15 Dog Grooming Practices That Do More Harm Than Good

Neakasa/Unsplash

Regular grooming helps keep our dogs healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. While regular grooming helps prevent skin issues, doing it incorrectly can be as bad as not grooming the dog. Many pet owners unknowingly adopt grooming habits that lead to discomfort and long-term health problems. So, here are 15 grooming habits that dog owners should avoid.

Bathing Too Frequently

Goochie Poochie Grooming/Pexels

Bathing your dog too often can wash off vital oils from their skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Dogs have natural oils that keep their coats healthy, and frequent washing can disrupt this balance. Most dogs only need a bath once a month unless they get especially dirty or have specific skin conditions.

Using Hot Water For Baths

BuyMeACoffee/Pixabay

Hot water can irritate or burn a dog’s skin, making bath time uncomfortable for them. What feels like a comfortable temperature for us may be too hot for dogs with their sensitive skin. That’s why lukewarm water is the safest option. Always test the temperature on your wrist before getting your dog wet.

Not Checking For Fleas Or Ticks During Grooming

Goochie Poochie Grooming/Pexels

Skipping flea and tick checks during grooming can cause infestations to spread. Fleas and ticks can cause itching and serious illnesses like Lyme disease. Regularly inspecting your dog’s coat while brushing or bathing helps catch these parasites early. Additionally, using preventative treatments and checking problem areas like the ears can help.

Neglecting Regular Brushing

Ron Lach/Pexels

Many pet owners believe brushing is only for dogs with long hair, but all dogs need regular brushing to avoid matting and skin irritation. Brushing helps distribute natural oils, removes loose fur, and prevents skin infections. Dogs with undercoats, like Huskies and German Shepherds, also require frequent brushing to prevent excessive shedding.

Shaving Double-Coated Dogs

Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Some owners shave their double-coated dogs in hot weather, thinking it will help them stay cool. However, double-coated breeds, like Huskies, have a topcoat that protects them from sunburn and an undercoat that insulates them from heat and cold. Shaving removes this protective layer, exposing their skin to the sun and increasing the risk of overheating.

Cutting Hair Too Close To The Skin

Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Trimming a dog’s fur too short can expose their sensitive skin to environmental hazards like the sun, allergens, and insects. Some dogs rely on their fur for protection, and cutting it too close can lead to sunburn or increased skin sensitivity. This is especially true for dogs with light-colored or thin coats.

Skipping Nail Trims

Goochie Poochie Grooming/Pexels

Allowing your dog’s nails to grow unkempt can cause posture issues and even joint problems. Long nails can cause a dog’s paws to splay unnaturally, affecting their gait and leading to discomfort while walking. They can also break or split and cause painful injuries and infections. Regular nail trims ensure proper foot health.

Using The Wrong Brushes Or Tools

alektas/Pexels

Not all grooming tools are suited for every dog, and using the wrong brush can damage their coat or cause discomfort. For example, a slicker brush is great for detangling but might be too harsh on a short-haired breed. Similarly, using a de-shedding tool on a dog without an undercoat can irritate.

Using Human Shampoo Or Soap

nishizuka/Pexels

Human shampoos and soaps have a different pH level than dog-friendly products, which can cause skin irritation and dryness. Some ingredients in human shampoos, like sulfates and artificial fragrances, can be too harsh for a dog’s sensitive skin. Even mild human shampoos can disrupt their natural oil balance, leading to itching and discomfort.

Not Drying Your Dog Properly After A Bath

David Kanigan/Pexels

A damp dog, after a bath, is at risk for skin infections and a lingering smell. This is especially important for dogs with thick or curly coats, as their fur retains moisture longer. Using a towel and a pet-friendly blow dryer on a low setting helps prevent these issues.

Brushing A Wet Coat

Yaroslav Shuraev/Pexels

Brushing your dog’s fur while it’s still wet can be uncomfortable. Wet fur gets tangled easily, and attempting to brush through it can cause painful pulling. This can also weaken, dull, and damage the hair strands over time. Instead, dry your dog thoroughly before brushing to make the process smoother and more comfortable.

Ignoring Ear Cleaning

Ermelinda Maglione/Pexels

When you skip cleaning your dog’s ears, wax tends to build up. Also, breeds with floppy ears may contract ear infections due to poor air circulation. Therefore, cleaning their ears regularly with a vet-approved cleaner can help prevent infections and bad odors. The frequency of cleaning may vary from weekly to monthly, depending on the breed.

Over-Trimming Or Plucking Ear Hair

alektas/Pixabay

Some breeds, like Poodles or Schnauzers, grow hair inside their ear canals, and while some trimming may be necessary, excessive plucking can cause irritation. Also, plucking ear hair aggressively can lead to open pores, which microbes can infect. If your vet recommends ear hair trimming, it should be done gently with proper tools.

Overusing Perfumes And Sprays

Goochie Poochie Grooming/Pexels

Dog colognes and deodorizing sprays might make your pet smell pleasant, but excessive use can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. Several of these products contain artificial fragrances and alcohol, which dry out the skin and result in allergic reactions. If you must use a fragrance, choose a mild, pet-safe option and apply it sparingly.

Ignoring Dental Hygiene

Anna Shvets/Pexels

Overlooking dental care often leads to plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath. Regular brushing with dog-safe toothpaste is essential to maintaining good oral health. Although dental chews and vet-approved water additives can help, they shouldn’t replace routine brushing. Therefore, prioritize dental hygiene to ensure a healthier and happier dog with fresh breath.



Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.