Record-warm winters unfortunately means flea and tick season for dogs in the northeast is starting sooner and may be worse than usual. Year-round flea and tick prevention for dogs in high-risk areas is the best practice, but dog owners should take extra caution when fleas and ticks become most active in the spring and summer.
Fleas and ticks are the most common external parasites found in dogs and they can carry and transmit diseases, which is why it is so important to protect you and your dog from infection.
How does grooming help with flea and tick prevention for dogs?
Regular grooming is an effective way to detect fleas and ticks early and prevent future infestations. Plus, flea and tick treatment for dogs is normally shorter and more effective with early detection. Fleas and ticks are tricky to spot and easily go unnoticed because they are small in size and can attach or burrow into dogs’ skin. Luckily, professional dog groomers are a great resource to learn about your dog’s specific grooming needs and will identify any fleas and ticks or evidence of them during grooming appointments.
Why is grooming important for flea and tick prevention?
Grooming your dog is just as important as annual vet checkups. Regular grooming is one of the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks from becoming a problem in the first place and stop future infestations. Grooming is an essential part of your dog’s wellness and preventative healthcare plan because it is rare to achieve 100% flea and tick control with medication. The importance of regular grooming is often overlooked by dog owners but it is key to dogs’ health and quality of life.
Why is it worth having your dog groomed professionally?
Many dog owners prefer to groom their dogs at home due to cost and convenience but having your dog professionally groomed saves time and energy. It can also take a lot of practice and patience to ensure your dog is groomed properly and safely, especially if you have a puppy or dog with long fluffy fur.
An experienced dog groomer will perform a thorough head-to-tail health check before grooming your dog and make you aware of any changes they notice in your dog’s skin and coat or potential health concerns when you visit them throughout the year. Groomers are trained to spot fleas and ticks and the warning signs of an infestation, such as red irritated skin, scabs and hair loss. If the groomer happens to find any fleas and ticks, they will tell you so you can immediately get your dog the medical care they need and remove them as soon as possible.
Dog groomers do it all and have the right tools and products
Professional dog groomers work with dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and behaviors every day. They know exactly what to do, which products to use and understand the specific grooming needs of your dog, which includes breed, coat type and the amount of time they spend outside playing and getting dirty. A professional full service grooming session can include shampoo and conditioning and a blow-dry, haircut or trim, coat brushing, toothbrushing, ear cleaning, nail trim and more. Groomers carefully brush out mats before bathing your dog, which is important because matted and tangled fur is uncomfortable, painful and creates the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. They use the correct brushes and combs for your dog’s coat type to remove damaged and dead hair and distribute their natural oils to stimulate blood circulation, hair growth, reduce shedding and get rid of dry flaking skin. Groomers also have nontoxic, gentle shampoos and conditioners that remove unwanted dirt, dander, debris and microorganisms like parasites, bacteria and yeast. Regular grooming sessions with the right dog grooming supplies can help dogs with their overall hygiene and wellbeing. The risk of fleas and ticks is inevitable, but taking your dog to see a groomer regularly is a small price to reduce the chance of fleas and ticks, skin irritations, infections, disease and even cancer.
How often should I groom my dog?
The frequency of taking your dog to the groomer is different for every dog. How often you brush, trim and bathe your dog largely depends on the length, texture and density of their fur. A professional groomer can help identify a routine that works well for your dog’s grooming needs. They can also give you tips on how to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy in between grooming appointments.
All dogs need to be groomed, including breeds that are considered low maintenance in the grooming department. Fleas and ticks are persistent in the environment and it only takes one bite to cause an infestation. If left unnoticed and untreated, fleas and ticks can multiply rapidly and lead to infection and serious health problems. Dogs bring so much joy to life and with regular grooming, you set the foundation for them to lead a longer healthier life.
At Five Star Dog Grooming in Auburn, New York, we understand the important role that grooming plays in your dog’s overall health and happiness. Our groomers treat each and every dog like a member of our own family. We provide full-service grooming and personalized services for your dog’s needs at an affordable price. Call us today at (315) 283-1435 to learn more about our dog grooming services and book your appointment online