Translated by Nick R
There are different issues to deal with when having a pet at home, one of them is hygiene. Everyone wants their dog or cat to look well-groomed, clean, and smell nice. However, not all people have a hygiene routine for their pets.
Here I’ll show you how important it is to implement a hygiene routine and give you some tips to do it.
Table of Contents
Importance of good hygiene for your dog or cat
Aside from their aesthetic appearance, good hygiene will guarantee your pet’s good health.
Poor hygiene can cause problems such as:
- Scabies: Surely you have heard or even seen some pets with this problem. It’s a skin disease that causes itching and burning, and even inflammation. Deceased dogs or cats scratch excessively due to discomfort, causing hair loss and wounds or sores that can be serious.
- Gingivitis: It’s a dental disease previous to periodontitis, it causes gums inflammation and bleeding. Some symptoms are weight loss, bad breath, difficulty eating, and pain.
- Periodontitis: It’s caused by the accumulation of tartar on the teeth and creates an infection in the gums. If not treated, it can cause tooth loss and even serious infections that affect the organs.
- Ehrlichiosis: This disease is an infection that appears due to the bite of a tick; it causes fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, lack of appetite, and respiratory problems.
- Ringworm: It’s a skin disease caused by fungi, highly contagious even for humans. Yellowish crusts with a bad odor appear on the skin, as well as inflammation and hair loss.
- Otitis: It’s a painful ear inflammation caused by mites, allergies, or infections.
Hygiene tips for dogs
Now I’ll explain the steps you should follow to ensure your dog’s good hygiene.
1. Bathing
Bathing is an essential part of your dog’s hygiene since they pick up dirt when they go outside or play with other dogs. And whether you bathe them at home or send them to a dog groomer, you’ll surely wonder how often you should bathe them.
Puppies
Puppies are recommended to be bathed after three months of age when they have all their vaccinations up to date or they could get sick.
You can even wait a little longer if your puppy doesn’t need a bath after the vaccination, so you can make sure it gets better defenses.
If your puppy is dirty for any reason, you can use doggie wipes to clean it.
Frequency of baths
Too frequent bathing can cause skin problems such as irritation or dryness, or damage the natural oils in your dog’s skin, which make its coat shiny. The frequency will depend on your dog’s coat and health condition.
But in general, it’s not recommended to bathe them more than once a month, but if your dog has a short hair coat, every two to three months would be fine. If your dog gets dirty very often or has a lot of fur and gets greasy for some reason, you can also opt for dry bathing.
In fact, sometimes my dog’s coat gets dirty easily, so I have some special dog powders that help with the smell and also have antibacterial properties.
If your dog has any skin problems, you better go to your vet and he/she will tell you the frequency and type of products to use to bathe it.
Recommendation: use specific products for bathing your dog since our products may damage your dog’s pH. If you decide to bathe your dog at home and you don’t know where to start, you may be interested in our blog What should you know before bathing your dog at home for the first time?
2. Brushing and trimming the coat
Short-haired dogs won’t need to be brushed as often. However, you should do it from time to time to remove dirt, strengthen their coat and get them used to it, as some dogs don’t like it.
On the other hand, if your dog has a lot of fur, it’s advisable to brush it every day; they tend to pick up more dirt, and this way you’ll avoid tangles or hairs all over your armchairs.
Brush from top to bottom to make sure you remove all the knots and dead hair.
My dog, a Cocker Spaniel, has quite a bit of hair, especially on her paws and ears. She doesn’t like to be brushed and gets pretty nasty knots sometimes, so she has to be brushed every day. As she doesn’t like it very much, I do it for short periods throughout the day until she’s completely combed.
Types of brushes
You can choose from different brushes depending on the needs and tastes of your furry friend.
- The comb, my favorite, can detangle some problematic knots quite well, especially around the ears and paws, and is perfect for large areas such as the dog’s back.
- The brush with soft and hard bristles is ideal for large surfaces such as the dog’s back, and perfect if your dog has long hair. It’ll be faster to brush with this one. Besides, you can switch it with the soft part to not pull your dog’s hair.
- The brushes are ideal for dogs that shed a lot of hair, so you can quickly remove excess hair and untangle and smooth your pet’s coat.
- There are also gloves that you can use to run your gloved hand over your canine; however, I only recommend it for short-haired dogs as they do not untangle very well.
Concerning the coat cut, it will also depend on the type of dog and your preferences. Long-haired dogs need more frequent haircuts to maintain good coat care.
