Grooming is an essential part of keeping any dog. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to keep your dog hygienic at all times. Just as we brush our own teeth and take showers to stay clean and healthy, dogs require the same kind of care. If you are serious about bringing a dog into your home, learning how to properly groom and care for your dog is of the utmost importance.
Coat
Chugs are known for their short hair, which thankfully means that their coat does not need to be trimmed. However, their coats are known to shed quite badly, and this is even more of an issue if they are not regularly brushed.
You should brush your Chug’s coat once a week, and, during shedding season, at least three times a week. Later on, we will also take a look at some diet supplements that can help reduce shedding.
Face and Eyes
Chug eyes often produce a lot of fluid, which means their eyes tend to be crusty or goopy. You might notice this even more in the morning, right after your dog has woken up. To keep your dog’s eyes clean, you should use a warm, damp washcloth and gently wipe your dog’s face.
While some amount of discharge is expected, keep an eye out on the amount and color of discharge your dog is producing. If your dog’s eyes begin to excrete thick, discolored discharge, or your dog’s eyes appear swollen or red, it may be suffering from an eye infection.
Teeth
Chugs, like most small dogs, are prone to experiencing many dental and gum diseases. Due to the anatomy of their skulls, Chugs are also more susceptible to mouth pain or tooth breakage. To keep your dog’s mouth as clean and healthy as possible, regular brushing is very important.
Establishing a routine method of tooth-brushing can be difficult at first, but if you start when your dog is a puppy, both you and your dog will eventually adopt it as a regular part of life. Start slow, with a single swipe of the tooth brush to get your dog used to the sensation, and be sure to offer a reward each time when starting out. After a while, you can build up to regular teeth-cleaning sessions. Ideally, this should be done twice every day, but should be done at least three times a week at the very minimum.
Choosing not to brush your dog’s teeth can come with serious consequences. Infection can cause severe discomfort and pain, and in some cases, even tooth breakage. In more serious cases, infection can spread throughout your Chug’s body and even lead to death.
If your Chug’s teeth get bad enough, it may need to be put under anaesthesia by the vet, who will then give your dog a deep teeth cleaning. Sometimes, your dog will even need to get teeth pulled. Recovery for teeth pulling is long and painful for dogs, making it hard for your Chug to eat properly, or even play with toys and bones.
To ensure your Chug is the healthiest it can possibly be, regular teeth cleaning is absolutely essential.
Nails
Keep an eye on your dog’s nails. They should be trimmed short to prevent any discomfort or difficulty walking. If your Chug gets a lot of outdoor exercise, its nails will likely need to be trimmed less frequently.
A good way to test the length of your dog’s nails is to see if they naturally touch the floor. If they do, they are too long and should be trimmed a bit shorter.
Bellies
Chugs’ bellies are naturally close to the ground, and they tend to get dirty relatively quickly, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Keep an eye on your Chug’s belly to make sure it is clean. You’ll likely end up cleaning your Chug’s belly every day or two.
Chugs also require regular bathing. Once a week is ideal, but you should go no longer than six weeks without giving your dog a bath. Unfortunately, baths tend to be quite an ordeal for Chug owners. Chugs hate water, so it’s a good idea to keep plenty of towels handy. Providing treats and praise can be a good way to make bath time as pleasant as possible.
Be mindful of the soaps, shampoos, and conditioners you use on your dog. Look out for any rashes, discomfort, or other adverse reactions that may suggest a sensitivity or allergy. If you do notice any symptoms, consult your vet to find a soap that will be comfortable for your dog.
Food and Supplements
Be sure to provide your Chug with high-quality food. Cheap foods tend to have a lot of filler items that add empty calories and very few nutrients. Most Chugs only require a cup of food every day, but you should talk with your vet to find a routine diet that works best for your dog. Keep in mind that Chugs are often prone to obesity, so take care not to overfeed.
You can also provide supplements to your dog’s diet. Fish oil, for example, can improve the health of your dog’s coat. There are also special foods that are specifically formulated to reduce shedding and make your dog’s coat shine!
Grooming Services
If you are interested in paying for grooming services, it’s important to find a groomer who knows what they’re doing. When looking for a groomer, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! A reasonable groomer will let you see the facilities where they work, and even let you sit and watch for a session if you’d like. You should also do plenty of research on your groomer, and even ask clients about their experiences. After all, you want to make sure your dog is in the best of hands!
WebMD has a great list of some things to look for in a professional groomer so be sure to check that out before starting your search. See Dog Grooming FAQ: What to Look for in a Dog Groomer on WebMD. Additionally, the AKC has a good set of questions you might want to ask potential groomers directly. Checkout 12 Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Groomer!
Stay Alert
Grooming is also the perfect time to keep an eye on your dog’s health. Be attentive to any unusual changes in your dog’s body, including an increase in shedding or tooth plaque, unusual lumps, bites, or ticks, and the like. Monitor your dog’s appetite and activity levels, as well. With regular grooming, you will be able to check on your Chug’s wellbeing, and you can rest well knowing your dog is happy, clean, and healthy!