It is the responsibility of every dog owner to take care of their pet. Part of that care is giving it good grooming. With good grooming, you ensure that your dog not only maintains its beautiful, glossy coat. You also check for dirt and pests that may cause skin infections and other, more serious illnesses in your dog.
Many make the mistake of getting a Labrador Retriever because of its convenient wash-and-wear double coat. However, because it is a double coat, there is a tendency for it to trap dirt, sweat and grime so that you may not only end up with a smelly dog but with a pet with skin diseases as well.
Let’s take a look at how you can give your Lab a proper grooming by going through the steps one by one:
1) Inspection
Prior to grooming your dog, inspect its entire body from head to toe in the form of a gentle massage. Check for any dry or balding patches, lumps, bumps, redness, or other abnormalities.
Gently check the ears for redness, lumps, or ear mites. Feel each leg for any abnormalities. Pick up each foot. Wiggle each toe and feel in between them. Also, check the footpads for any wounds.
Any injuries, bumps or other problems should be taken note of for referral to a vet later.
2) Brushing
Give your Lab a thorough brushing once a week. Use a soft nylon bristle brush to remove tangles, dry hair, and dead skin.
The act of brushing also helps to stimulate the release of natural oils to maintain its glossy coat. Have a pair of blunt-tipped scissors on hand to snip away tangles and mats that are difficult to loosen with the brush.
3) Bathing
In truth, Labs thrive well outdoors. In fact, the natural air outside your house helps to keep your dog’s skin moist. Despite the need for more outdoor time, Labs don’t require frequent bathing.
In fact, bathing your dog too often can lead to dry skin. While it is recommended to bathe your Lab only when it gets dirty, it is better to give it a bath once a month to remove any dirt or odors that may have accumulated in its double coat.
Ask your vet what are the best shampoos you can use on your Lab. Be mindful of redness or itchiness that develops after bathing since your dog might be allergic to whatever bathing products you used.
4) Eye Cleaning
Make it a point to check your dog’s eyes regularly for signs of irritation and discharge. You can wipe any discharge with a cotton ball moistened with saline solution.
Yellow Labs may develop stains around the eyes caused by their tears. To remove the stains, start by applying a drop of mineral oil in each eye. T
his will serve to protect your dog’s eyes when you use a cotton ball moistened with hydrogen peroxide solution to remove the stains.
In cases of redness, irritation and discharge, do not apply any eye drops. Instead, bring them to the vet so that the right medication can be prescribed.
5) Ear Cleaning
Dirt and ear wax can accumulate in your Lab’s ears because of the downward fall of its ear flaps. In these cases, use a cotton ball or swab soaked with ear cleaner to remove dirt and ear wax. Do not poke the ball or swab deep into your dog’s ears.
Ear shaking or scratching, redness, or a foul smell may indicate the presence of ear mites or an infection. When you notice these signs, bring your dog to the vet for the appropriate treatment.
6) Nail Clipping
Nail clipping is one of the most important parts of grooming. Too long nails can cause major discomfort to your dog by forcing the footpads apart and thus affect his gait.
Dew claws also have the tendency to bury itself into your dog’s leg, which can be very painful. Clip the nails just above the quick. While you can see the quick easily in light-colored Labs, with black or chocolate Labs, do not cut too far down. If you end up clipping your dog’s quick, stop the bleeding with a styptic stick.
7) Brushing Teeth
Labs require daily brushing of their teeth, especially if they eat dry dog food. There is a tendency for dental plaque to form, which can enter your dog’s bloodstream and into the heart.
Use a pea-sized dollop of doggy toothpaste over a soft toothbrush. Gently brush the outer and inner surfaces of your dog’s teeth. In cases of tough dental plaque, the vet can remove it for you.
Some vets recommend giving dog food sticks as they help to keep teeth clean.
8) Watch out for pests
Check your dog for fleas, ticks and worms as they may cause serious diseases in your pet. In the presence of these pests, ask your vet on which products you can use to get rid of them.
Follow our simple steps above to ensure proper and thorough grooming of your Labrador Retriever.
