Good grooming is more than just having a smart dog. You can handle potential health problems. So, dog owners need to learn how to groom their dogs. It helps to identify the health issues at an early stage and get it treated successfully.
Dog’s eyes
Dog’s eyes should be shiny, white, and crust-free. Eye-lids have to be pink and always trim their hair, so they don’t get in its eyes. If you notice tear-stained fur or squinted eyes or discharge, or unequal size pupils, it is time for a visit to the vet.
Eye discharge
• Clear discharge – It can be allergies due to wind blowing or dust entering the eyes and is treatable.
• Watery discharge – Mucus from a single or both eyes is due to some foreign matter like an eyelash.
• Pus-like discharge – A yellowish-greenish colored discharge indicates severe infection.
Watery or mucus discharge is a sign of a condition called conjunctivitis. It is an inflammation of the dog’s eye lining. The causes are due to –
• Allergies
• Birth-defect
• Foreign matter
• Tear duct issue
• Injury
• Tumors
• Dry eye
• Distemper and more
Signs of conjunctivitis
• Red eyes
• Over blinking
• Crusty eyes
• Keep eyes closed
• Squinting
• Rubbing the eyes frequently with its paws
An excessive teary or watery eye is also a condition called Epiphora. This condition infects the skin or makes the fur release a terrible odor. A vet can help you diagnose the cause of conjunctivitis. Treatment can include irritant removal, antibiotics, pain relief lotion, antihistamines, or saline washes. Birth defects get treated with surgery.
Eye discharged if ignored can cause loss of vision, so visit the vet as soon as possible!
Dog’s ears
Spaniels or basset hounds have drooping ears, so are prone to suffering from ear issues. It doesn’t mean other dogs cannot develop infection nor have mites in their ears. Therefore inspect their ears after every fifteen days for dirt buildup, foreign matter, or odor.
The ear canal has to be clean and pink. Remove any visible dirt with canine ear cleaning liquid. A dog that swims a lot is prone to an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe products that help to keep its ear canal dry.
Ear discharge
• Blackish-brown crusty discharge – The dog has ear mites, which make them shake and scratch their head.
• Reddish-brown or yellow waxy discharge – It is an ear infection due to allergies, ear wax overproduction, excessive swimming, polyps, etc. Other signs are inflamed ears, head shaking, scratching, and fruity/bad odor.
Ear infection types
• Otitis Externa [Outer side, which gets treated with antifungal lotion, antibiotics, or ear drying solution]
• Otitis Interna [Inner or middle ear gets infected. Vets may flush the ear or recommend surgery in severe condition]
Ear discharge can cause balance issues, hematomas, severe pain, and even deafness. So, make an appointment with the vet for treatment!
Dog’s dental hygiene
Dog’s teeth need a regular brushing along with a healthy diet routine. Even chewing toys can help to maintain their oral health. Even give regular home checks to identify any signs. Bad breath is a sign of illness disease, so a breath test is recommended. Lift its lips to examine the teeth and gums. Teeth must not show brownish tartar, and gums need to be pinkish. Brush the dog’s teeth using the proper technique twice or three times every week.
Mouth disorders
• Periodontal disease – Infection between the gum and tooth can cause pain, tooth loosening, nasal discharge, and sneezing.
• Swollen gums – When food gets trapped between teeth and tartar build-up, swollen gums develop.
• Gingivitis – Gum inflammation due to tartar, plaque, and bacteria accumulation below the gum line. Bad breathe, bleeding, swollen & red gums are signs of gingivitis.
• Proliferating gum disease – A genetic condition where gums develop over the teeth. It needs treatment to avoid infection.
• Halitosis – Food particles trapped between teeth is a great situation for bacteria to grow. Bad odor is its first sign, which gets eliminated with proper brushing.
• Salivary cysts – Under the tongue or near jaw corners, large blisters filled with fluids get developed. The vet will remove the infected saliva gland to drain the cyst.
• Mouth tumors – In the gums, you will see lumps. The vet will diagnose and surgically remove the malignant tumor.
Always look for canine toothpaste and toothbrush, or ask your vet!
Dog’s nail care
• Dogs that are more active outdoors don’t need trimming because their claws wear down. Indoor dogs do need nail care.
• Long nails can cut into the toe pad skin and cause pain or infection.
• You will need to trim nails regularly to avoid it cutting the skin.
In case you accidentally cut in, apply septic powder to stop the bleeding. Many dog owners find nail trimming intimidating, so they visit a vet or pet groomer.
Dog’s fur and skincare
• Check for fleas or ticks, if your dog after your dog returns from outdoors.
• Monitor for dandruff, which is caused due to skin infection and parasites.
• Brush dogs coat regularly to remove dead hairs, which can form mats and possibly affect its heart.
• Hair brushing will also stimulate skin oil distribution across the coat.
• Choose the right hairbrush.
• Bathe the dog gently with canine skincare products to maintain oil level.
• The use of proper shampoo helps to avoid multiple health issues and keeps the dog feel pleasant.
• Brush the coat before bathing to eliminate loose hair or mats, which can entrap shampoo and cause skin irritation.
• Choose a healthy diet and skin nourishment supplements to nourish the dog’s coat and fur.
Besides the dog’s appearance, the other benefit of proper grooming is better health and well-being of your pet!
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