Brushing Your Dog Regularly
Dynamic and constantly changing, the skin is the largest organ in the body. Hair is one of the main structures of the skin and is vital to the health of our pets, serving to protect the skin and regulate body temperature. Therefore, it is important to regularly brush your dog if you want to keep them happy and healthy.
The skin consists of three distinct layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each layer is different in thickness and consists of different structures. Together, these three layers have various functions:
They provide protection against mechanical effects, temperature changes, micro-organisms, radiation such as UV rays and chemicals.
The skin is the most sensitive organ in the body, containing thousands of different nerve receptors.
It is involved in the thermoregulation process, which helps maintain a constant internal temperature.
It also has a metabolic function, synthesizing vitamin D or fat reserves in the form of triglycerides.
Taking care of its fur is one of the best ways to keep your pet’s skin in perfect condition. Otherwise, you leave his skin vulnerable to a number of problems, which can lead to more serious diseases.
Brushing more, washing less
Animals with a thick coat of fur do not need to be washed with soap and water. If you bathe your dog too much, you’re removing the natural oils that protect his skin. This will only increase your pet’s risk of developing infections or conditions such as dermatitis.
Combing your dog will remove most of the dirt that builds up on a daily basis without removing these protective oils. Dust, mites and other debris are easily removed with a light daily combing.
Reasons to Brush Your Dog Regularly
Crawling should be a pleasant and relaxing activity for your dog. If your dog doesn’t like being brushed, it’s important to try to make it a positive experience for them.
Start by showing the comb while presenting one of their favorite prizes. After a few days, you can gently comb an area they like to caress, again be sure to give them plenty of rewards.
Over time, you can slowly increase this. Gradually increase the duration of your grooming sessions, scan different parts of his body and reduce the number of rewards. However, it is important to respect the animal’s boundaries. If you push too hard, you can accidentally turn a simple grooming session into a traumatic experience for your pet.
When grooming becomes a pleasant task for both dog and owner, it can be a great bonding activity that allows you to strengthen your relationship with your pet. Your dog will feel less stressed and will love you even more.
Take this opportunity to check her skin
Grooming time is the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at your pet’s skin. When combing, the hairs separate, allowing you to see the skin more clearly.
Any scars, changes in skin color, or thickening of the skin may not be easily noticed under a thick fur. If you brush your dog regularly, you can catch any problems early and make sure your pet gets the necessary treatment.
Comb your dog and prevent dermatitis
Brushing is essential for any dog, whether long-haired or short-haired. Brushing your dog regularly helps remove dead hair and allows air to reach the skin. This can help reduce the growth of anaerobic bacteria, which require an oxygen-poor environment to survive.
If you see any signs of dermatitis, it’s important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.
Regular scanning helps keep parasites at bay
While combing your dog may not be the best way to keep your dog parasite-free, it can help keep them at bay.
It’s always good to brush your dog after a walk in the countryside, especially in the spring. This will allow you to comb out any dirt and check for fleas or ticks.
