Cats are known to be very careful about their hygiene, spending hours a day licking their fur and cleaning themselves. But when it comes to dogs, many wonder: Do dogs clean themselves too? The answer is yes, but in their own way, and to a different extent than cats.
How do dogs maintain their hygiene?
1. Licking as a means of cleaning
Dogs use their tongues to lick parts of their bodies, especially if something bothers them, such as dirt, wounds, or any foreign substance. This habit helps them partially clean their fur and relieve itching or pain, but it's not entirely effective at removing odors or deep-seated dirt.
2. Shaking to Remove Dirt
When dogs come out of water or are exposed to dust, their first reaction is to shake rapidly.This action helps remove water or dirt from the body, and is a form of primitive cleaning.
3. Rubbing the floor or furniture
You may notice your dog occasionally rubbing against the floor, carpet, or even sofas. This action may be an attempt to clean a specific part of his body or get rid of a particular odor. Sometimes, it's simply an instinctive behavior or an itch.
Do dogs need to be bathed and groomed by their owners?
Even if dogs exhibit some self-grooming behaviors, they still need regular bathing, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and nail trimming. The frequency of grooming varies depending on the breed, coat type, and environment in which the dog lives.
Tips for Grooming Your Dog:
Bath your dog every 4-6 weeks (unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian).
Body Wash Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs with Green Tea & Bergamot 473ml
Wilda Siberica Oilplex Pet Shampoo 400ml
Brush his fur regularly to reduce tangles and remove dead hair.
Trixie Grooming Glove for Cats and Dogs
Dog and Cat Hair Removal Brush with Auto-Clean Button
Check and gently clean his ears to prevent ear infections.
Vets Plus Pest Ear Cleaning Pads for Dogs and Cats, 50 pieces
Bio Pet Active Ear Cleaner for Dogs and Cats 100ml
Brush his teeth two to three times a week to prevent gum disease.
Orozim Oral Care Gel for Pets 70g
Make sure to trim his nails if they become too long.