Science says dogs are great for humans. Their unconditional love and loyalty can do more than keep you company. Spending time with canines can ease loneliness, decrease stress, depression and anxiety, and improve your heart health.
It’s no shocker that the trend toward owning dogs is on the upswing. A whopping 65.1 million homes in the U.S. have a dog.
While being a dog parent is an absolute blessing, the role comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Chief among them is to make sure your Fido stays clean and healthy.
But when you’re juggling between work, family, and daily life, fitting in grooming and hygiene tasks might seem overwhelming. You don’t have to spend hours maintaining your dog’s cleanliness, however. A few simple habits can help you keep your pup looking and feeling their best, even if you’re short on time.
In this article, we’ll share some essential hygiene tips that busy dog parents can follow to keep their furry friends fresh and healthy.
#1 Trim Nails Regularly
Long, unkempt nails are unattractive. But do you know they are unhygienic as well?
Nails that are overly long pick up debris, dirt, and bacteria. Canines lick their paws often to clean off the muck left over from their walk. This habit introduces germs into their system, potentially leading to infections and digestive issues.
Overgrown nails also affect a dog’s posture. Long-clawed paws put pressure on the wrong parts of the foot. That affects balance and changes the way canines walk, stand, and run.
Trim your Fido’s nails regularly. Anna M. van Heeckeren, DVM, advises pet parents to trim their furry friend’s nails every three to four weeks.
If you find it hard to determine whether it’s time for a trim, a good rule of thumb is to listen. Grab the nail trimmer if you hear “click-clack” on hard floors.
#2 Keep Ears Clean and Healthy
Your Rover’s ears can be a hotspot for wax, dirt, and even infections. Don’t believe us? Check your furry friend’s ears for yourself!
Ear canals of dogs, Jax & Cali explains, are deep; wax and debris can easily accumulate there. You should clean your canine companion’s ears regularly—at least once a month. That’s what WebMD’s recent feature says.
But you should perform this task more frequently if your Fido likes to swim. Likewise, breeds with floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, require frequent cleanings.
According to Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, moisture gets trapped in their ears, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. That makes them more prone to ear infections.
A gentle ear wash for dogs will help you clean your pup’s ears. Apply it to a cotton ball and gently wipe the ear canal. Avoid using cotton swabs. They often push debris further in, potentially harming your pooch’s eardrum.
You can work ear cleaning into your Fido’s grooming routine. A quick wipe while brushing or after a bath will help get rid of dirt and wax from its ears.
#3 Clean Gunk From the Eyes
Ever noticed that little bit of goop or crust around your four-legged companion’s eyes? That is pretty common. Anything from allergies to dust can cause it. It might seem harmless, but leaving that buildup unchecked can lead to irritation or even infection.
Make sure you clean your canine companion’s eyes regularly. A gentle wipe each morning can help you keep your Fido’s eyes clean.
Use a soft, damp cloth or a pet-safe eye wipe to remove the gunk. Wipe outward from the corner of the eye to avoid spreading any bacteria. Your pup’s peepers will thank you!
#4 Don’t Forget Those Teeth
Oral hygiene isn’t just for humans. Your four-legged companion’s teeth need care, too.
Not keeping your Fido’s teeth clean can lead to plaque buildup and dental or gum diseases, says the RSPCA.
Check and clean your canine companion’s teeth twice or thrice a week at the very least. Get a dog toothbrush. It is usually small and has softer bristles than those meant for human use.
Use a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs. Using a human toothpaste can upset your pup’s stomach and even be toxic. Go for a flavored toothpaste—chicken and peanut butter flavors are usually a hit.
Your Rover won’t let you willingly clean its teeth. But it will start looking forward to it if you give it a treat after brushing the teeth.
In a nutshell, you don’t have to compromise on your Rover’s hygiene just because you’re a busy pet parent. Incorporating simple practices in your daily routine can help you keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best.
These tasks don’t take long and can make a huge difference in your pup’s overall well-being. Consistency is key—remember that. So, even if your schedule is packed, setting aside a few minutes daily or weekly for grooming can help you stay on top of things.
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