Dog Grooming 101: Keep Your Dog Healthy with Trimmed Nails and Clean Ears
Dogs require regular grooming just like you and me. From shampooing hair to trimming nails, your dog will need you to take care of their grooming needs (or have a professional do it).
Want to read more about the benefits of dog grooming? Read our blog here.
Otherwise, let’s get ready to look at all the health benefits of keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and ears cleaned!
Nail clipping
Dogs need to have their nails trimmed and filled regularly. Because when nails get too long or crack, it can cause loads of problems.
Here are a few of the benefits of having your dog’s nails trimmed regularly:
Nail length: When a dog's nails become too long, it’ll cause them discomfort and affect your dog’s ability to walk properly. The nails can even curl into your dog’s paw, causing pain, inflammation, and infection.
Prevent nail problems: Longer nails are more likely to break, split, or get caught in objects. Broken nails can be painful and expose the quick (the sensitive part with blood vessels and nerves).
Promote good posture & gait: Long nails on your dog can change their posture and how they walk. This can lead to joint problems since it puts additional stress on your dog’s joints, tendons, and ligaments from their altered gait.
Foot health: Regular dog pedicures allow for proper inspection of your doggo’s paws. This can help identify problems like cuts, abrasions, or infections.
Prevent damage to your home: Longer nails can scratch or damage your furniture, flooring, and other items in your home. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed helps keep them healthy and your home looking good.
How frequently should I have my dog’s nails trimmed?
This varies depending on your dog’s breed, activity level, and individual nail growth. Some dogs will require frequent trimming, while others may need it less often.
If you’re unsure how to trim your dog's nails or the idea stresses you out, let a professional groomer take care of it for you.
Ear cleaning
Just like us, dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned. Here are a few reasons why getting this done is important.
Wax and debris removal: Ear wax traps dirt, dust, and particles, which is good. But excessive wax buildup can lead to discomfort and itching, and create an environment good for bacteria, yeast, or ear mites. Regular cleaning helps remove accumulated wax and other debris to prevent any problems.
Prevent infections: Some dogs are prone to ear infections – like dogs with long, floppy ears or excessive hair growth in the ear canals. These types of ears trap moisture and debris in the ear, creating a warm environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.
Early detection: Regular grooming helps prevent certain problems because you can catch them sooner. Ear cleanings are an opportunity to inspect for signs of inflammation, discharge, odor, ear mites, foreign objects, or other abnormalities.
Allergies: Ear cleaning can remove allergens from your dog’s ears that contribute to allergic reactions.
Ear health for specific breeds: Dog breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Poodles are prone to ear issues. Regular ear cleaning is more important for these breeds and can help prevent problems.
How frequently should I have my dog’s ears cleaned?
This depends on your dog’s breed, individual ear characteristics, and any other existing conditions.
Dogs with healthy ears should have their ears cleaned about once a month to every few weeks.
Dogs with floppy ears or hairy ear canals may need their ears cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks or as recommended by your veterinarian.
Dogs with a history of ear problems may need a weekly ear cleaning or as recommended by your vet.
If you’re cleaning your dog’s ear, ALWAYS use the appropriate technique and equipment. A dog’s ear is a delicate structure, so don’t use cotton swabs or insert anything deep into the ear canal. When in doubt, have a professional groomer do it for you.
If you’re in Miami, Florida, and need dog grooming for your pup, Fit & Go Pets can help!
We offer a range of dog grooming and spa services to keep your dog healthy and looking good.
Our well-trained staff can take care of any grooming needs your pup has – from nail clipping, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression to a shampoo and haircut.
