm the ear canal.
If the dog’s ears smelly or red, they may be infected — take your pet to a vet immediately if this occurs.
Dogoral care — Dental Care: Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy
Our dental health is often forgotten, but a very important part of your dog´s wellbeing. It causes plaque to build up, gum disease and eventually tooth loss. Dog dental care straighten your dogs teeth but it also prevents things like tooth decay and a smelly breath from happening in them.
Always use a dog toothbrush and the appropriate type of pet-friendly paste since human products are toxic for dogs. Try to brush your dogs teeth at least 2 —–3 times a week. If your pet is too fussy about tooth brushing, there are also dental chews and toys available which clean their teeth as they chew.
FORNORTH COAT CARE DURING SEASONS IN CHENNAI
The climate in India is largely harsh, specially during summer and monsoon. Dogs with long, thick coats may have difficulty staying cool during the hot months and shaving their coat down short can help alleviate some of that heat stress. However, you want to refrain from shaving their fur off because this can lead to sunburn and insects eating on your Sheltie’s skin.
Dogs that don’t take any care and get wet in the monsoon can also suffer from skin infections. Retrieving the affected dog from a walk, always clean their paws and belly when we get home in addition to ensuring that its skin completely dries so no walking-related separations associated with moisture occur.
Fleas and Ticks: How To Keep Your Dog Safe
Fleas and ticks are common issues in dogs seen especially during warm and humid weather conditions in India. Flea and Tick Checks Fleas are blood-sucking parasites, which will cause your Shih tzu to become itchy. You should always give them a regular 10 minute groom in case you find any signs of fleas or ticks on their body! Use a flea comb to inspect dogs fur, particularly around the neck, ears and underneath their upper legs.
Use preventative treatments like flea and tick shampoos, collars or spot on solutions at regular intervals i.e. especially during monsoon and summer season as these months are peak for fleas & ticks periods of activity. It is best to consult with your veterinarian as far as the right prevention products for dogs.
Shih Tzu Breed Specific Grooming in India
All Different breeds come with different grooming needs, and you should groom them according to that. Long-coated breeds, such as Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus need daily brushing with a trim every few weeks to avoid mats and tangles — especially in the summer heat. Likewise, short-coated breeds such as Boxers and Pugs might only need occasional brushing yet require more regular baths to remain smelling sweet when the temperature increases.
Golden Retrievers and Labradors are breeds that have a thick double coat, which is shedded seasonally. Their shedding can be controlled through regular brushing and it also helps them maintain a shiny coat. They also may have to get their ears cleaned often as they can become prone to ear infections.
Conclusion
Every dog is special and so is every coat, grooming your pet for best health & vitality especially in a country like India with extremes of climate. A grooming schedule might range from daily brushing and occasional bathing to more infrequent trimming of nails, establishing a healthy routine can reassure your dog’s immune system that hair is not their enemy!
Right grooming techniques can do wonders, regardless of whether you own a long-haired breed dog or the short-haired one. Make the Best of Both Worlds and Groom Your Dog Grooming your dog can also be a bonding experience, after which you will enjoy having clean health dogs as pets.