Here’s how to keep your dog looking and smelling good

Bathing, grooming and attending to your dog’s dental needs will help them live their best life We adore our dogs no matter what, but they’re even more lovable when they look their best and aren’t stinky. Having that good-looking, odor-free pooch, though, takes a multi-pronged approach. Keeping their coat soft, clean and fresh is a great first step, but you also must focus on your dog’s nails, teeth and more.

Tips for an appealing canine appearance and scent

Bathing: Every dog needs an occasional bath. While bathing too frequently can strip the skin of essential oils, a bath every two to three months works for most pooches.

Using a dog shampoo that moisturizes and conditions the skin and coat will keep a dog looking and smelling great.

Grooming: Fur knots and tangles aren’t very attractive. They also can retain moisture and bacteria that lead to odors. Brushing and combing your dog’s coat with a dog grooming tool is the best way to remove loose fur to keep it free of matts. You can also trim it with a clipper whose blades are designed for pet fur.

Nail trimming: Not only do long nails look bad on dogs, they can lead to numerous paw problems. And they can break the skin easily if your dog scratches, which can cause infections. Trimming them with dog nail clippers or a grinder will prevent these issues.

Ear cleansing: If you don’t keep your dog’s ears clean, wax can build up and lead to smelly infections. A dog ear cleanser helps loosen debris so it’s easier to remove.

Teeth cleaning: Dental care also plays an important role in keeping dogs looking and smelling their best, as poor dental health can lead to tartar buildup, tooth loss and bad breath. While brushing a dog’s teeth with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste is an option, not all pooches are agreeable to this. Dog dental chews offer another way to promote healthy teeth and gums and odor-free breath.

Preventing fleas: No canine can look and feel good when they have fleas. These critters can cause excessive scratching, which can result in hair loss and skin irritation. Applying a dog flea preventative will keep the crawling parasites away.

For a pleasant scent on your pet’s coat, spritz a dog cologne whose ingredients are safe to use on your fur baby.