Do you turn up your nose at your stinky dog? While odor is certainly one reason to prioritize bath time, the benefits of dog grooming go far beyond just smelling nice. A clean dog—and clean dog gear—helps protect your pup (and you!) from potential bacterial infections, while also supporting your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Incorporating a few simple grooming habits into your dog’s routine can help keep your pup healthier—and your home cleaner, too.

Dog Grooming Essentials To Prevent Bacteria

These hygiene basics are essential for maintaining your dog’s health and helping prevent potential illnesses and medical complications:

🫧 Brushing
🫧 Baths using gentle pet shampoo
🫧 Nail trimming
🫧 Ear cleaning
🫧 Dental care

Brushing your dog regularly helps remove loose hair, dead skin cells, and tangles. It also allows you to check your pup for ticks, fleas, or skin problems. As many dog owners know, tall grass—sometimes called “tick grass”—can act like a bus stop where ticks wait for their next host. Since tall grass is common in many outdoor areas, it’s a good habit to check your dog for ticks after walks.

Regular bathing and brushing also help remove bacteria from your dog’s coat and paws. Harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella can be found in feces, contaminated food or water, and other environmental sources your dog may encounter outdoors. Dogs can even pick up certain bacteria from other animals, similar to how humans can catch illnesses from each other.

There’s no need to panic, though. A small amount of bacterial exposure is normal and unavoidable. Consistent grooming simply helps keep bacterial growth in check and removes potentially harmful germs from your dog’s coat and skin.

Pro tip: If you’re in a pinch between baths, Wild One’s Grooming Wipes are great for quickly removing dirt, odor, and bacteria from your dog’s paws, coat, and ears after walks.

Don’t Forget To Clean Their Gear

Grooming shouldn’t stop with your dog; it should also include cleaning their gear, which collects dirt and bacteria during everyday use.

Your cleaning routine may vary depending on the material of your dog’s gear.

• Fabric gear: Wash with warm water, liquid soap, and a little baking soda. You can soak the items in a bucket and scrub them with a toothbrush if they’re especially dirty. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry. If you prefer a quicker option, Wild One Harnesses can also be washed in a washing machine on the gentle cycle.
• Flexible poly-coated nylon gear: Simply wipe them clean with warm water and a small amount of liquid soap. A toothbrush can help remove stubborn dirt.

Cleaning Your Dog Bowls

It’s also important to clean your dog’s food and water bowls regularly.

According to the National Sanitation Foundation, pet bowls are the fourth germiest item in many homes. This is because bacteria from your dog’s saliva can build up after eating and drinking.

Plastic and ceramic bowls are more likely to collect bacteria because they can develop scratches or chips that trap germs. Stainless steel bowls are often the better choice since they are more durable and easier to clean (check out Wild One’s stainless steel bowls!)

No matter which material you use, make sure to wash your dog’s food and water bowls daily.

“Pampering your pups isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. Keeping your dog and their gear clean is the first step to well-being, ensuring their joyous journey is free from the discord of bacteria and dirt.”
— Dr. Gabrielle Fadl

By incorporating these grooming habits into your routine, you can help prevent bacterial infections and support your dog’s long-term health. A clean dog is a happy dog.