Dog Grooming for Health: How Regular Pet Grooming Contributes to Your Pet’s Well-being

4 November 2024

Dog grooming isn’t just about making your furry friend look adorable—it’s a key part of keeping them healthy and happy! Regular grooming helps maintain your dog’s hygiene, preventing certain health issues and making them feel their best. A clean, tangle-free coat reduces the risk of skin problems and keeps those pesky parasites away. Plus, grooming gives you a chance to spot any lumps or bumps early, so you can get them checked out right away. Make grooming a fun and regular part of your dog’s routine, and enjoy the positive changes it brings! Let’s get started with basic grooming activities you can start today.

Dog Grooming Basics

Getting started with dog grooming can feel a bit overwhelming, but breaking it down into simple steps makes it manageable and enjoyable for both you and your pup. Here are the key basics to keep in mind:

Brushing

Frequency: Depending on your dog’s breed and coat type, brushing can range from daily to weekly. Regular brushing prevents matting and reduces shedding.
Tools: Use the right brush for your dog’s coat. Slicker brushes are great for removing tangles, while bristle brushes work well for short-haired dogs.

Bathing

Frequency: Generally, dogs should be bathed once a month. Too frequent bathing can strip natural oils from their skin.
Products: Always use dog-specific shampoos. Human products can irritate a dog’s skin.

Nail Trimming

Frequency: Trim your dog’s nails every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth, which can cause pain and walking issues. Some dogs may require less frequent nail trimming as walking on hard surfaces can naturally wear the nails down.
Tools: Use a sharp, dog-specific nail clipper. For added safety, consider a nail grinder.

Ear Cleaning

Frequency: Check and clean your dog’s ears weekly, especially for breeds prone to ear infections.
Products: Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal.

Dental Care

Frequency: Brush your dog’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week to prevent plaque buildup and dental disease.
Products: Use dog-specific toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Eye Care

Frequency: Wipe your dog’s eyes daily with a damp cloth to prevent tear stains and remove any discharge.
Tools: Use a clean, damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipes.

By mastering these basics, you can help your dog remain clean, healthy, and comfortable. Regular grooming not only improves your dog’s physical health but also contributes to their emotional well-being, fostering a stronger bond between you and your furry friend.

How Regular Pet Grooming Improves Health

Regular pet grooming is more than just a beauty routine; it’s a vital practice that significantly contributes to your dog’s overall health and well-being. Here’s how consistent grooming can lead to a healthier and happier pet:

Prevents Matting and Tangles: Regular brushing prevents painful mats and tangles that can pull on your dog’s skin, reducing the risk of skin infections and parasites.
Reduces Shedding: Consistent grooming removes loose fur, reducing shedding and keeping your home cleaner.
Promotes Healthy Skin: Bathing with the right products helps maintain healthy skin and coat.

Spotting Abnormalities: Regular grooming allows you to notice lumps, bumps, or skin irregularities early, leading to prompt veterinary care.

Prevents Ear Infections and Odour: Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections and reduces the risk of foul odour caused by wax buildup.
Prevents Dental Disease and Freshens Breath: Regular teeth brushing removes plaque and tartar, preventing dental diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease while keeping your dog’s breath fresh.

By incorporating regular grooming into your pet care routine, you’re not only keeping your dog looking their best but also actively contributing to their overall health. Regular grooming sessions are an essential investment in your dog’s long-term well-being, leading to a happier, healthier life.

Another Option: Professional Dog Groomers

Professional dog groomers can provide numerous advantages that go beyond what can be achieved at home. Here are the key benefits of entrusting your dog’s grooming to a professional:

Skilled Handling: Professional groomers are trained to handle dogs of all sizes, temperaments, and coat types, providing a safe and stress-free experience.

Expert Knowledge: They possess in-depth knowledge about various breeds and their specific grooming needs, tailoring their services to suit your dog’s requirements.

Advanced Tools: Professional groomers use high-quality, specialised tools that are often more effective and safer than those available to the average pet owner.

Premium Products: They select and use top-tier grooming products that are gentle on your dog’s skin and coat, enhancing the overall grooming experience.

Time-Saving: Professional grooming saves you time and effort, freeing you from the complexities and challenges of at-home grooming.

Making Grooming Work With Your Routine

Incorporating grooming into your daily routine doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and consistency, you can make grooming a seamless and enjoyable part of your life. Here are some tips to help you integrate grooming into your schedule:

Set a Schedule: Designate specific days and times each week for different grooming activities, such as brushing, bathing, and nail trimming. Consistency helps your dog become accustomed to the routine.
Start Small: Begin with short, frequent grooming sessions to build your dog’s tolerance and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
Grooming Checklist: Create a checklist of grooming tasks to track what needs to be done and when. This helps you stay organised and ensures no aspect of your dog’s grooming is overlooked.
Routine Reminders: Set reminders on your phone or calendar to keep track of grooming appointments and at-home sessions.
Delegate Tasks: Share grooming responsibilities with other family members to lighten the load and ensure consistency. Assign specific tasks to each person based on their strengths and comfort level.

