Are you informed when it comes to dog grooming? Many people have certain beliefs about canine care that may not be accurate. Here we bust some myths you may have about your dog’s hygiene and care:
Bad breath is normal. This is false – your dog’s breath should not stink, and if it does it could be a sign of tooth decay, stomach problems or other health problems. If you brush your dog’s teeth regularly and still notice bad breath, bring him or her to your vet right away.
Cut down a thick coat in the summer. A dog’s coat isn’t like our winter coat – it regulates temperature, actually keeping them cooler on hot days. Just make sure you still take care of their coat in the summertime.
Let coats grow out in the winter. Just like a dog’s coat keeps him or her cooler in the summer, it also keeps them warmer in the winter. However, that doesn’t mean long, matted hair will better insulate the animal. Ungroomed hair traps bacteria and can cause infection. Let the hair grow out if you’d like, but make sure you keep it clean.
Dogs with long hair shed more. ALL dogs shed. The type of coat, rather than the length, will determine how your canine companion will shed (some shed single hairs like us, some leave thick clumps of fur, etc.). Some short-haired dogs may actually shed more, causing you to find tiny hairs that are hard to remove from furniture.
If your dog doesn’t like nail clipping or bathing, you don’t need to do it quite so much. This will make it even worse! Dogs like familiarity and routine, and making bathing and nail clipping a part of it will teach your dog to accept it, and it will become easier over time.
Contact the Metropolitan Veterinary Center if you have any other grooming questions or concerns.
Courtesy of Paw Nation
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