Here’s how to keep your dog looking and smelling good
How to best attend to your dog’s grooming needs
We adore our dogs no matter what, but they’re even more lovable when they look their best and aren’t stinky. Having that good-looking, odor-free pooch, though, takes a multipronged approach. Keeping their coat soft, clean and fresh is a great first step, but you also must focus on your dog’s nails, teeth and more.
Tips for an appealing canine appearance and scent
- Bathing: Every dog needs an occasional bath. While bathing too frequently can strip the skin of essential oils, a bath every two to three months works for most pooches. Using a dog shampoo that moisturizes and conditions the skin and coat will keep a dog looking and smelling great.
- Grooming: Fur knots and tangles aren’t very attractive. They also can retain moisture and bacteria that lead to odors. Brushing and combing your dog’s coat with a dog grooming tool is the best way to remove loose fur to keep it free of mats. You can also trim it with a clipper whose blades are designed for pet fur.
- Nail trimming: Not only do long nails look bad on dogs, but they can also lead to numerous paw problems. And they can break the skin easily if your dog scratches, which can cause infections. Trimming them with dog nail clippers or a grinder will prevent these issues.
- Ear cleansing: If you don’t keep your dog’s ears clean, wax can build up and lead to smelly infections. A dog ear cleanser helps loosen debris so it’s easier to remove.
- Teeth cleaning: Dental care also plays an important role in keeping dogs looking and smelling their best, as poor dental health can lead to tartar buildup, tooth loss and bad breath. While brushing a dog’s teeth with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste is an option, not all pooches are agreeable to this. Dog dental chews offer another way to promote healthy teeth and gums and odor-free breath.
- Preventing fleas: No canine can look and feel good when they have fleas. These critters can cause excessive scratching, which can result in hair loss and skin irritation. Applying a dog flea preventive will keep the crawling parasites away.
For a pleasant scent on your pet’s coat, spritz a dog cologne whose ingredients are safe to use on your fur baby.
Best products to improve how your dog looks and smells
Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste for Dogs
The enzymes in this toothpaste clean dogs’ teeth naturally for better oral health and fresher breath. Most dogs like the poultry flavor, which makes them agreeable to having their teeth brushed.
Grinding a dog’s nails is easier when the tool isn’t overly noisy. This model earns praise for being fairly quiet, yet powerful for excellent results. Because it runs on a rechargeable battery, you aren’t limited by a cord.
Available at Amazon
TropiClean 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo
More than just shampoo, this product is formulated with conditioner for fur that’s fresh and soft. Its awesome scent leaves pups smelling great.
It’s a bonus that most dogs like Greenies’ flavor. These dental treats’ main benefit is the design and consistency that help remove buildup of tartar and plaque while freshening breath.
Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Shampoo
This dog shampoo is gentle yet effective, with a natural formula that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients. Infused with soothing oatmeal, it’s a good choice for dogs with itchy skin. Its scent is light and appealing.
Oxyfresh Premium Dental Gel Dog Toothpaste
Made without harsh ingredients, this is another quality dog toothpaste formulated with enzymes. Its flavorless gel formula is simple to use.
Available at Amazon
Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleanser
Not only is this dog ear cleanser gentle for sensitive ears, it also has a nice scent. It flushes out wax and debris, making the job of cleaning ears easier.
Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Brush
This gentle yet effective grooming brush lets you whisk away shedding fur without hurting your dog. It also works well for removing matted fur without pulling.
Available at Amazon
Easy to use and affordable, this nail grinder isn’t extremely noisy. It’s lightweight and a good choice for small breeds.
Andis ProClip Two-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper
With adequately quiet operation and easy-to-clean components, this clipper works well for most dogs. Its sturdy pro-level construction is made to last for many years of home grooming.
Available at Amazon
K9 Advantix II Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs
K9 Advantix II is a top-selling flea preventive that’s waterproof and lasts four weeks or longer with each application. It also deters ticks, flies, lice and mosquitoes.
A pet cologne is the finishing touch, giving your dog a pleasant aroma that lingers. Bodhi cologne for pets comes in a choice of 10 fragrances, is gentle and also softens fur.
Available at Amazon
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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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