Every week there is one date I faithfully keep: “ablutions” time with my dogs. I don’t know why we started calling it that – probably when I was completely and totally addicted to Regency Romance novels. According to Webster’s Dictionary, “ablutions” is “a washing of the body, especially as a religious ceremony.”
We don’t actually do a full-body dog wash every week – I’m told that less frequent bathing is better for a dog‘s skin and fur – and it’s not really a ritual. We do trim nails, brush fur and teeth, clean ears, and wash faces. Because of the breeds we have; Brussels Griffons, Boston Terriers and French Bull Terrier struggles mightily to see what we’re doing. No matter how hard we try, we can’t seem to convince her that no one can see inside her own ears!
Dachshund
Keeping a dog’s nails trimmed is another part of the routine that can be challenging. Many people are wary of cutting the nails too close and hurting the dog by nicking the blood vessel. Some people avoid the problem by using a hand-held sanding device – but a light touch is essential. Power tools are exactly that – powerful. It’s better to do too little than risk hurting the dog. Most groomers and veterinarians will trim nails for a nominal fee. If you’re hesitant about trimming your dog’s nails yourself, it’s well worth the monthly visit to have a professional do the job. Even if you don’t trim nails yourself, take a look at your dog’s feet. See if their pads have any calluses or cracks or any abnormalities.
Lastly, a good brushing, in addition to taking care of any tangles, or mats in the fur, will make your dog look and feel terrific. You’ll distribute the natural oils that keep fur healthy and remove any dead fur that may have accumulated. By paying attention during brushing we discovered a growth on our Brussels Griffon we would not have discovered. A visit to the vet and a couple of stitches later, what might have been a major health issue later was disposed of with very little fuss. As with humans, early detection is the key for dogs.
Our weekly “ablutions” may not be as much fun as playing ball in the yard, but it is time well-spent with our beloved pets. Getting them used to the routine may take some patience but they’re well worth the effort.
Smelly Dogs May Need Ablutions
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