Grooming Tips for Your Pets
Grooming is an important part of caring for your pet. This can seem daunting at times, but here are 10 tips that will make grooming your pet just a little bit easier.
1 Play with your pet’s toes, ears, and mouth. This gets him used to touch in areas that are normally sensitive and helps train him to tolerate it.
2 Take your dog or cat to the groomers early in life, even if just for a bath. It will familiarize him with both the groomers and the shop setting. So future baths and haircuts will be easier for both pup and groomer.
3 Did you know that matted hair is painful? Brushing your pet regularly will help prevent the pain and discomfort of matting.
4 After playing in the pool, brush your pup and wipe his ears dry. This will help prevent not only matted fur but also ear infections.
5 Are your pet’s nails too long? Trim your dog’s nails every two weeks and cat’s nails when needed to prevent the “quicks” from getting too long.
6 Quicks are a blood vessel in the nail. If you cut too close to it, you’ll cause your pet pain and his nails will bleed. Don’t cut the quick!
7 Is your cat shedding too much? Cats can receive haircuts, too. In fact, regular haircuts will help leave hair at the grooming salon and not all over your house.
8 Start brushing your kitten or puppy early. Getting them used to being brushed when they’re little and their hair is shorter makes brushing easier later in life, when it usually becomes even more important.
9 Is your dog’s fur matted? Don’t bathe him without removing the mats first. Mats only get worse after a bath, so try to either brush out or shave off the mats first.
10 Shaving a cat may seem like an easy task, but it is not! Cats have thin skin that can easily be cut if you aren’t careful. It’s best to leave cat shaving to the professionals.
If you have questions or concerns related to grooming your pet, call your local groomer or veterinarian—they’re always happy to answer any of your questions.