By integrating grooming into your routine, you ensure that your dog receives consistent care without it becoming a burden. A well-maintained grooming schedule promotes your dog’s health and well-being, making them feel loved and cared for. With a little planning and effort, grooming can become a natural and enjoyable part of your daily life.

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Make Grooming Easier with Expert Dog Training

Grooming can sometimes be a challenge, especially if your dog is anxious or uncooperative. However, with the right training, you can transform grooming time into a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. Here at Canine Evolution, our expert dog trainers can help you establish a cleaning routine, or curb undesirable behaviours. Here’s how:

Tailored Solutions: We offer customised training programs that address your dog’s specific needs and behaviours, allowing training to be effective and relevant.

Ongoing Support: With ongoing support and guidance from professional trainers, you can continue reinforcing positive behaviours and making grooming a consistent, positive experience.

Calm Behaviour Training: Our expert trainers focus on teaching your dog calm behaviour techniques, which can be particularly helpful during grooming sessions. This training helps reduce anxiety and stress.

Routine Familiarisation: Proper training from puppyhood can help establish a grooming routine that your dog becomes familiar with, making each session predictable and less intimidating.

Handling Exercises: Our trainers teach handling exercises that get your dog used to being touched in sensitive areas like paws, ears, and mouth, which are essential for effective grooming.

Obedience Training: Basic obedience training, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “stand,” can be incredibly beneficial during grooming. These commands help keep your dog still and cooperative, making grooming easier and safer.

From mastering the basics to understanding how grooming improves your pet’s health, and even incorporating professional help, there are countless ways to ensure your dog looks and feels great. Establishing a routine and utilising expert training can make grooming a seamless part of your lifestyle, fostering a stronger bond between you and your pet.

If you’re looking to simplify the grooming process and enhance your dog’s experience, consider our professional training services. Our expert trainers provide tailored solutions and ongoing support to help you and your dog thrive. Book a session and discover how expert training can make grooming stress-free and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Leah Bennett

01:02 25 Nov 24

Our 2 pups have been having a fantastic time while learning their manners. This has been great for us as it gives our dogs time to socialise with other dogs in a safe space and get some extra exercise.

Becky Steenkamp

05:36 15 Nov 24

We had left our dog Tommy with Pet Resorts Terrigal and had 10 days stay and train with Lee from Canine Evolution, we cannot recommend Lee enough and the Education and care Tommy received was outstanding, 10/10 Service. Thank you Lee.

Susan Chapman

05:15 28 Oct 24

Lee's training has been amazing!! The change in my dogs behaviour (and mine) has made such a difference to the harmony in my home, after introducing a puppy. I'm no longer at a loss on how to ensure my puppas are happy, safe and fulfilled. Lee's guidance, instruction and support has been the driver. I can't thank him enough for his awesome training lessons. I only wish I had of engaged Canine Evolution earlier. Thank you!!!

Michael DAVY

22:41 08 Aug 24

Canine Evolution has been working with my Great Dane for a while now, and we are very happy with his progress. April is very patient and great trainer, and we look forward to working with her into the future. I highly recommend Canine Evolution for all you dog training. Cheers

Marguerite M

00:58 04 Aug 24

I have an OES who was at times reactive to other dogs in public whilst on lead. Walks were becoming stressful and not enjoyable. After she spent time in training I have noticed a massive improvement and was thrilled to see her playing and socialising with other dogs in photos sent to me after every session. The phone call updates, photos and SMS’s were a delight to receive. Thanks so much Canine Evolution with special thanks to the amazing Lee who has been great.The results really do speak for themselves.

JUDY CHEN

03:27 25 Jul 24

My dog is a 2-year-old male German shepherd, friendly and well-trained. One time when we were not at home, some workers who were doing renovations for us accidentally left the door open while carrying heavy materials. My dog saw a person walking their little dog and ran out. Despite all the evidence we provided, the council still declared my dog to be menacing.I highly recommend Canine Evolution for providing very professional Behavioral Assessment for my dog. It is crucial that council officers who in charge such role might need a professional adviser. It is unreasonable to expect a dog to stand at an open door and watch other dogs pass by without reacting.

Susan Austin

22:26 15 Jul 24

Since we have moved from our 1/2 acre yard to a retirement village, my two girls, Rosie (Sheltie) and Coomalie (Parson Russel Terrier) LOVE playing with their friends at Doggy Day Care. It is so nice to know they are happy and have the freedom to run and play. Coomalie is learning SO much from her training sessions too. Thanks to all our kind and caring friends at Canine Evolution.

