There is no doubt that a well-groomed Doberman Pinscher is the epitome of beauty and elegance and it doesn’t take much effort to achieve such perfection. However, grooming is more that tending to a dog’s outward beauty. It is a health maintenance routine that can prevent oral, ocular, eye, or lameness problems. It can assist with early detection of health conditions such as tumors, arthritis, or skin infections. And most enjoyably, grooming provides one o the most pleasurable bonding opportunities for you and your dog.
A thorough grooming gives you the opportunity to check your dog’s body from head to tail, literally. Your Doberman’s nose should be checked for any discharge, his mouth should be examined for teeth and gum problems, and his eyes should be watched for excessive tearing, squinting, or cloudiness in the lens. Your dog’s ears should be checked for redness or swelling, but a good sniff may tell you more than a visual inspection will reveal.
The odor of an ear infection is unmistakable, and when caught early enough, it can be treated without veterinary intervention by daily cleaning with a cotton ball lightly saturated with rubbing alcohol. Run your hands over your dog’s entire body, including his head, neck, chest, back, belly, legs, feet, and tail. Do you feel any roughness of the skin, or any lumps or bumps?
Anything unusual should be brought to your vet’s attention. Handling your dog’s body in this way is more than a way to detect health problems; it is also great training for your dog. It desensitizes him to being touched, especially in those more sensitive areas. This can make him easier to handle in a variety of situations, especially during veterinary visits and show judge examinations.
Finally, examine your dog’s feet and tail. Check the pads of the feet for abrasions, and don’t forget to look between the pads as well because objects can easily become imbedded there. The rectum can be a prime location for the development of tumors, especially in older dogs, and it can also show evidence of tapeworms, diarrhea, or other health conditions. Don’t be too shy to take a peek under your dog’s tail!
Professional dog groomers are always on the alert for signs of health problems, and you can learn how to be just as observant. Because dogs tend to mask pain and discomfort, early detection of problems relies on paying close attention to their physical condition. When done regularly as part of your grooming routine, a health check can prevent a minor problem from becoming more serious. This, in turn, can reduce your veterinary expenses and minimize discomfort for your dog.