A new haircut is a great way to feel and look good. For our pets, grooming them properly is important to keep them happy and healthy.
Grooming your pet at home is a great way to bond with them and care for them. It can also save you time and money.
These simple tips will help you to avoid hairballs and excessive shed by grooming your cat or dog at home.
Brushing your pets
By regularly brushing your dog’s fur, you can keep it in good shape by removing dirt and spreading natural oils. You will also prevent tangles or matting, and keep their skin free of irritation.
It is important to brush your pet’s hair regularly to prevent mats. Matted hairs can cause irritation and can even lead to wounds becoming infected and blood flow being restricted.
Top 10 dog grooming tips every pet owner should know
Bathing your pet
Your veterinarian can advise you on the best bathing schedule for your dog or cat.
- Fill a large bathtub or sink with a depth of 3-4 inches lukewarm lukewarm.
- Use a spray bottle or a cup that won’t break to completely wet your dog. Do not spray water directly in their eyes, ear, or nose.
- Massage gently in a shampoo specially formulated for pets.
- Repeat as necessary. Use a damp washcloth to wipe their nose, ears and face.
- If your pet has longer hair, you may need to use a conditioner. In this case, you can follow the shampooing and rinsing step with a conditionering and rinsing step.
- After the shampoo and conditioner have been rinsed out, gently squeeze the excess water from the coat of your pet.
- Resist the urge to rub the towel around the pet’s coat. This can cause knots, which are difficult to remove.
Trimming the nails of your pets
If you hear your pet walking and their nails are clicking or snagging on the floor, it’s time to trim them. Trim their nails if they are clicking on the floor or snagging. 2 Ask your vet or groomer for help if you’re unsure.
- Purchase nail clippers for dogs or cats. You can choose between two types – the scissor and the guillotine. Select the style you feel most comfortable using.
- Try wrapping a towel around cats or wiggly pets and putting them on your lap. Pull them close to you and grab their paw firmly. The tip of the fingernail should be cut at an angle from the top to the bottom.
- Repeat the process to remove a bit more, but stop at the blood supply which runs into the nail.
- If the quick starts bleeding after you accidentally cut it, hold a paper towel or a clean cloth to the wound. Then, in your hand, place some styptic or cornstarch and gently dip the bleeding fingernail into it. Let it clot to stop the bleeding. Contact your veterinarian if the bleeding continues.
Brushing teeth
You can prevent oral problems such as gingivitis or tooth loss by brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. Good oral hygiene can even help detect other diseases. Bad breath that persists beyond the normal “doggie breath” can indicate digestive problems or gum conditions. Your veterinarian should examine your pet if you notice this persistent bad breath.
- You can get your pet accustomed to being brushed with their teeth by massaging the lips gently in a circle using your finger. Repeat until your pet is comfortable.
- Use a veterinarian-recommended toothbrush and toothpaste (these have softer bristles and won’t irritate their sensitive stomachs, unlike their human equivalents.
- Brush in a small circular motion at a 45 degree angle. It is often easier to clean the upper teeth than the lower.
- Repeat 2-3 times a week, or as directed by the veterinarian. 2
Use these tips at home to keep your pet looking and feeling great. Don’t forget to give your pet a reward at the end.
REFERENCES:
- Hair comes Trouble: Why pets need regular grooming. American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (ASPCA). https://www.aspca.org/news/hair-comes-trouble-why-pets-need-regular-grooming.
- Dog Grooming Tips. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips.
- Cat Grooming Tips. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips.