However, over-trimming is not recommended for dogs, as the hair protects them from the cold, and heat and even protects the skin against fungus or bacteria. It is usually cut if there are too many knots, but to avoid this remember to brush it daily.
Some people decide to cut their fur when it is very hot or in the summertime to make them “cooler”, but in fact, this will only leave them unprotected from the sun.
3. Teeth cleaning
Dental hygiene is also very important to avoid bad breath, tartar, gingivitis, or periodontitis mentioned above.
Therefore, it’s indispensable to include tooth brushing in your dog’s hygiene routine. Just go to a dog store or a veterinarian and buy a special toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs (never use your own toothpaste).
The toothpaste I have for my dog has a meaty flavor, and the important thing about this is that it’s non-toxic, as dogs won’t spit the toothpaste out like us, but will swallow it.
These pastes come in the same presentation as the pastes we use and have different flavors, some beef, some vanilla, mint, and chicken.
In the beginning, it can be a little difficult to brush your dog as it will bite the brush. First bring the brush close so it can smell it and get used to the object, then put some toothpaste on it and let it smell or lick it.
Next, lift its muzzle and start brushing its teeth, gently to avoid damaging its gums. From top to bottom to remove dirt.
Frequency of toothbrushing
You should brush your pet’s teeth 2 to 3 times a week.
4. Ear cleaning
Cleaning their ears should be done regularly since bacteria can accumulate in the ear and cause otitis. Dogs with large and droopy ears, such as the Cocker Spaniel, are more prone to ear infections.
The use of the little cups or isotopes is not recommended because you can damage the inner ear; for a proper cleaning, you can use a little gauze. Then, wrap your finger in the gauze and lift your dog’s ear and start cleaning the outside of the ear in circles until you remove all the dirt.
Frequency of ear cleaning
If your dog is exposed to the outside a lot, hangs out with other dogs and you walk it around different places, it will need cleaning at least once a week.
Otherwise, you can clean it every 15 to 20 days if it normally stays in the apartment and the environments it comes in contact with are well cared for.
5. Trimming nails
If your dog gets plenty of exercise, you won’t have much trouble with nail trimming; asphalt and other surfaces help to file your dog’s nails naturally. However, if your dog doesn’t get out much or its nails simply grow too long, you should trim them.
Very long nails impede your dog to rest its paw on the ground, making it difficult for it to walk and creating bone and joint problems. Also, they may slip on slippery floors.
A friend of mine usually takes her dog to a groomer where they bathe, groom, and trim its nails. One time she took a little too long to take it and the nails grew too long. The nails would get tangled and split when the dog scratched, which caused it pain.
On the other hand, it couldn’t walk either as the nails became curved and when it walked they would bury into the pads. She immediately had to take it to have its nails trimmed when she noticed this.
We recommend you to read our blog on how to care for your dog and cat’s nails.
Frequency of nail trimming
There is not an exact moment to cut your furry’s nails, you should check them. One way to tell if they need trimming is if you hear the nails rustling as it walks.
6. Clean your dog’s eyes
Cleaning your dog’s eyes on a regular basis will prevent the accumulation of eye gunk or eye infections. Some dogs and breeds have a major tear duct problem, such as the Cocker Spaniel.
If your dog is tearing too much and getting spots around the eyes, it is advisable to go to the vet to rule out an infection. For example, my dog has a tear duct problem that needs surgery, so she stains too much around her eyes and you have to keep cleaning her.
To clean them you can use a gauze and saline solution that you can buy in a pharmacy. Soak the gauze and wipe from the inside out where your furry one has the discharge. Use a different gauze for each eye. If you find a dry and hardened eye lick difficult to remove, you can heat the serum a little bit to remove it.
The eyes are also very exposed and delicate organs, they can have dirt or grime in them, so some people apply drops to their furry ones. However, before applying any medication to your pet, consult your veterinarian.
7. Wash the place where they sleep
It is important that your furry’s bed is clean, when they go outside, their paws and fur pick up a lot of dirt from the environment and from the contact with other animals, and they take it home. You can clean your dog’s paws with wipes when you get home to extend the washing time.
Cleaning your dog’s bed will also depend on what type of bedding it has. If you can remove the mattress cover, it will be much easier. You can simply wash the cover in the washing machine, but always check the label of the product to take into account the washing recommendations. Use a pet-safe detergent.
