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Pet Grooming

Pet grooming is important to not only the appearance but also the health of your pet. How to groom, what to use and how long to expect it to take depends on the species of pet you have. Pet grooming also provides you with a great opportunity for hands on bonding with your pet.

Dog grooming helps your dog look and feel his best. A good quality dog brush is an essential grooming tool. Regular brushing removes dead hair, stimulates the dog’s skin and redistributes natural oils. Clippers can be used to trim your dog’s hair if it grows long. Be sure to introduce the clippers to the dog slowly and gradually, as many dogs are frightened by them at first. Let the dog sniff them and get used to the clippers being used near their body before you ever turn them on. Your dog should also be placed on a slip-free surface and held well while being clipped, to help ease anxiety.

The frequency with which your dog will need to be bathed depends on both the breed and the dog’s lifestyle. Shorthaired breeds generally do not need to be bathed as frequently as longhaired breeds and dogs that stay predominantly indoors can often go longer between baths than outdoor dogs. Dog shampoos include a wide array of products; to simply wash the dog, wash and condition the fur, have built-in detanglers, include deodorant or include flea protection. There are waterless shampoos for dogs who truly hate baths and damp, shampoo-treated mitts for easy cleanings between baths.

Cat grooming shows your cat that you care and builds your bond with them. Many cats are good groomers but they can always use a little help. Longhaired breeds, in particular, require grooming. Most shorthaired cats can be brushed once a week; longhaired cats should be combed daily. To groom your cat you will need a soft-bristled brush. For longer-haired varieties you may also want to use a comb. If you need to bathe your cat there are several shampoo products available. For a quick clean-up there are moist wipes or for those hesitant to completely wet down your cat there are water-less shampoos.

If possible, start grooming your cat on a regular basis when they are kittens. If you have a grown cat who is not accustomed to being groomed start slowly and frequently. Get the cat used to being brushed by gently brushing just the tips of his hair and gradually brushing deeper. Always brush in the direction that the fur grows, not “against the grain.” Work up to a brushing session each day to get your cat used to it. Most cats will quickly grow to love being groomed.

Grooming for other pets depends on the species. For example, rabbits should be brushed weekly and their nails should be trimmed every few months. Ferrets need their nails clipped every week or two, ears checked for mites weekly and gently cleaned regularly and teeth cleaned regularly. With all animals pet grooming helps improve their appearance as well as their health and provides important bonding opportunities with their human companions.

QC-PR-011607-AM

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