Nikki Tod

02:45 03 Jun 24

Steph conducted a private lesson with our puppy at our home and I couldn't be happier. She went through the techniques required to address the 2 areas of concern and took great care and time to teach me properly, whilst being super encouraging. It's set us up to continue working with our pup and improving. Highly recommend Steph and Canine Evolution.

Emily M

22:15 07 May 24

Lee from Canine Evolution has been training our dog and we have noticed such a massive improvement with him and his behaviour! We always receive photo and video updates which is really nice and helpful too. Highly recommend.

Kevin Summerson

22:53 13 Apr 24

Scruffy, who is a terrier, has benefited greatly from his training with Canine Evolution. He obeys most commands and now walks a lot better on the lead.

Darren Hunt

09:59 23 Mar 24

Today for the first time I went to Canine Evolution for some much needed training for my dogs, but more importantly for ourselves. We had ''Verity" as our trainer and help with "Lee", great people skilled trainers, this training complex came with recommendations and did not disappoint at all. The detail in training was so clear and calm and in the middle of a little hassle with one of the dogs in a strange environment was rectified so well, with a more settled dog. We went to learn basic principles and got a lot more, introduced to a prong collar and never really wanted to use one because of our understanding, but now trained correctly what a great system to make a safer environment for our large dogs to be able to lead them safer and have better control, they respond well and seem to be rather happy. So glad we went here for the professional training. Good work guys we will be back.

Jennifer Youll

05:12 07 Mar 24

My puppy Teddy of 13 months just finished a week's training with Lee at Terrigal. I am delighted with the results. He was a handful prior to attending but is now a confident, well mannered puppy. What he has learnt in one week is incredible. Lee was extremely helpful with the training tips on our departure which I am finding very useful and getting results! We will be back in few months for another week. Again, thank you Lee and also Tiarne for organising it.

Simon Morris

08:53 27 Feb 24

Thank you to Lee and staff at Canine Evolution Terrigal, they have worked closely with the boys each week to help overcome their nervous and behavioral problems so they can now enjoy doggie daycare with all their friends. Highly recommend.

Lisa Bailey Hamilton

09:34 15 Jan 24

Lee and Verity gained the trust of a scaredy dog (that for its 18 mths would not let anyone outside our family near him) in ONE day. Their calm confidence and competence translated into all of our dog's enjoying their training and time with them so much they almost forgot who we were! 😆

Laina Buxton

08:33 28 Nov 23

Our puppy has just graduated preschool with Tim and it has been a fantastic experience. Very knowledgeable and doesn't mind answering a million questions. Highly recommend!

Jasmine Forman

23:15 11 Nov 23

Wouldnt go anywhere else for dog training. Their staff are well trained, friendly and get results.

Gillian Anderson

01:45 03 Nov 23

Darcy Worne

09:04 11 Sep 23

Enjoyed a one on one session with our 6 month groodle. Our trainer was brilliant. Couldn't believe we could get through so much in such a short time. Thank you.

Samantha Coates

05:51 24 Aug 23

Ziggy, my little rescue kelpie had a brilliant first training session with Tim at Canine Evolution Townsville yesterday. Great instruction, good energy, really helped me to work out my part in helping Ziggy to become the goodest boy and we received a follow up email with more details and what we’re focusing on now. Loose lead beach walk this morning and Ziggy nailed it. Thank you Tim, five star rating from me and a five paw rating from Ziggy.

Brittany

04:08 18 Aug 23

We have just done a handful of sessions with Nina as the onsite trainer for Pet Resorts and we are so pleased with our experience. Nina paid a lot of attention to our needs from start to finish and was extremely thorough with her communication and handover. We felt completely supported with her and we are confident enough at this stage to implement the tools we have learnt at home. Bruno will miss his sessions, I'm sure :)

Milton Samios

06:36 12 Jul 23

My Shi-ba Inu, Leo, stays at Pet Resorts Terrigal on a regular basis. Whenever I book him in I also ensure he is getting some refresher training which is provided by Canine Evolution. They do a wonderful job and im very happy to recommend them. Not only are they experienced dog handlers but they provide a very professional service in terms of training updates. Each week I receive an email which explains what exercises he has completed as well as photos and/or a video which show his level of accomplishment. I can't fault Canine Evolution and when Leo returns home he's got a better temperament and is more engaged.

Cathy Tropiano

09:42 04 Jul 23

LuLu stayed at Pet Resort Terrigal for 7 days & was booked in for 5 days training. Nick Dalton was wonderful with her. He provided video updates of their training sessions plus a follow up training session for her humans which was most helpful indeed. He also forwarded us a summary pack of their training time together. It was obvious from my first conversation with Tiarne that they love & understand & respect dogs & I felt confident that LuLu was in excellent, safe hands. They even had the foresight to room her with one of their gentle older training dogs so that LuLu’s first experience of sharing with another dog was a lovely & positive one for her! I cannot recommend them high enough! LuLu will be back!! Thank you!