To wash the quilt you can wash it in a tub or in the sink by hand, use warm water and soap or pet detergents. Then make sure there is no soap left, wring it out well, and let it dry.
If your dog’s bed cannot be disassembled, you can wash it in the same way as the mattress, as well as frequently shake it to remove dust, and you can also vacuum it to keep it cleaner for much longer.
If perhaps your furry one leaves a lot of “dog” smell around the house, and especially in its bed, you can buy in a pet store a spray to eliminate odors.
Frequency
The frequency in which you wash your dog’s bed will depend on whether it is very active and likes to go outside and play with other dogs; you should also take into account the allergies of the canine or the people it lives with or if your dog sheds too much hair.
8. Flea and tick control
Fleas and ticks are very common parasites in dogs, they can create infections and diseases in the canine’s skin. And they can quickly infest the house.
If you see your furry one scratching too much, start looking for fleas on its fur, if you see at least one, you can be sure there are many, many more.
To quickly get rid of fleas you can ask your veterinarian for a flea medication suitable for your canine and you can also choose to bathe it with flea shampoo or soap for dogs.
Another option is flea collars, these produce a mixture of insecticide all over the dog’s body that is absorbed by fleas, ticks, and other parasites, preventing them from getting on the dog or if it was already infected: it will kill the pest. However, these toxic chemicals contained in the collar can be dangerous both for your pet and for people in contact with it. The chemicals get into the dog’s bloodstream and can affect the nervous system, and this, in some cases, would cause cancer.
So this option is not recommended.
9. Cleaning food and water bowls
Many people don’t wash the bowls where they feed their furry ones, but we must take into account that this is where we put the food and that they will have a lot of dirt, bacteria and even fungus if not washed frequently.
So it’s advisable to wash your furry’s bowls after every meal. Water bowls at least once a day. I wash my doggy’s bowls like I wash the dishes, just warm water and mild dish soap, and dry it with paper towels (make sure you don’t leave any soap residue).
You can have a dishwashing sponge, especially for your furry one.
Hygiene tips for cats
Cats are quite clean, and in fact, they are constantly cleaning or grooming themselves. Even so, owners should also make sure that their cat has good hygiene.
1. Bathing
Cats are rarely water-friendly, so it is recommended to get them used to it from a young age, starting at 2 or 3 months old. Of course, use shampoos or soaps that are special for cats as others can be toxic or cause an allergic reaction.
It is advisable to dry your cat with a towel, but be careful if you use a hair dryer because it may get scared.
You can also use a dry bath to make it less uncomfortable for your cat or to extend its water bath. You can find dry cleaning products in pet stores.
Frequency of the bath
This will depend on whether your cat gets very dirty, for example, if it likes to go out of the house. You should also take into account if the breed has a lot of hair or short hair.
Cats normally don’t need a bath so often, but depending on their particular needs it can be at least once a month, or between 2 to 3 months.
Recommendation: Bathe your cat if it starts to smell bad or has a greasy coat. You can also use wet wipes to clean it from time to time and delay the bath time.
2. Brushing and trimming the coat
Cats remove their dead hair when grooming themselves. The problem is that if you don’t brush your cat often, it will swallow too much hair and that’s where hairballs are formed in the stomach.
So, it’s advisable to brush your cat daily to remove that dead hair, especially long-haired breeds like the Persian, Chinchilla, Burmese or Siberian Forest.
Brush from top to bottom to detangle thoroughly and remove all dead hair.
Short-haired breeds can be brushed at least once a week.
Types of brushes
There are several types of brushes you can use:
- Carders have stainless steel bristles and are perfect for removing dead hair while distributing the natural oils of the skin, which promotes a shiny, soft coat.
- Gloves are more recommended for short-haired cats, as their bristles are soft, and massage the cat while brushing.
- The comb helps to untangle and avoid knots that may form.
Regarding the fur cut, it is not very advisable to cut a cat’s hair. It protects them from different environmental factors that can affect their skin. In addition, the fur, as well as that of dogs, has a thermo-regulating function; it protects them from cold, heat, and, for example, sun rays.
Some people decide to cut their hair because of the formation of difficult knots, but precisely to avoid this you should comb it frequently.
3. Teeth cleaning
Proper teeth cleaning is important to avoid infections, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss. Cats usually have a stronger character than dogs, so it may be more difficult to get them used to this.
Simply get toothpaste for cats (never use your own toothpaste as it can be toxic for your pet), you should also buy a toothbrush for cats and start teaching them.
