In the first part, we discussed how to protect your pet’s health. Now we’re sharing further practical advice with dog owners.
II. Groom Your Pet!
1. Bathe your dog—but only when necessary!
A dog’s coat should primarily be kept clean with regular brushing and combing.
If your dog lives indoors, always clean their paws after every walk—before they have a chance to spread dirt around the home.
Full-body bathing should only be done when necessary, usually every 3–6 months, or performed by a professional. Of course, if your dog has rolled in something unpleasant, feel free to bathe them—but be sure to use a shampoo that helps restore the natural oils of the coat.
When bathing:
- Thoroughly wet the dog’s coat with plenty of water, but keep the areas around the eyes and ears dry.
- Massage a pre-diluted bathing product into the coat.
- After the recommended contact time (usually about 15 minutes), rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
- Dry your pet with a towel.
Always use dog-specific shampoo, never products made for humans, as these may contain ingredients that can irritate your dog’s skin.
Praise your dog during and after bathing, and consider offering a small treat—this helps create positive associations with bath time.
2. Brush your pet’s coat regularly!
For short-haired dogs, brushing 2–3 times a week is sufficient.
For long-haired dogs, daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and matting.
Use a wide-toothed comb when appropriate, and—as with bathing—praise your dog during grooming so they learn to tolerate and even enjoy it. Make brushing part of your daily routine.
3. Trim your dog’s nails—or have them trimmed!
Alternatively, include frequent walks on concrete or pavement, as this often helps wear nails down naturally.
For nail trimming, you’ll need a special tool, available at pet stores or from your veterinarian. First, get your dog used to having their paws handled using praise and treats. Once this goes smoothly, you can begin trimming the nails.
Be careful not to cut the nails too short, as this can cause pain and bleeding.
If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian to show you the correct technique, or have a professional handle nail trimming.
4. Clean your dog’s teeth!
Regular tooth brushing helps prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Bad breath may be a sign that something is wrong in your dog’s mouth.
First, take your dog to the veterinarian, who can show you how to properly clean their teeth. At home, you can then follow these instructions.
You may use:
- A damp children’s toothbrush
- Gauze or a small terry cloth
- Dog-specific toothpaste
Occasionally, you can also make a simple paste using baking soda and water.
5. Check your dog while grooming!
Grooming sessions are the perfect opportunity to examine your dog for fleas, ticks, or early signs of other health problems.
Make sure there are no unusual lumps, wounds, or skin changes, and don’t forget to check the ears as well. If you notice anything abnormal or concerning, schedule an appointment with our veterinarians as soon as possible.
Our veterinarians at the Kisállat-Ambulancia in Szeged are always here to support both pets and their owners.
Feel free to contact us with confidence!
