By: Annie Ellmers

We know that you love your dog and that he/she is a part of the family. I have spoken with many prospective customers in the past, and always during the conversation I will get asked the usual questions, “How much does it cost?”, etc. Finally in the end I am asked, “How often should I wash my dog?”

You know that you love your dog; but should you believe that groomer or mobile dog grooming service that recommends having your pet bathed and/or groomed every 2 to 4 weeks? After all, isn’t it just a matter of them getting you to subscribe to yet another service you don’t need?

Actually, there’s far more to it than money. In fact, did you know a lack of grooming can negatively affect the state of your dog’s health? Here is how a “lack of grooming” or washing your dog can affect your dog’s health:

1) Dogs cool off by panting and by air circulating around and through their pads. Long hair impairs that ability, so a quick trim or cut can improve this circulation and allow your dog to cool easier.

2) Crust in corner of your dog’s eyes causes sores which can lead to your pet’s discomfort. These sores can only be seen after removing the thick crust upon grooming or washing. Many pet or dog owners believe that they can remove this crust simply with a hot wash cloth, which is a good remedy; however, the absolute best way to resolve this is with a wash.

3) Long and overgrown nails force your dog to walk on the sides of their pads. In the long run, this contributes to arthritis in the legs and hips.

4) Matted hair pulls and causes pain for your pet, and creates a breeding environment for fleas, ticks and their nests.

5) Regular cleaning and grooming of your dog can help identify skin issues as well as health issues such as "lumps" and "bumps and infections are more easily found. If these symptoms are identified in the early stages this can prevent expensive trips to the vet.

6) Your dog’s ears have hair deep within the inner canals that need to be trimmed and cleaned every 4 to 6 weeks; otherwise you risk inflammations and potential ear infections.

7) Hair in anal areas as well as the ears serves as hosting areas for nests, resulting in fleas dwelling in the inner canals of the ears and into the anal canal.

Clearing your dog’s private areas of hair is just plain good hygiene. This guarantees your dog’s excretions and stool will not stick and be carried indoors.

9) Some breeds have under-coats that build from shedding within. The outer and inner coat become thickly packed and form thick mats that are extremely difficult to remove, and may result in a much shorter cut than desired. If these breeds are brushed and cleaned regularly this can prevent the dog from having to be shaved.

10) Bathing your dog without first brushing creates small, tight knots referred to as pin knots. These types of knots make your pet’s grooming experience a painful and unpleasant one. Removing these knots may also result in a much shorter cut than you may have desired.

The Pooch Mobile is a mobile dog wash service that allows you to wash your dog every 2 to 4 weeks without having to wrestle your dog and children into the car, travel to the groomers and then all the way back home. Using a mobile dog washing service allows your dog to stay home where they are comfortable, and enjoy a more relaxing experience than having to travel to a strange place every time they are washed. Many of our customers have told us that they used to bathe their canine friend once or twice a year before using our service, and they did not understand the health risks associated with washing their dog. For any questions please feel free to contact Annie Ellmers or anyone of The Pooch Mobile operators in your area.