Monday 11 February 2013

Everything you need to know about pet grooming

Grooming is the general cleaning of an animal and should be done on a regular basis, sometimes even daily, depending on the breed and condition of the pet. Here are several reasons to have your pet groomed regularly:

  • To keep a check on the pets general health
  • To make your animal look better
  • To check for any scrapes or cuts that might be hiding under the hair.
  • Check for mats or lumps that you might want to tell your vet about
  • Reduces any infestation of fleas, ticks or other pests on the animal
  • Helps with the bonding between animal and owner; relaxes the animal
  • Overall cleanliness of the animal, it makes them smell better
  • It’s healthier for the pet owner to get rid of dried and hanging hair, as it keeps the pet dander down which helps with allergies

Whether you take your animal to a groomer or you do it yourself, in order to have a healthy pet it needs to be groomed. Some of the tools that are used in grooming are:

  • A comb with small teeth to remove any lumps or tangles in the fur.
  • Bristle brush
  • Clippers, shears or scissors for removing any tangles or mats that resist brushing or combing
  • Shampoos and conditioners, a bucket or tub to hold water for bathing and rinsing
  • Flea powder, spray or other type of pest control product
  • Nail trimmers made for pet grooming. Note: there are several types of clippers obtainable

You want your dog or cat to be healthy and happy, and keeping them clean and free from pests is one way of doing that. Pet grooming gives your pet energy and makes them happy. Remember, a clean pet is a happy pet.  Another aspect of grooming is the teeth and ears. The teeth and ears should be inspected along with everything else.  Make sure there are no hidden problems, loose or broken teeth and no ear infections.

How often should you groom your pet? That depends on the pet. If you have a long-haired dog they may require grooming more often, whereas a short haired animal only needs grooming once in a while. If they live outside, chances are that they will need more attention than one living indoors.  Pet grooming is important to both you and your pet; it is part of being a responsible pet owner.