The Benefits of Regular Grooming for Senior Dogs
Grooming your senior dog might not always be the first thing you think of when it comes to taking care of them, but it's a vital part of ensuring their health and wellbeing. Dogs age differently than humans do, in many ways they are more vulnerable as they get older. The skin and coat, especially for wrinkly breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs, are particularly prone to infection if not properly looked after.
Regular grooming is one of the best things you can do to keep your senior pooch happy and healthy. In this blog post we'll look at why regular grooming is so important for older dogs, with specific emphasis on wrinkly breeds like those mentioned above.
Healthy Skin and Coat
The most important benefit of regular grooming for senior dogs is that it helps keep their skin and coat healthy. This is especially true for wrinkly breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs which have folds in their skin which can easily become infected if not cared for properly. Regular grooming also gives you the chance to check your dog's body for any signs of health problems or parasites such as fleas and ticks.
Senior dogs are more prone to skin issues because of their advanced age and weakened immune system. If your senior dog is scratching, licking, chewing, or showing other signs of inflammation or irritation in their skin folds and wrinkles, it is important to follow a regular skincare routine to keep their skin clean and protected.
Use a mild hypoallergenic shampoo made especially for dogs when bathing them. In between baths, keep them clean using Squishface Wrinkle Wipes. Our Wrinkle Wipes have phytosphingosine in them. Phytosphingosine is a pro-ceramide with anti-inflammatory and microbe repelling properties. It helps rebuild the natural ceramides found in the skin barrier which is critical in helping keep the skin healthy. Follow with Squishface Wrinkle Paste which forms a water-repellent barrier on the skin surface to keep moisture, yeast, fungus, and other bacteria away.
Mental Stimulation
Regular grooming sessions are also a great way to provide some much needed mental stimulation and physical exercise for your elderly pooch. Gently brushing and combing can help reduce stress levels while helping them stay active and fit. Regular grooming will also help keep their fur looking nice and shiny, allowing you to bond with your pet through praise and affection.
A Clean Environment
Finally, regular grooming helps keep your home clean and free of pet dander and fur. Regular brushing can reduce the amount of shedding that takes place in the house, making it easier to keep things tidy and looking nice. This also helps give your aging doggo a clean and comfortable place to live.
The Bottom Line
Regular grooming is an important part of caring for any dog, especially as they get older. Wrinkly breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs require extra attention due to their special skin folds which are prone to infection if not kept clean. Grooming sessions help maintain your pet's physical health while providing mental stimulation and exercise too. Plus that added bonus of a cleaner home! So don't forget to schedule regular grooming sessions for your beloved senior pup - they'll thank you for it!