Dog Care: Health Risks That Can Be Detected During Grooming
All dogs require some degree of grooming to keep their coat and skin healthy. Large and longhaired breeds can be challenging to groom, so regular grooming appointments will ensure their coat is kept in the best condition and they are comfortable when walking and playing. However, groomers don't just shampoo your dog and trim their hair and nails. As important as good doggy hygiene is, groomers also use their experience to spot signs of health problems that owners could easily miss. During a grooming appointment, your dog's skin, paws, ears and eyes will be checked over and your groomer will let you know if they notice anything of concern. Here are three health risks that can be detected during a grooming appointment.
Ticks
Ticks are prevalent across Australia, and your dog is particularly susceptible to ticks when walking through long grass and wooded areas. A tick can live on your dog for months and can also lay eggs in your dog's skin. Tick bites can cause localised swelling and bacterial infection. Ticks can also carry and transmit a number of illnesses including Lyme disease, which can cause fever, lethargy and lameness. Grooming can uncover a tick that was hidden under long hair and allow for prompt removal and treatment if required.
Growths
Growths, such as cysts, skin tags and tumours can be hard to see under a coat of thick hair, but identifying abnormal growths early could save your dog's life if they turn out to be malignant. Your groomer will check your dog's entire body for any lumps or bumps that shouldn't be there, and they can also report back any changes to growths that you were previously aware of.
Infections
If your dog has been running around in woodland or playing with other dogs, they may have small abrasions or cuts that you haven't noticed. Areas of broken skin can lead to skin infections, and bacteria can also enter the bloodstream through broken skin. As your groomer shampoos your dog's coat, they will inspect the condition of their skin and report back any concerns. Untreated bacterial skin infections can lead to sepsis, which can be fatal. So, skin checks are an invaluable part of a grooming appointment.
These are just a few examples of health risks that can be detected during a grooming appointment. Regular grooming is an important aspect of maintaining your dog's health and if you don't already have an experienced groomer for your dog, your vet may be able to recommend a local groomer.
For more information about pet grooming, contact a local groomer.