Grooming does a dog good! Taking time out at regular intervals for a good bathing, brushing, nail clipping and ear cleaning not only helps your canine friend look and smell better; it helps you catch health problems early. Here are some general tips for giving your pup some TLC:
- Grooming your dog regularly will remove dead hair and dirt and prevent matting. It also stimulates skin circulation, which makes your dogs coat healthier and shinier.
- How often you need to bathe your dog depends on the how dirty your pet gets (as well as his breed, skin and hair). Many dogs do well with a bath once a month, while others need it more frequently. If your dog starts to smell "doggy" or just looks and smells dirty, it's time for a bath!
- Ask your dog groomer for a demonstration on the proper nail-clipping technique so that you don't clip too far down (which can cause bleeding). Don't rush the process: go slowly and gently, just clipping a few nails at a time during different sessions until your dog gets used to the idea and associates it with a reward at the end.
- If your dog struggles with itchy or flaky skin, allergies, infections, fleas, ticks or mites, come in and talk with our Woodbridge vet as soon as possible.
Grooming your dog regularly is a win-win. We're happy to provide more grooming tips to keep everyone happy.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (703) 897-5665 for assistance!
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Dr. Jim McDonald
Woodbridge Animal Hospital
2703 Caton Hill Rd.
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: (703) 897-5665
