In the chaos of our own lives, we sometimes forget about our pets and their needs. Sure, we can remember to take them out every day, but that's a given. Spending extra time playing, bonding, and going the extra mile for your pet isn't something that's always at the front of your mind.
Pets of all shapes and sizes need to be hygienic to be healthy.
A pretty good indicator can be your own senses, primarily the visual and olfactory. Does your pet look dirty? Do they smell dirty? Then it's best to say it's time for a bath.
Giving your pet a regular bath helps protect healthy skin and hair; however, bathing too often can irritate their skin and increase risks of infections, so don't be the overachiever who tries to give a daily bath to their dog. It will only hurt them.
You know that brushing your own teeth is important, but you might be forgetting about your pet's. Keeping up with a dental routine for your pet is vital for fighting infection and inflammation.
Whether you use a dog toothbrush or a finger comb is up to you. Start with the back teeth and brush in circular motions along the teeth and gums, just like you would for yourself. Your dog probably won't enjoy this, so make sure you're keeping them comfortable with positive praise and pets to keep them encouraged. Reward them with healthy teeth treat afterward.
Every so often, you should take the condition of your pet's products into account. The more they slobber on them, the larger your concern should be with keeping the products clean. This means food or water bowls, toys, and even their doggy clothes should be regularly cleaned to avoid build-up of dust, dirt, and bacteria.
Cleaning toys often will make them better for both you and your dog to play with.
Making sure you and your pet are sleeping clean is especially important. If your dog sleeps on a dog bed, make sure to regularly wash it, and if they're sharing your bed, make sure you're going to measures to clean your bed. Even if your pet doesn't appear to be ill, they can pass infections to you through their fur and saliva. And many of the disease-causing organisms can live on your pet or in their environment (their dog bed or your bed) for up to 12 months without a host. Know when it's time to clean your pet's environment and when it's simply time to get a replacement for the sake of your sleep hygiene. If you aren't replacing your own bed every seven or so years, it's become a harbor of all the dust, mites, and other bacteria you both shed in your sleep.
Don't forget about the ears!
Cleaning your pet's ears may seem unnecessary, but trust us, it's important for your pet's hygiene. Regularly cleaning your pet's ears helps them avoid infections and stay healthy. To do so, use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning product and cotton balls. You can massage your pet's ear while you're cleaning it to keep them comfortable and occupied. Just be sure to never stick a cotton-tipped applicator too far into your pet's ear. Stay safe with cotton balls and only going as far as is easily accessible and visible from the exterior.
Skin care is for more than just women fighting early aging; it matters to your pet as well! Keep your pet's skin and coat healthy by regularly brushing their fur to keep their coat soft, smooth, and shiny. The longer hair your pet has, the more necessary this becomes. For long-haired breeds, you may need to brush your pet's coat as often as twice a week. For shorter-haired breeds, you won't need to brush as frequently.
Laurie Larson is a freelance writer based out of NC. She enjoys writing to help others live healthier and happier lives.