The Dos and Don’ts of Pet Grooming
Part of taking good care of your pet is making sure that they look good! Beyond being stylish, though, good grooming is a big part of keeping our family friends happy and healthy. Keep reading for The Urban Pet’s top tips on the do’s and don’ts of pet grooming.
Pet Grooming Pitfalls
As silly as it may seem, good grooming habits don’t always come easily. Requirements can often vary a lot from pet to pet.
When it comes to pet grooming, avoid trouble by not:
- Waiting until your pet is super matted before seeking help
- Assuming that your pet will groom itself (cat grooming help is often overlooked)
- Not looking closely at your pet’s nails, ears, eyes, etc. periodically
- Bathing your pet in human shampoo as this can upset your pet’s skin pH
- Overbathing your pet (once or twice a month is plenty for most dogs, cats typically need to be bathed less frequently)
- Shaving a double coated dog fully when possible as this removed protection from both heat and cold and can increase sun exposure
- Putting any type of cleaner in the ears besides a commercial ear cleaning solution
The Must Do’s for a Good Groom
Good grooming is important to help your pet feel healthy and happy. The right habits can also prevent skin infection and irritation, split or uncomfortable toenails, ear infections, and motion restriction. Being on top of your pet’s grooming can also be helpful in aiding in the early detection of changes to their health such as weight loss, lumps and bumps, or skin issues.
Be sure that your pet grooming practices are on point by:
- Start slowly to get your pet used to the noises and movements of grooming and baths
- Brushing your pet several times a week (daily if longer haired) to prevent mats and help encourage healthy oil production and coat shedding
- Using a pet-specific shampoo for baths and rinsing well to avoid skin irritation
- Trimming your cat’s claws once every few weeks and your dog’s nails about every 4-6 weeks
- Cleaning your pet’s ears once-to-twice weekly and after bathing/swimming
- Considering daily tooth brushing or other home dental care for your pet
- Asking us for help if your pet does not allow certain things such as nail trimming or ear cleanings
- Finding a good groomer to help you keep up
Keeping up on your pet’s grooming routine is very important in maintaining good health. Paying close attention to the eyes, ears, nails, and overall hair coat can really help keep pets looking and feeling their best.
Many pet owners require the help of a professional groomer to care for their pet’s needs. Please let us know if you need help with dog grooming. We are happy to help you at our facility or to help you find quality pet grooming that fits your needs. Call us today!