Most people are aware of the typical benefits of grooming their dog such as removing knots and tangles in the coat, allowing air to flow through the fur much easier making the dog cooler, and giving the dog’s coat a nice healthy shine. But there are many lesser known benefits to a regular grooming regime for your pet.

It may come as a surprise for some dog owners to know that the simple act of grooming can do much more for their pet than just improving the look of the coat. By making grooming a regular activity with your dog you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the numerous health benefits that can be achieved.

Some of the many health benefits of grooming include:

1) Removes dead hair which improves the overall look of the coat as only new healthy hair is left behind. Better air circulation through the fur leaves your dog cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. Matted and tangled hair is also a common problem especially among active dogs which can be greatly improved by regular grooming.

2) The act of grooming improves blood flow to the follicles of each hair improving the health of the entire coat. The lymphatic system is also stimulated by grooming giving similar health benefits to those given by a massage for humans.

3) Improves the emotional state of your pet because of the bonding achieved whilst grooming. A gentle hand and kind voice while grooming goes a long way to building a bond with your dog and helps build trust between you and your dog.

4) Ability to notice any potential health problems by becoming familiar with your dog’s body. Tender areas for instance could indicate an injury of some sort which may require further investigation. It is also important to look for health dangers such as ticks which if left undetected can be deadly to your pet.

5) It is also a good idea to pay attention to your dog’s paws while grooming by clipping long nails and checking the pads of the feet for any sore areas that may need attention.

An entire chapter in my book “Canine-911!” is devoted to grooming and contains lots of information on the subject. By putting in a little time and effort you will be greatly rewarded with a healthier, happier dog. Even if you’re just starting to learn about correct grooming techniques your dog will still benefit greatly from the little time and effort involved in grooming.

Rebecca Prince is author of “Canine-911! – How To Save Your Dog’s Life” which gives First Aid and Healthcare for your dog and is essential reading for all dog lovers