Antonia Francis

06:53 04 Jun 23

Our mini spoodle Frankie did a one week stay and train where the Canine Evolution team, particularly Steph, spent their training time taking Frankie through general obedience including preparing for a new baby like walking with a stroller which was above and beyond what we asked for - such wonderful service! We noticed an immediate difference when we took her home after this, as have our friends and family so we are very very happy with the outcome. It was also very hard to be away from our fur baby for the week but the team were so good with giving us little updates along the way that kept us reassured that she was having a great time and enjoying her time there, even though we were missing her so much!Since then, we have continued her training on a regular basis as she has a weekly session with Trainer Lauren when Frankie is at daycare. Frankie just loves Lauren and you can see how much she loves the training sessions too in the photo and video updates that get sent through, and we can see how well she is responding to them through her behaviour as well.Couldn’t recommend the Canine Evolution team enough for all your doggy training needs. They not only get results but actually care about your dog and treat them with love which is very important to us :)

Ariana Van Wyk

12:42 30 May 23

My very excited 2 year old Lab has learnt so much and is very well looked after by the Cainine Evolution team in Terrigal. Their information and communication is great and has allowed us continue her training at home and maintain consistency with training methods. I am impressed with the progress she has made in such a short time.

Ann

10:13 30 May 23

Owning a reactive cattle dog can be a challenge however our trainer, Nina, has made a massive difference to Wally’s training in only a few days. And a massive difference in my knowledge and ability to continue this training. I cannot recommend Canine Evolution training enough!

Briony Nicoll

00:17 24 May 23

We have seen an enormous improvement in the past 6 months for our Rottie girl, Freja, all thanks to the incredible trainers (shout out in particular to Steph, as well as Verity and Nick). Through the private lessons and a three week stay and train, we’ve seen Freja become much more confident in many areas, including socialising with other dogs and keeping focused when walking on a lead. We highly recommend the Canine Evolution team - Freja will definitely enjoy coming back for any refresher training! Briony & Jon

Rikki-Lea Sloan

23:36 23 May 23

We've had great success with the trainers at Canine Evolution and our nervous rescue.Cricket is much more confident in all situations and they also helped us to become more confident handlers.We started with a 3 week stay and train and we now get regular top up sessions when our pup goes to daycare.We received videos of the training sessions with Cricket as well as as detailed notes so we could continue her training at home.Special shout out to Verity for all she has done to help us and Cricket. She has become one of Crickets most favourite humans.We highly recommend using canine evolution for any help you need with your pup.

Samantha Cook

06:12 15 May 23

The private training session i had with my 2yr old Cavoodle today was incredibly valuable. Nick was thorough, explained and demonstrated everything and then had me practice the skills too. He further developed a plan to target our goals and sent additional and detailed information in an email. I would absolutely recommend Canine Evolution.

Belinda Brown

11:44 10 May 23

My girl is Luna and she is a beautiful German Shepard and has been attending Canine Evolution training for the whole entire 3 years of her life and she enjoys every bit of of it, the trainers are wonderful and my girl just absolutely loves them they are caring and have taught my girl to have such wonderful manners

Col Burrow

02:02 25 Jan 23

These guys were great to deal with. Our Labrador Lilly Grace is so full of beans. They gave us great tips and tricks to help with this.On going training is the key to Miss Lilly and they will be giving her another round on our next holiday when Miss Lilly stays at the Pet Resort. It just makes sense and helps her along the way. Thank you Nick and Verity.

Alana Goddard

22:45 14 Nov 22

Thanks Nick for looking after Harley so well for us while we were away.Overall we can see a definite improvement in his ability to keep calmer by sitting longer and ignoring distractions. A few great examples so far have been we were able to do the lawns, including the blower, whilst Harley just sat next to me outside without reacting. The second been we live very close to several retirement villages and nursing homes and Harley has been sitting calmly if we come across one of the residents to wait for his pat. One of the older males even said to me yesterday “he has to be the most placid dog I have ever met, I just want to bundle him up and take him home”. Whoever would have thought someone would say that about crazy Harley!!!He had a great walk down the beach yesterday and his recall had definite improved.Thanks again so much.

Meredith Byrne

19:37 14 Mar 19

My Labrador pup spent a week here to learn some manners. They worked on his bitey behavior, how to walk properly on a lead, as well as basic commands like sit, stay, and wait. It’s obvious that the trainers adore the dogs, and are constantly praising them and rewarding them with treats. I also got my own training session with his trainer at the end of his stay so I could be consistent with commands at home. Whitby loved his stay here, and even though I missed him terribly he was so much easier when he got home. Highly recommended.

Heidi Vasilevskis

09:11 18 Mar 18