Do Short-Haired Dogs Need Grooming?

 

 

Dogs are probably the most popular choice when it comes to keeping a pet at home. In addition to regular health check-ups and proper diet, dogs also require regular grooming. A well-groomed dog generally has better health and emotional status as compared to a dog that is groomed sporadically. Grooming, as a one-on-one session between the care giver and the dog, helps to spot potential issues and existing problems well in time. Timely action often prevents the problem from blowing up in future. Many a dog’s lives have been saved by prompt action taken on health and hygiene issues that were spotted during a grooming session.

When it comes to difference between the grooming requirements of the different dog breeds, it is generally seen that longer-haired dogs require greater amount of grooming as compared to their short-haired counterparts. As longer-haired dogs are more prone to developing tangles, with dirt getting easily trapped in their long hair, such dogs require grooming on almost a daily basis. Daily brushing routines – usually with a slicker brush – is quite commonplace for pet parents with long-haired dogs. Longer-haired dogs also require more frequent baths as compared to short-haired dogs.

Short-haired Dogs and Grooming: To Groom or Not to Groom

Regular grooming is advisable for all dogs. There are different procedures that make upa typical grooming session. Grooming involves – bathing, brushing, cleaning of teeth, checking of eyes, haircut, trimming of hair on legs and paws, along with cleaning the area in and around the ears. A haircut forms an integral part of a grooming session. A haircut can be either a simple trim, or a more extensive cutting of hair.

Many pet parents of short-haired dogs are faced with the dilemma of whether their dogs require haircuts or can be left as they are. A majority of veterinarians suggest leaving short-haired dogs just as they are, simply brushing the coat once a week followed by a cleaning of ears, eyes and nose. Citing the risk of skin infections, veterinarians usually do not favor cutting the hair of short-haired dogs. Clipping the hair too close to the body exposes the dog to the elements, making his skin more prone to developing fungal infections. Nevertheless, many pet parents, either in the name of practicality or style, regularly cut their dog’s hair.

A haircut for practical reasons greatly reduces the amount of grooming required to maintain the coat. Among the different haircuts preferred for both long-haired as well as short-haired dogs is the Puppy Cut. In this particular cut, hair on the entire body is clipped to a uniform length, usually 1-2 inches in length. While this cut is quite popular among pet parents as the perfect hassle-free cut, there have been certain instances where the hair has not grown back once it was cut short.

To groom or not to groom is ultimately the sole prerogative of the pet parent concerned. While veterinarians might dissuade and a groomer might suggest, it is only the pet parent who can decide.

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Basic Dog Grooming Tips

The act of grooming your dog is one of the fundamental things that your dog requires. The essential grooming requirements depend on your dog's breed and its characteristics. The first thing a pet owner must manage with is the dog's hair.

Long hair dogs that shed require more frequent grooming than short hair dogs, or those who shed on a seasonal basis. Dogs who frequent the outdoors pick up debris and should be brushed or combed daily. It can often be an effort to untangle the hair as well as remove those bits or particles stuck in the dog's coat after the dog has been outside.

If you're looking for something more convenient and don't mind laying out some cash, you could use a professional groomer. You should be aware that professional dog grooming can get really expensive if you use it weekly. But if you want the best for your dog, you may chose that option. If you want to go strictly for convenience, you can hire mobile dog groomers who have full grooming stations equipped with all your dog's needs in their vehicles. The groomers park their van on your driveway or in front of your house, so you don't even have to leave home. If you're unable to handle grooming tasks yourself, this is the ultimate in convenience. Another benefit to using professional groomers is that you don't have the mess or "damp dog" odor in your home.

To save money, groom your dog yourself. Just equip yourself with the basic grooming tools. It's not a good idea to use your old hairbrush on your dog. Get proper brushes and combs that are designed for your dog's fur. If not, you are likely to incur vet bills if you use your discarded brushes since they could potentially create damage to your dog's skin.

If you're not sure of the correct way to bathe and brush your dog's hair, search online for some resources that can help you through the process. There are many articles and forums available to you, or simply ask a dog groomer or your veterinarian. You could also take a course from a pet store or vet's office to learn the correct procedures and get some expert tips on dealing with your dog's anxieties during grooming as well.

Some may think that grooming your dog is optional, but it's not. Not grooming your dog consistently leaves him at risk for illnesses, parasites, damage to his skin or hair or both. Your dog may be unhappy about having a bath, but you can't let that stop you.

Note that rough scrubbing should be avoided when giving your dog a bath. It can reduce the natural oils that are there to protect your dog's skin and hair follicles. Also, be cautious what types of powders or fragrances you use on your dog. Many are not made for dogs and can cause discomfort or infection. Avoid use of any product that isn't fit for your dog and your dog's breed.

Patience is what is needed when grooming your dog. Take time to gently talk to your pet while you are grooming. Try to make grooming a playful time by rubbing his belly and patting his head. It's best not to initiate the grooming process if you don't have much time or you don't have the needed patience to complete the process. Remember, whatever attitude you project towards the grooming session, your dog will know and it will impact how he approaches them in the future.

SOURCE:  Pet Articles