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Your Clean, Healthy, Happy, and Loved Dog

Your Clean, Healthy, Happy, and Loved Dog
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April 23, 2025
in Humane Education Column
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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair

My friend’s dog, Daisy Mae loves to roll in the dirt. Fortunately, she also likes baths. Of course, she enjoys them because she seems to delight in splashing her mom. Jo just puts on her swim suit, and bath time becomes fun playtime.
Bathing our dogs is just one way we show our love, keeping them clean, healthy, and happy.

Both the ASPCA and the American Kennel Club offer advice on the care of your furry friend’s coat (fur or hair), skin, nails, teeth, ears and paws.

Brushing your dog regularly can keep the coat in good condition by detangling, removing dirt, and spreading natural oils through the fur or hair to help keep it sleek and the skin clean. The experience can also be soothing and an opportunity for bonding with your pet.

It can also help with shedding. The more you brush out, the less there is to settle in your house. Shedding is a normal process, with the amount depending on your dog’s health, breed and season.

Brushing also allows you to check on the condition of your dog’s skin. Because a dog’s skin condition can be an indication of overall health, it is important to keep an eye on it.

If you have a dog that has hair instead of fur, such as poodles and miniature schnauzers, their hair should be maintained through trimmings. Several pet owners are comfortable doing this themselves, and others prefer using the services of a professional groomer.

Dental care is also part of dog cleanliness care. Brushing your dog’s teeth, if they will allow it, along with a healthy diet and chew toys can keep their mouths healthy. Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause build-up on a dog’s teeth. It can harden into tartar, and if not treated can lead to tooth loss, gum disease and other resulting health issues.

Dog grooming also includes examining eyes, checking ears, caring for paws and keeping nails trimmed.

Examining those loving dog eyes can alert you to tearing, cloudiness, and inflammation, which may be an indication of a health issue.

While scratching behind those expressive ears, look to see if there is any redness or foul odor, and if there is, you may want to contact your veterinarian. You may clean the ears, but do so gently and not too often to avoid causing irritation.

Your pup’s paw pads provide cushioning, insulation, and protection from walking on hard surfaces and rough terrain. Check those feet regularly to see there are no wounds, infections or foreign objects lodged into the tissue, and keep the tissue between pads clean.

I opened with Daisy Mae liking baths, and many dogs do. For others, it can be a struggle. According to Preventivevet, “The best thing to do, whether you have a bath lover or hater, is to have everything ready to go before you start. This helps move the whole process along efficiently and decreases stress.” “Dog Grooming Tips” on the ASPCA website outlines helpful and detailed bathing information, including a variety of safe and healthy products to use. You will see there are many ways to keep your furry friends clean.

Dog grooming certainly can help maintain your pet’s cleanliness, comfort, and health, making them happy. It is also one more way to show your love, deepening that special human-pet bond.

 

 

 

 

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