GROOMING IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALTH

Grooming your pet isn’t just about making them look nice; it’s a vital part of keeping them fit and healthy. How often you groom your pet will depend on it’s coat type but every pet should have a thorough grooming session at least once a week. Daily grooming will be required for long coated pets. Less grooming may be required (or possible) for small pets such as hamsters and gerbils but they should still be handled and checked over regularly.

BENEFITS OF GROOMING

Grooming you pet can be a great bonding experience and also provides an opportunity for you to thoroughly check your pet over.

While grooming you will notice any skin changes, lump and bumps; you will feel whether your pet is getting fat or thin; you will be able to remove thorns and grass seeds before they become a problem. It will really help you know what is normal so you can seek help early when things are not normal.

Grooming removes dirt and dead skin cells from the coat. It also stimulates the circulation in the skin and spreads oils along the hair shaft which can improve the condition of the skin and coat.

Regular brushing helps the skin maintain a healthy bacterial population which reduces the risk of infection, and keeps your pet smelling sweet!

Grooming produces relaxing chemicals in the brains of both dogs and their owners (and probably other pets too) so it’s time you both should really enjoy!

BASIC GROOMING

Check the nails aren’t too long or cracked; trim if necessary.

Check between the pads of cats and dogs for balled up fur, especially if the weather has been hot (tar can melt into the fur) or cold (ice can ball up the fur) and for grass seeds in summer.

Check that the genital area is clean, dry and not smelly (especially rabbits- check daily!).

Use a comb to remove any knots, tangles and seeds from your pet’s coat. Support the skin so you don’t hurt your pet. If the knots go right to the skin either consult a groomer or slide a comb between the skin and the knot before attempting to cut the hair off.

The type of brush used on the body will vary with coat type. Zoom Groom and Furminator brushes are great while pets are moulting while a bristle brush is good for stimulating the circulation and adding a shine.

A damp cloth wiped over the fur brings out the shine on most coats and removes any scurf.

Check and clean the teeth of dogs (and maybe cats!) with a pet toothpaste. If there is lots of scale, pus or bleeding consult your vet.

Some dogs and cats benefit from regular ear cleaning too but ask your vet about the best products to use for this.

If your dog has a lot of coat consider getting it stripped or trimmed; but take advice from the groomer on the most suitable way to deal with the coat and be aware that the coat won’t be as weatherproof if clipped.

Bathing is sometimes required but should be kept to a minimum in a healthy pet as it can strip the oils from the coat.