It is advisable to start when the cat is small, so it will get used to it quickly and won’t be afraid or aggressive. If your cat is already an adult you must make sure it is calm, you can wrap it in a blanket to prevent it from moving too much and carefully lift its lip and start brushing it little by little.
Always brush from top to bottom to remove all food debris.
Frequency of brushing
Teeth brushing should be done daily, this way you can avoid more serious problems in your pet’s teeth, however, if for some reason you can’t do it daily, do it at least 2 or 3 times a week.
If your cat already has a dental problem, you should ask your veterinarian how to proceed.
Symptoms of dental problems:
Some symptoms you should be aware of to know if your cat has a dental problem are:
- Bad odor.
- Hypersalivation.
- Swollen gums, reddened, and in some cases bleeding.
- Pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fever.
4. Ear cleaning
Your cat’s ears can start to accumulate dirt and this can cause otitis, therefore you should include ear cleaning in your cat’s cleaning routine.
It is not advisable to use a cotton swab, earflakes, or also known as isopos in your cat’s ear: you might damage it, cause lacerations, clog the ear with wax or unintentionally introduce a foreign body inside instead of taking it out.
So, to clean the outside of your cat’s ear, you can use wet cat wipes to gently clean it, or use a cotton swab moistened with a special cat cleaner that you can get at a pet store or veterinarian.
If your cat needs a more invasive cleaning, you should take him to the veterinary clinic.
Frequency
Cleaning your cat’s hates can be done at least once a week.
5. Nail trimming
Cats don’t really need to have their nails trimmed, as they are essential for climbing, hunting, marking their territory, and defending themselves. In addition, cats’ nails are retractile, which means that they are not visible unless they pull them out; they keep them hidden until they decide to use them.
For this reason, many owners choose to buy scratchers with which cats file their nails themselves. And if your cat goes outside, it is likely to climb trees or different surfaces that will keep its nails in good condition.
On the other hand, if your cat doesn’t go outside or his nails grow too long, it can be a problem. You can cut its nails but only a little, just cut the tip and very carefully so as not to hurt it.
Of course, it has to be with a special nail clipper for cats so that it is an easy cut because with a normal nail clipper the nail will resist.
6. Clean your cats’ eyes
The eyes are very exposed organs and can be very sensitive to infections or other diseases, so it’s appropriate to have a cleaning routine to remove dirt.
Of course, you should never introduce something inside your pet’s eye, so here I’ll explain how to clean the external part, that is to say, around the eye. If you need any medication or drops you should consult your veterinarian first.
To clean the eye discharge, use gauze and a specific cleaner that you can find in pet or veterinarian stores. Simply soak the gauze with the cleanser or saline and wipe from the inside out the area around your cat’s eyes.
Frequency
If your cat doesn’t have much dirt and secretions around the eyes, you can clean them about twice a week.
7. Wash the place where they sleep
To avoid bacteria, viruses, or pests such as fleas, it’s important to maintain good hygiene in our pet’s bedding.
You can shake or vacuum the bed to remove excess hair or dust on a daily basis and use a brush to remove lint.
On the other hand, you can remove the bed cover and wash it in the washing machine with a special detergent for cats. And the mattress can be washed in the sink with a special pet soap or detergent.
8. Flea and tick management
These pests are common in our pets and can cause infections, hair loss, and allergies, so be aware of whether your cat has them.
So there are several products you can use to prevent them from getting on your cats or to eliminate them if they are already infested.
There are for example anti-flea pills, talcum powder, flea collars, shampoos, and anti-flea soaps. You should consult your veterinarian before using any product to avoid possible allergic reactions if your cat is already suffering from any condition, whether it is a disease, your cat is small or old, or even if your cat is pregnant.
9. Cleaning food and water bowls
It’s advisable to wash the bowls after each meal, remember that this is where you put your pet’s food and the last thing you want are viruses, bacteria, or other bugs that may affect your pet.
Regarding the water bowl you can clean it at least once a day, or when you see it empty; wash it before filling it again.
Use the same soap we use to wash the dishes, and you can do it with warm or hot water to remove any dirt easily.
Conclusion
Your pet’s hygiene routine is very important to avoid health problems, so all the points I gave you above are essential for your dog or cat to enjoy a good quality of life.
Remember that pets depend completely on us and we must treat them the best we can, so start the cleaning routine with your dog or cat as you now know how to do it.
