Learning About the Boxer Dog Breed

Key Dog Grooming Facts New Dog Owners Should Know

by Leslie Gibson

If you are a first-time dog owner, you've probably given a lot of thought to the things that you'll get to do now, including dog park visits and even grooming appointments. However, many first-time dog owners believe some common misconceptions surrounding dog grooming and care. Here are some things that you should know about dog grooming needs to take proper care of your new pup.

Every Dog Sheds To Some Degree

You may have bought a dog breed that's been touted as "non-shedding" in an effort to keep fur at a minimum in your house. The fact is that every breed of dog will shed, but some shed minimally.

The dogs that are marketed as non-shedding are actually breeds that lack an undercoat in their fur. As a result, they don't have to shed that undercoat when the weather warms up. This results in far less shedding, but it doesn't eliminate it. Low-shedding dogs still need groomer care to keep their coat healthy and clear.

Grooming Should Happen Year-Round

Many dog owners believe that they should only worry about dog grooming during the spring and summer months when their dog is shedding the most. The truth is that grooming should happen all year, especially for those breeds with an undercoat.

The undercoat thickens in the cooler months to help provide extra warmth and to combat the winter cold. Unfortunately, that extra fur can also end up matted, tangled, and generally uncomfortable for your dog if you don't keep up with routine grooming. That means making those appointments through the winter months, too.

Grooming Isn't A Substitute For Regular Bathing

Many dog owners figure that they don't need to worry about bathing their dog because they take the dog to the groomer on a regular basis. You should still be bathing your dog on a regular basis. Bathing not only helps to combat odor in your dog's fur, but it also helps to keep your dog protected from various pests that they can pick up outside.

In addition, bathing your dog gives you the chance to check your dog over for any anomalies, including lumps and other issues, that your groomer might not notice.

As a dog owner, it's important that you find a groomer you can rely on to take care of your dog, but you need to approach this care correctly. With the information here, you can take the right approach for your pup's grooming care.

For more information, contact a dog groomer in your area.

Share