As a dog owner, you need to be sure that your dog is always comfortable, healthy, and clean. If you are not regularly grooming your dog, not only can it lead to them smelling bad and being unpleasant for you and your guests to be around, but it can also make your dog uncomfortable in their own skin. Believe it or not, dogs actually like to feel clean. On top of this, being clean and well-groomed can help your dog avoid many health issues, such as ingrown toenails. Here are five important grooming steps to regularly include in your dog's life:

1. Brushing: Your dog should be brushed regularly, especially if they are a long-haired dog. This ensures that you avoid mats in their fur, which can be painful and uncomfortable for your dog. Matted fur is also difficult to remove, so once it happens, you will likely have to shave your dog completely to actually remove them. Regularly brushing your dog can also remove loose dirt on their fur, which is important for keeping them clean in between baths, as well. 
2. Smoothing Fur With a Cloth: After brushing your dog, it's important to go over their fur with a cloth that will remove loose dirt and loose fur. This way, you can finish off your dog's brushing session by removing all debris that would otherwise cause matting. 
3. Checking Your Dog's Ears: While you are already getting your dog brushed, you should take the time to check their ears, as well. If they are dirty, clean them with a damp cotton ball, but only on the outside. Don't actually go inside of their ear, which can only push dirt and earwax buildup back into their ears. This can lead to deafness, which is definitely something you won't want to inflict upon your dog. Cleaning your dog's ears is important because it can help avoid possible infection in the future. 
4. Brushing Your Dog's Teeth: Brushing your dog's teeth every day is more important than you may think. Be sure to invest in a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed for dogs. This is going to avoid infections in the mouth that can even lead to oral cancer. This is a type of cancer that spreads quickly, which is why it's so important to avoid. 
5. Trimming Your Dog's Nails: Finally, you must be sure that you are regularly trimming your dog's nails. Be sure that you buy clippers designed for dogs that help you avoid cutting them too short. By cutting their nails, it helps avoid ingrown nails, as well as getting their nails caught on dirt or even carpet fibers that can lead to the nail being ripped out completely. 

When you follow these five grooming steps for your dog, you can be sure that they are in the best possible health. If you don't have time for this, then you can always have a groomer do all of this for you on a regular basis. For more information, contact local professionals like All Creatures Inn.