Healthy and Happy: The Benefits of Regular Dog Grooming

Getting your dog professionally groomed regularly is not only about making your pet look clean and cute—it is vital to your dog’s health. A full grooming, that includes a wash, trim, nail clip, ear cleaning and anal gland release can keep your dog healthy and prevent problems in the future. The ASPCA says that grooming is as important as taking your dog to the vet.

Photo by Carl Campbell on Unsplash

Elizabeth Toc, owner of The Tailored Tail in Houston and a dog groomer for over 20 years, says getting your dog professionally groomed isn’t just for cosmetic reasons as many think. “It is one way an owner can show love to their dog-- by being sure their dogs are regularly groomed to protect them from uncomfortable and avoidable health issues.”

Elizabeth says these are five important ways grooming helps your pet’s overall health and well-being:

1. Prevents matted hair, which is important as excess hair can weigh your dog down and can pull on the skin

2. Removes dead hair and skin cells, much like a facial for a human.

3. Gets rid of those painful thorns and sticky seeds that your pet hates

4. Keeps nails short so they don’t grow into the paw pads.

5. Observation of undetected masses and skin issues

How often should your dog be groomed? And what should be included to help maintain your dog’s health?

The Tailored Tail recommends once every four to six weeks to be sure proper maintenance of your dog’s coat and nails. Services that will keep your dog healthy include:

• Shampoo

• Hygiene package

• Brush

• Nail trim

• Ears

Why a professional?

Professional groomers are trained and experienced to handle dogs and use professional tools and techniques to be sure they are groomed properly. Here are the top 4 benefits:

1. The groomer has experience at properly removing mats and tangles

2. The groomer can more easily spot skin and other health issues

3. Professional groomers know how to handle dogs even if they get anxious

4. Your pet will also look better! Much like the difference between cutting your own hair and going to a hairdresser