Why grooming your dog matters: coats, skin, ears, eyes, teeth and nails

Grooming is often thought of as keeping a dog looking smart, but it matters just as much for comfort and health. A regular brush and check gives you the chance to spot problems early, while they are easier to deal with.

Why grooming matters

Brushing removes dead hair, dirt and tangles, and spreads the natural oils from your dog's skin through their coat. Left alone, some coats knot into mats that pull on the skin, trap moisture and hide sores or parasites.

Grooming also helps you get to know what is normal for your dog. When you run your hands over them often, you are more likely to notice a new lump, a sore patch or a change in how they react to being touched.

How often to groom

How often your dog needs grooming depends mostly on their coat.

These are general guides. Your dog's breeder, a professional groomer or your vet can advise on the right routine and the right brush for your dog's coat. Most dogs only need a bath now and then, when they are dirty or smelly. Always use a shampoo made for dogs.

If your dog's coat needs clipping, it is usually best left to a professional groomer unless you have been shown how to do it safely.

What to check while you groom

Skin and coat

Part the fur as you brush and look at the skin. Look out for:

• lumps, bumps or swellings, especially new ones or ones that change
• redness, scabs, flaky skin or bald patches
• fleas, flea dirt (small dark specks) or ticks
• areas your dog doesn't want touched

In summer, check between the toes, in the ears and around the armpits for grass seeds, which can work their way into the skin.

Ears

Healthy ears look pale pink and clean, without a strong smell. Many dogs don't need their ears cleaned at all. If your vet advises cleaning, use a dog ear cleaner and only wipe the parts you can see. Never push cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal.

Contact your vet if your dog is shaking their head, scratching their ears, or has ears that are red, swollen, smelly or have a discharge. These can be signs of an ear infection or something stuck in the ear.

Eyes

Eyes should be bright and clear. A little sleep in the corner can be gently wiped away with a clean, damp cloth. Contact your vet if an eye is red, cloudy, weeping, half-closed or if your dog is pawing at it. Eye problems can get worse quickly, so don't wait.

Teeth and mouth

Lift your dog's lips and look at their teeth and gums. Watch for bad breath, a build-up of brown tartar, red or bleeding gums, or loose or broken teeth, and ask your vet to check anything that worries you.

Many dogs can learn to accept tooth brushing with a soft brush and a toothpaste made for dogs. Never use human toothpaste. Some contain xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.

Nails and paws

Nails that are too long can make walking uncomfortable and can catch and tear. Dogs that walk a lot on hard ground may wear them down naturally, but many need trimming.

Inside each nail is the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into it is painful and causes bleeding. Trim only the tip, a little at a time, using clippers made for dogs. On dark nails the quick is hard to see, so take off very small amounts. If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you, or to trim the nails for you.

While you look at the paws, check the pads for cuts and cracks and between the toes for anything stuck there. If your dog is limping or licking a paw a lot, ask your vet to look at it.

Getting your dog used to grooming

Dogs who are comfortable with handling find grooming, vet visits and nail trims much less stressful. Start gently and build up slowly.

1. Begin with short sessions when your dog is calm, for example after a walk.
2. Touch one paw, ear or the mouth for a moment, then reward with a small treat and praise.
3. Gradually handle for longer, then introduce the brush or clippers, letting your dog sniff them first.
4. Stop before your dog becomes worried, and try again another day.

Watch for signs that your dog is uncomfortable, such as lip-licking, turning away, freezing or growling. If you see them, stop and go back a step. Never force grooming or tell your dog off for being worried, as this can make them more fearful.

If your dog is very anxious about being handled, talk to your vet. They can check for pain and may suggest a qualified behaviourist.