Grooming is an important part of your dog's health, with regular brushing and combing helping to remove dead hair and dirt and prevent matting. Dogs who are regularly groomed tend to have a healthier and shinier coat because it stimulates the blood supply to the skin.

There are, of course, medical benefits to regular grooming. Preventing the coat from matting can decrease skin disease. Bathing cleanses the skin and hair, and removes foreign substances, such as yeast, bacteria, parasites and allergens from the pet. Cleaning out the ears decreases the chance of ear infections. Clipping your pet’s nails prevents disorders of the feet, including lameness, which can occur if the nail growth is excessive.