Caring for your dog goes beyond feeding and regular exercise—it involves preventive measures and a thorough hygiene routine to keep them healthy and happy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of caring for your dog's hygiene, providing you with practical tips to help your furry friend look and feel their best every day including:

• Establishing a hygiene routine to support your pet's well being

• Dog care tips for brushing and bathing your dog

• Maintaining your dog’s nails, ears, and teeth

• How Scenthound can support your dog care journey

• Responsibilities and considerations of being a pet parent

The Basics of Dog Hygiene

Creating a regular hygiene routine is essential for keeping your dog healthy and happy. This routine should include bathing, nail care, ear cleaning, dental care, regular brushing, and haircuts if your dog requires them.

Bathing Your Dog

Whether you have a big or small dog, bathing them is a key part of their hygiene routine. Bathing is crucial in removing dirt, odors, and allergens from your dog's coat, ensuring they stay fresh and comfortable. It also helps control shedding, prevent skin conditions like allergies and dermatitis, and reduce the risk of matting, which can lead to skin infections. It also promotes overall skin health by preserving natural oils and maintaining hygiene by removing bacteria and parasites.

All dogs need regular bathing but some may need more frequent baths if they spend a lot of time outdoors or have specific health needs.

Here are some tips to make bath time effective and stress-free:

• Use Dog-Friendly Shampoo: Human shampoos can be too harsh for dogs. Choose a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs to avoid skin irritation.

• Lukewarm Water: Use lukewarm water to keep your dog comfortable during the bath.

• Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse all the shampoo out of your dog’s coat to prevent skin irritation.

• Dry Properly: Towel dry your dog or use a pet-safe blow dryer on a low setting to avoid overheating.

We know life is busy and bathing your dog can be a challenge for some pet parents! At Scenthound, we've got you covered with our Basic Hygiene service.

Brushing Your Dog's Coat

Whether your dog has short or long fur, brushing your dog’s coat is important for removing loose hair, dirt, and preventing mats. In addition it improves circulation, distributes natural oils, and enhances bonding.

Here’s how to do it:

• Choose the Right Brush: Different brushes work for different coat types. For example, slicker brushes are great for long-haired dogs, while bristle brushes are better for short-haired breeds.

• Brush Regularly: Aim to brush your dog at least a few times a week. For long-haired breeds, daily brushing is ideal.

• Be Gentle: Use gentle strokes and pay special attention to areas where mats can form, like behind the ears and under the legs.

• Check for any issues: Regular brushing sessions provide an opportunity to check for lumps, bumps, parasites, and other skin issues that might need veterinary attention.

Nail Care

Keeping your dog's nails trimmed is essential for their comfort and health. Overgrown nails can cause pain and even lead to infections. Here's how to maintain your dog's nails:

• Regular Trimming: Trim your dog's nails regularly to prevent them from becoming overgrown. This not only helps maintain their comfort but also reduces the risk of nail problems such as splitting or snagging.

• Use Proper Tools: Use high-quality nail clippers or grinders designed specifically for dogs. Clippers should be sharp to ensure clean cuts without crushing the nail.

• Know the Anatomy: Understand the anatomy of your dog's nails. Be cautious not to cut into the quick, which is a sensitive blood vessel and nerve inside the nail. Cutting into the quick can cause bleeding and pain.

• Take It Slow: If your dog is not used to nail trimming, introduce the process gradually. Start by touching their paws and nails gently, then progress to clipping one nail at a time. Reward your dog with treats and praise to make the experience positive.

• Be Prepared for Bleeding: Have styptic powder or cornstarch on hand in case you accidentally cut the quick and your dog's nail bleeds. Apply a small amount of powder to the bleeding nail tip to help stop the bleeding.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Make nail trimming a positive experience by associating it with rewards and praise. This helps your dog feel more comfortable and cooperative during nail care sessions.

  If you're uncomfortable trimming your dog's nails or if your dog is particularly sensitive, consider seeking help from one of our experts at Scenthound or your veterinarian. They can trim your dog's nails safely and effectively.

Ear Cleaning

Dogs need their ears cleaned regularly to maintain ear health and prevent various ear problems. Here are the key reasons why ear cleaning is important for dogs:

1. Prevents Ear Infections: Regular ear cleaning helps remove dirt, wax buildup, and moisture from the ear canal, reducing the risk of bacterial or yeast infections. Clean ears are less likely to develop the warm, moist environment that bacteria and yeast thrive in.

