As any owner will know dogs are always getting into scrapes. Whether it’s a small cut, a swelling or a scab, an active and curious dog will rarely be without some lump or bump. Quite often these small injuries will sort themselves out with no owner or vet intervention. However they can result in serious dog skin problems if not treated.
During regular dog coat grooming, washing, general stroking and petting is when a lot of these grazes come to light and owners will get to know the spots on their dog that are typically affected. It is also during the course of these activities that other things can come to light. Such things as severe swellings and cuts and lesions may look like typical doggy scrapes but could actually be something more serious.
Dog skin problems are one of the most common maladies in dogs, but are also one of the most treatable. Some skin complaints can be controlled by diet; allergies to certain ingredients can cause itching, flaking and hair loss. Good, frequent, coat grooming can help early identification of these complaints.
The most common dog skin problems are:
• Allergic Dermatitis
• Yeast Infection
• Folliculitis
• Impetigo
• Seborrhea
• Ringworm
• Alopecia
• Mange
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Color or Texture Changes
• Dry, Flaky Skin
• Lick dermatitis
• Skin Tumors
• Hot Spots
• Immune Disorders
• Anal Sac Disease
Maintaining regular grooming routines can really help an owner to identify possible dog skin problems quickly before they turn into an infection. This is why getting your dog used to being groomed is really important. Unfortunately some dogs dislike being brushed, having their nails clipped or being washed and dried. These common problems can be avoided if the dog is groomed regularly from a puppy and good, positive associations are made during the experience.
Using a pet salon can help calm an agitated dog as some pets will play up with their owners but act as meek as a lamb with another person whom they do not know. Of course this can work the other way around with a nervous dog who freaks out when taken away from its owner.
A nervous dog may thrash, struggle, bark, whimper, snarl, snap and in extreme cases even bite. A dog with bad associations to do with grooming needs careful and considerate training to reinforce positive behavior and get it used to the tools and environment. It can take a long time and some dogs may only ever learn to tolerate the procedures rather than enjoy them.
When choosing a pet spa or salon ensure that they are accredited. Their staff should be taking, or have taken, the right course at a dog grooming school, including how to identify dog skin problems. Also watch how they interact with your pet. Even a confident dog can end up hating the salon experience if it is handled or treated roughly. A muzzle is not a form of rough treatment, it is protection for the groomer but it also is used to calm nervous dogs and can make them a lot more amenable. Blindfolding a dog has the same affect, similar to blinkering a horse.
When trying to get a dog used to dog grooming equipment take whatever tool they dislike and build a positive association with it. Take dog grooming clippers, for example, they can be run up and down a dog’s leg whilst the owner gives treats and high praise. Only do this for as long as the dog can bear. It may take several sessions to get them used to this depending on the severity of the fear, so this should be done regularly during your dog coat grooming routine.
Get a dog used to being touched by massaging ears and paws, all the while giving treats, and then finish with a session of play with their favorite toy.
Everything about the experience needs to be absolutely positive so ignore bad behavior and never physically punish your dog.
Grooming schools teach their groomers to handle difficult dogs so never be afraid to go in and explain the situation. A reputable school will be happy to assist and should help you build the good connections your pet will need.
Pet grooming professionals should be able to advise you if you, or they, notice one of the problems listed above with your dog. Always take your pet to the vet if dog skin problems are a concern, as skin conditions are much better managed the earlier they are discovered.
For more information about Dog Grooming, check out the highly recommended
Secrets To Easy Dog Grooming today!
