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WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF YOU FAIL TO GROOM YOUR DOG
by Friends of the Dog
by Friends of the Dog
Grooming is often an overlooked but essential part of a dog’s overall health and well-being. While regular vet visits, exercise, and proper nutrition are vital, consistent grooming provides benefits that go beyond a shiny coat. Here’s a breakdown of why grooming is crucial and what can happen if it's neglected, and we are not mentioning teeth maintaince - that's a topic all on its own!

1. Foreign Bodies such as Burrs and Foxtail (Spear Grass) Risks
Foxtail plants are a significant hazard, particularly in summer. These grass seeds can latch onto your dog’s fur and burrow into the skin, leading to infections, abscesses, or worse if left unchecked. Regular grooming helps you spot these dangers early, preventing painful health issues.
Burrs can very quickly develop to form matts when the oat is longer. Additionally, many dogs will attempt to remove these by themselves, often ending up swallowing them in the process. Burrs can also cause problems such as coughing, difficulty breathing or having trouble eliminating or eating – if the latter occurs, seek vet assistance.. Many dogs have been known to vomit up a wad of burrs. In addition to grooming every few days, always check your dog over after walks as a safeguard.
2. Abnormalities may not be noticed
Routine grooming helps you become familiar with your dog’s skin and body, making it easier to detect anything unusual, such as lumps, skin infections, or irritations. Early detection of abnormalities can prevent minor issues from developing into serious health conditions.
3. Dead Skin and Dirt can build up
Grooming removes dead skin, dirt, and dandruff from your dog’s coat. It also stimulates natural oils that keep your dog's fur shiny and healthy. Neglecting this can result in build-up, leading to irritation or bacterial growth.
4. Matting and Skin Irritation can occur
Without regular brushing, your dog’s fur can become matted, which can lead to skin irritation, infections, and an increased risk of parasites. Brushing every couple of days, especially when the fur is dry, helps prevent these issues and keeps your dog comfortable.
5. Ticks and Fleas, if not dealt with early. can cause health problems
Regular grooming helps you detect ticks and fleas, which can go unnoticed, especially in dogs with thicker coats. Identifying flea dirt (a sign of fleas) or small ticks during grooming can prevent infestations, flea infestation and the associated health risks.
6. Foot Related Problems may not be noticed
If your dog walks through areas with burrs or Foxtail plants, these can get lodged between the paw pads, causing discomfort and even injury. Keeping the fur around the paws trimmed makes it easier to spot and remove any foreign bodies before they become a problem.
Additionally, trimming your dog’s nails is essential. Long nails can change your dog’s gait, leading to pain and joint problems, such as arthritis, over time.
7. Ear Infections can cause health problems
Regular ear cleaning is essential, especially for dogs with floppy ears or those prone to ear infections. Grooming helps remove debris, reduce the risk of ear mites, and prevent infections that can cause your dog discomfort. Using vet-recommended cleaning solutions and proper technique ensures ear health.
8. Possible eye problems
Regularly cleaning your dog's eye crust (often referred to as "eye boogers") is an important part of maintaining their overall eye health. Eye crust can accumulate due to normal tear production, but excessive build-up might indicate underlying issues like allergies, infections, or blocked tear ducts.
Additionally. hair that is too long and impacts the eye can cause Trichiasis if the eyelashes start to grow inwards, which can lead to serious complications such as chronic irritation caused by running the eyelashes - pain - damage to the cornea by rubbing can cause infection and make it more susceptible to bacterial infections - repeated injury can result corneal scarring such as ulcers, and in severe cases, permanent damage if left untreated.
Conclusion
Incorporating grooming into your pet care routine not only improves your dog’s appearance but also plays a key role in their health, comfort and builds your bond. Grooming allows you to monitor for potential health problems, keeps their coat and skin healthy, and reduces the risk of infections, parasites, and other complications. By making grooming a habit, you’re ensuring that your dog stays happy, comfortable, and healthy.