Dog Longevity Survey Part II. How Important is Grooming to Longevity?

Do you think that grooming could have anything to do with longevity? Looking pretty and clean doesn't seem to have any bearing on health, does it?

Everybody who took the Dog Longevity Survey, though, feels that grooming is at the very least somewhat important to longevity. Why would that be?



Extremely important23.33%
Important53.33%
Somewhat important23.33%
Not important  0.00%
I don't know  0.00%
Other  0.00%

Clearly, it doesn't have anything to do with looking pretty and smelling like roses.


Even though being nice and clean might impact your dog's couch priveledges, it's not about that.


Regular grooming helps keep skin and coat healthy. Brushing helps distribute body oils. It stimulates nerve endings. It releases "happy hormones." Nail trimming helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Toothbrushing assists in preventing dental disease.

Regular grooming can help prevent injuries, and it can help discover health issues early.

With your hands, you can feel for ticks, scabs, lumps or bumps. The sooner a tick is removed, the lower the odds that she will transfer a disease. Lumps or bumps, even if cancerous, can be curable with surgery if discovered early.

Being familiar with how your dog's body normally feels, you might be able to detect any swelling on joints or bones.

Problems are best prevented or caught early.


Regular grooming can assist with some of that. So don't dismiss regular grooming as something for prissy dogs only.


Related articles:
Dog Longevity Survey Part I
Dog Longevity Survey Part II
Dog Longevity Survey Part I Results
How Important Is Weight Management for Longevity?

Comments

  1. Three Chatty CatsJanuary 31, 2018 at 7:00 PM

    Interesting! We have to get our dog groomed regularly because he has hair, not fur. Good to know this is likely contributing to his longevity!

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    1. DawgBloggerFebruary 3, 2018 at 11:48 AM

      Ah, yes, some dogs have to be groomed thoroughly. Every dog benefits, though.

      Delete
  2. Sandy KubillusJanuary 31, 2018 at 11:26 PM

    Regular grooming also catches fleas and ticks. I also brush my dog's teeth every day. Decades ago, my sister gave me her old cocker spaniel when she moved away and you could smell his breath across the room. Brushing their teeth and grooming them is good for everyone!

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    1. DawgBloggerFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:07 PM

      Yes, it does. A lot of things that could sneak under the radar can be found during regular grooming.

      Delete
  3. Happy-Go-DoodleFebruary 1, 2018 at 12:14 AM

    Interesting survey and such an important topic! Caring for our dogs is another way to bond with them. It's one of my favorite times of day! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. DawgBloggerFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:09 PM

      Yes, it's great for bonding too. Provided the dog enjoys it; my girls weren't that much into it. But Cookie now loves the "grooming glove" I decided to try.

      Delete
  4. BethFebruary 1, 2018 at 1:52 AM

    Since two of my dogs have long hair, I tend to think of grooming as keeping them comfortable and presentable. However, I also check my short haired dog for ticks and bumps all the time. I never really thought about brushing him since he has such short hair. I'll have to add that to my list.

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    Replies
    1. DawgBloggerFebruary 4, 2018 at 12:10 PM

      Long-haired dogs definitely need much more grooming but every breed benefits.

      Delete
  5. Seville at Nerissa's LifeFebruary 1, 2018 at 8:25 AM

    I'm a cat and not a doggy BUT I do believe groomin' is super important to my health, too. The more hair the peeps comb up, the less hair I have to swallow. Plus, if there's somethin' amiss, peeps are more likely to notice while they're spendin' groomin' time with me. purrs

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  6. Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and CatsFebruary 1, 2018 at 12:15 PM

    So true. Regular grooming means you are familiar with your dog's body, and can catch injuries and bumps early on.

    —Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats

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  7. Sonja of Montecristo TravelsFebruary 1, 2018 at 12:39 PM

    I take the mats out every day - and run my fingers across the fur in a purposeful way to feel how soft the fur is (if not I adjust omega oil) and I also massage him and look for lumps etc. he loves it and I walk away knowing he's ok.

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