Experts have determined that dog domestication may have begun over 11,000 years ago. This means that dogs have been man’s closest animal companions since the end of the last Ice Age!
For thousands of years, mankind has loved canines. And yet, we haven’t always loved their smell. A smelly dog can be challenging to be around, even if they are fun and quirky animals.
Fortunately, you can mitigate this smell by practicing proper dog hygiene. Using a dog hygiene routine can keep your dog clean and smelling fresh!
So, how can you start this routine? If that’s what you’re wondering, you’re in luck! We’ll give you five pet hygiene tips in the guide below.
1. Brush Their Coats Daily
Have you ever wondered, “Why do dogs smell?” The answer often comes from dog bodies. In addition to perspiration from their paws and hair follicles, bacteria can also cause your pet to smell.
However, you can mitigate bacteria accumulation by brushing your dog’s coat daily. Brushing your dog takes about five minutes, depending on the type of coat. This practice removes loose fur and debris from their body, depriving bacteria of a place to spread.
2. Wash the Dog Bed
Washing your dog’s bedding also prevents bacteria build-up. When your dog lays down in the bed, bacteria spread from its body to that surface. Likewise, this bedding often picks up other bacteria.
These bacteria are often harmless, but they cause your dog (and the bed) to smell. So, wash the bedding regularly to keep everything smelling fresh.
3. Clean Your Dog’s Feet At the Door
Whenever your dog goes outside, it picks up smells and odors from the outdoors. Often, these smells come from mud and soil particles that get trapped in your dog’s paws.
Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem. Keep pet wipes near your door so you can wipe the dog’s feet when they come in. This step helps you prevent mud from getting on your furniture or floors.
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Dogs can sometimes have overpowering breaths. People often forget that plaque and gum disease are threats to dogs as well as humans. When these build up on a dog’s teeth, it causes foul breath.
Fortunately, there are several ways to help your dog maintain oral hygiene. You can use doggy dental bones, additives for drinking water, and teeth brushing to fight plaque build-up.
5. Dog Hygiene Requires Regular Bathing
Finally, dog grooming requires regular bathing. Usually, vets recommend bathing your dog every three months. Bathing your dog too often may dry out your dog’s skin.
There are several tools you can use for bathing your dog, such as a self serve dog wash. Also, make sure you look for the best shampoo. Sometimes it helps to find an aromatherapy shampoo, such as citrus-scented brands.
Implement Your Dog Hygiene Routine
These dog hygiene tips can keep your dog smelling fresh. More importantly, though, dog grooming keeps your pet healthier.
So, start implementing these tips as needed. If your dog has gone several months without a bath, give it one! Then, begin implementing the other parts of your dog hygiene routine.
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