There’s Something in the ‘Hair’: Grooming Your Pet
As we enter the warmer months, grooming is a particularly important aspect of our pets’ health and comfort. Just like us, they can really benefit from the comfort of a nice, warm bath and well-brushed hair (although you can forego the soy candles and galaxy bath bomb for this bath time!). A well maintained coat looks and smells great, and frees your furry friend from the pain of tangled and matted hair.
A regular grooming routine isn’t limited to poodles and show dogs; horses, rabbits, and even cats are just a few of the animals who have been known to enjoy the benefits of bath time. Whether you decide to groom your pet at home or send them for a spa day at the pet salon, there are countless benefits to adopting a good grooming regimen.
The Benefits of Grooming Your Pet
– Spending time brushing your pet will strengthen the bond you have with them.
– Regular grooming improves skin and coat health, which reduces the risk of skin disease and infections.
– Shiny and healthy coats will shed less, which means less mess on the furniture!
– Showing your pet that being handled and brushed is fun and safe can make vet checks far less scary for them.
– Inspecting their skin while grooming will allow you to catch medical issues, like splinters and grass seeds, before they become a dangerous issue.
Grooming Techniques: Best Practices
It’s important to introduce new grooming techniques to your pet slowly and patiently over a period of time. If they are uncomfortable with something, stop and try again later. Make sure you keep plenty of treats and toys nearby to make grooming a fun experience that you both can look forward to.
Bathing: Different animals have different skin pH levels, so you should always use a shampoo that’s species appropriate. Adding a conditioner to your bath time fun will strengthen their coat, making it healthier and much easier to maintain. When you’re rinsing off the shampoo, try to avoid getting water in their ears as this can lead to a painful ear infection. Once they’re out of the bath, make sure they’re completely dry – this will prevent that ‘wet dog’ smell from spreading through your home.
Brushing: Gently brush knots from your pet’s hair every few days to keep their coat healthy and comfortable. This also helps with shedding, giving your vacuum a well deserved break.
Cleaning ears: Ask your vet about a species appropriate ear cleaning solution to keep your pet’s ears clean and reduce their risk of ear infections.
Clipping claws: Although their wild ancestors filed down their claws with tree stumps and logs, our beloved friends aren’t likely to have such a good manicure routine. Trimming their claws will help protect your furniture and arms from accidental scratches, however, cutting them too short can cause your friend some discomfort and injury, so make sure to be careful. If you’re unsure of the best trimming technique, ask your vet for a quick demonstration.
With this easy routine, you’ll have your furry friend’s hair looking healthy and clean. If you have any concerns about their skin or coat, or would like some further grooming advice, please book an appointment to see your vet.
