So, you got your first dog? Kudos on becoming a pet parent.
Your dog’s breed doesn’t matter; what matters is that you ensure that they are healthy and happy. If you are a first-time dog owner, you have to put in real effort and do everything possible to take care of them.
Take them on regular walks in a dog park. Ensure to buy pet essentials every month. Make sure to take them for their routine checkups, and lastly, put in extra effort to ensure hygiene.
Four Essential Dog Hygiene Tips
Your dog is like your kid and your best friend. But certain dog breeds have specific essential hygiene routines to keep them healthy. Here are four basic and essential hygiene tips:
1. Clean their Teeth Regularly
Unclean teeth pose a risk for gum disease, leading to heart, liver, and kidney issues. Most dog breeds do not show any visible signs of pain or gum issues, so apart from cleaning teeth regularly, you need to visit a dog dentist at least once a year.
2. Rinse their Toys and Bed
Soak rubber, silicone, and other toys (except soft toys) for 15 minutes in vinegar and rinse them. Hand-wash the soft toys gently and use about 1/4 cup of vinegar to clean stuffed ones in a washing machine.
Avoid any detergents or bleach as it could be toxic to dogs. Use a product that smells fresh but not harmful for any dog breeds to clean their bedding regularly.
3. Bathe and Brush your Dog
According to ASPCA®, you should bathe your dog at least every 3-months unless they spend lots of time outside or have skin issues that require bathing with medicated shampoo frequently. Wash and dry out the inside of their ears, their paw pads, and in-between their toes to avoid any infections.
If you have a golden retriever, one of the best dog breeds with long hair, brush them before and after the bath. In case of de-matting problems, use a de-matting brush at least once a week to groom them.
4. Wash and change their Collars
Dirty collar and leash harbor bacteria that creates skin sores and infections. Wash them when they stink and look dirty using a pet-safe detergent or dog shampoo.
Collars or harnesses protect your dog from breaking loose. So change them at regular intervals to avoid accidents and infections when the smell or stain fails to go away after washing.
Use these four hygiene tips to keep your dog clean and healthy. Be a caring pet parent. For more information on the best dog breeds in India, contact us, or if you have any questions, comment below!