🐶 6 key points for dog grooming

Hong Kong dog owners often prioritize their furry friends' health, but grooming is an essential part of their lives. ✨ It's not just about looking good🐾, it can also prevent skin diseases, parasites, and even detect health issues early. Today, I've compiled six key points of dog grooming , explaining them in detail and offering my perspective on how to keep your dog looking their best, both inside and out. 💖

✨ Comb your hair regularly to keep it healthy

Daily grooming can make your dog look neater and has many health benefits.

• Remove dead hair and tangles : Especially long-haired breeds, which are prone to tangles, pulling the skin and causing redness and swelling.
• Promote blood circulation : Gently massage while combing hair to help maintain healthy hair follicles.
• Reduce hair shedding : Regular combing can reduce the amount of hair that grows everywhere in the house.

👉 Editor's Tip: Long-haired dogs (like Poodles and Pomeranians) should ideally be combed daily; short-haired dogs (like Pugs and French Bulldogs) can be combed 2-3 times a week. Remember to use a pet-specific comb, not a human-grade one.

✨ Bathing frequency should be appropriate

Dogs are different from humans. Washing them too frequently will destroy the natural oils in their skin and make them more susceptible to skin diseases.

• General advice : once every 3-4 weeks is sufficient.
• Short-haired dogs : The frequency can be slightly extended to once every 4-6 weeks.
• Long-haired dogs or dogs with sensitive skin : May need more frequent shampooing, but use a mild pet shampoo.

👉 Editor's reminder: Never use human shampoo or shower gel on your dog's skin, as the pH value of dog's skin is different from that of humans, which may cause allergies or dryness.

✨ Ear cleaning cannot be ignored

Many dogs have earwax accumulation problems. If it is not cleaned regularly, it can easily induce otitis and produce a bad odor.

• Check your ears every week to see if there is any redness, swelling, odor, or excessive discharge.
• Cleaning method : Use special ear drops to drop into the ear canal, then gently massage the ear base, and finally wipe away the dirt with a cotton ball.
• Note : Do not use cotton swabs to penetrate deep into the ear canal, as this may push dirt in and even scratch the eardrum.

👉 Editor's experience: If your dog frequently shakes its head or scratches its ears, you should take it to the vet as soon as possible and avoid treating it yourself.

✨ Trim your nails regularly

Overly long nails can affect a dog's walking, and may even cause the toes to deform or scratch the skin.

• Recommended frequency : approximately every 3-4 weeks.
• How to do it : Use special pet nail clippers to avoid cutting the "blood line" (the blood vessels inside the nail).
• Tip : You can combine walking or grinding the deck to help shorten it naturally.

👉 Editor's reminder: If you don't have confidence, you can leave it to a professional beautician or veterinarian. Safety comes first.

✨ Dental care should be persistent

Oral health directly affects your dog's lifespan! Dental plaque and tartar can cause bad breath, periodontal disease, and even affect the heart and kidneys.

• Daily brushing : Use pet-specific toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Tooth-cleaning snacks : Help reduce plaque, but cannot completely replace brushing.
• Regular checkups : Take your dog to the veterinarian for an oral exam and teeth cleaning.

👉 Editor's Tip: Cultivate the habit from a young age and slowly get your dog used to the tooth brushing process. Don't force it from the beginning.

✨ Anal glands need to be squeezed regularly

The anal glands are located on both sides of the dog's anus. If secretions accumulate, the dog will sit on the ground and rub its buttocks, and may even cause infection.

• Recommended frequency : Generally once every 1-2 months, depending on the dog's needs.
• Observe for signs : If your dog licks his buttocks or drags his feet on the ground all day, he may need to have his anal glands expressed.
• Treatment method : Have a professional beautician or veterinarian do it to avoid infection due to improper operation.

👉 Editor's reminder: Not every dog ​​needs to be squeezed frequently. Some dogs can excrete naturally, so it depends on the actual situation.

🌟 Editor's summary

Grooming your dog isn't just about appearance; it's an important part of health management . 💡 Remember:

• Combing + bathing : keep hair clean and healthy
• Ears + Teeth : Preventing Inflammation and Bad Breath
• Nails + anal glands : Avoid discomfort and infection

As long as the owner diligently and regularly follows these 6 key points, your dog will be healthy from head to toe, and can happily grow up with you for many years! 💞🐾