2. Removes Excess Wax and Debris: Cleaning your dog's ears removes excess ear wax, dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that can accumulate in the ear canal. This helps prevent blockages and maintains proper ear hygiene.

3. Reduces Odor: A build-up of dirt and wax in the ears can lead to unpleasant odors. Cleaning your dog's ears regularly helps keep them smelling fresh.

4. Early Detection of Issues: During the cleaning process, you can inspect your dog's ears for signs of infection, irritation, parasites, or other abnormalities. Early detection allows for prompt veterinary attention and treatment if needed.

5. Comfort and Well-being: Dogs with clean ears are generally more comfortable. Regular cleaning can prevent itching, discomfort, and the urge to scratch or shake their heads excessively.

6. Supports Overall Hygiene: Clean ears contribute to your dog's overall hygiene routine, promoting their health and well-being.

7. Part of Preventive Care: Incorporating ear cleaning into your dog's routine helps prevent the development of more serious ear issues that could require veterinary intervention.

   So how do you clean your dog's ears? Here are some tips:

• Check Regularly: Look inside your dog's ears for dirt, wax buildup, or signs of infection, such as redness or a bad odor.

• Use a Dog-Safe Ear Cleaner: Apply the cleaner to a cotton ball or pad, and gently wipe the inside of the ear. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push debris further into the ear.

• Don't Overdo It: Clean your dog's ears once a month or as recommended by your vet. Over-cleaning can cause irritation.

Dog Haircuts

Did you know that 9 of the 10 most popular dog breeds like Frenchies, Labs, and Golden Retrievers don’t require haircuts?

That being said, there are dog breeds who require haircuts as a part of their care (like poodles) and for these dogs it is important to trim when necessary to keep them comfortable, prevent matting, and avoid mobility issues due to overgrown hair.

Sparkling Smiles: Dog's Teeth Care Made Easy

Oral hygiene is often overlooked, but brushing your dog’s teeth is crucial for their overall health. Your dog’s smile is more than just adorable—it’s a key indicator of their overall health. Dogs need regular dental care to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Neglecting your pup's oral health can lead to pain, infections, and even more serious health problems. Here are some tips for keeping their teeth and gums healthy:

• Brush Their Teeth: Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Aim to brush your pup's teeth at least a few times a week.

• Dental Chews: Provide dental chews or toys designed to help clean their teeth and reduce plaque buildup.

• Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular veterinary visits to ensure your dog’s oral health is in good shape.

  Additionally, ensure that your dog's food and water dishes are kept clean to prevent bacteria buildup.

How Scenthound Can Help

At Scenthound, we are not your traditional dog groomer! We go beyond regular dog grooming care with wellness-focused hygiene services to help your dog live a happy and healthy life. We separate our services into three parts — basic hygiene, blow-outs, and haircuts — so you can choose the services that best suit your dog’s needs, and only pay for what you want.

We offer:

• Bathing Services: We use dog-friendly products to ensure your dog’s skin and coat stay healthy and clean.

• Nail Care: Our professionals take care of trimming your dog’s nails safely and effectively.

• Ear Cleaning: We provide thorough ear cleaning to prevent infections and maintain your dog’s comfort.

• Dental Care: Our dental services help keep your pup's teeth and gums healthy, reducing the risk of oral diseases.

• Haircuts: Not every dog needs a haircut but if your pup does we can help!

• Specialized Services: From our Problem-Skin treatment to shedding treatments we offer tailored services for your pup.

By partnering with Scenthound, you can ensure that your dog receives the best possible care, making it easier for you to be a responsible and loving dog parent.

Tips for the Responsible Pet Owner

Caring for your dog’s routine hygiene care is essential for your pet’s health and well-being. As discussed, regular bathing, brushing, nail care, gland checks, ear cleaning, and dental care all play a vital role in keeping your dog happy and healthy.

In addition, taking your dog regularly to the vet, providing a healthy diet and keeping your dog's bedding clean will further help support their well-being. These are all steps that a responsible pet parent can take to improve their dog’s quality of life.

With these tips and the support of Scenthound, you can provide your canine companion with the best care possible. Remember, a well-cared-for dog is not just a happy dog but a healthy dog, and that makes for a happy pet parent. Find a location near you!