Grooming is a very important part of pet care, for both cats and dogs. It might seem like a tedious task, but proper grooming will help keep your pet happy and healthy. Neglecting to brush your pet’s fur or trim their nails can cause them significant pain and lead to health problems later in life. Our vets explain why it is so important to groom your pet.
Pet Grooming Basics
Both dogs and cats need help from their humans to groom themselves. This might sound silly if you have a cat that spends hours every day licking their fur, but even the most fastidious cats can benefit from daily brushing.
A good grooming routine should include:
- Daily combing and brushing
- Daily toothbrushing
- Weekly bathing (for dogs)
- Monthly nail trimming
Grooming helps prevent many health problems, such as:
- Ticks and fleas
- Matted fur
- Ingrown toenails and foot fractures
- Bowel obstructions from hairballs (in cats)
How Often Should I Groom My Pet?
Some pets need more help with grooming than others. How often you need to groom your pet will depend on their breed, the length of their fur, and the time of year.
For example, some breeds, like hairless cats, need special care to keep their skin from drying out. And dog breeds with many wrinkles, like Shar-Peis, need their folds wiped down to prevent skin rashes and infections.
Cats and dogs with longer hair will need daily brushing, while a short-haired pet might only need brushing every few days. The time of year also plays an important role in grooming. Hot weather can be dangerous for pets with thick coats, and they will need extra brushing or a haircut to help them get through the hottest months of summer.
Five Benefits of Pet Grooming
1: Fewer Dental Problems
Brushing your pet’s teeth as part of a grooming routine keeps away gum disease and helps keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Daily brushing will even make your pet’s breath smell better!
2: Detection of Skin Problems
Skin rashes can be itchy and painful for your pet. They might bite or gnaw on their skin, which causes open sores and even infections. Daily grooming will help you detect skin problems like rashes so you can seek treatment before the problem grows worse.
3: Removes Painful Matting
Matted fur can be very painful for pets. If a mat gets caught on something, it can cause bruising and bleeding. Hair mats can also trap germs, debris, and vermin like fleas next to your pet’s skin.
4: Ensures Nails Are Short
“Pawdicures” are important for both cats and dogs. Nails that are too long can cause painful fractures, or curl into the paw creating an open wound.
5: Controls Shedding
Is your vacuum cleaner clogged with pet hair? Grooming your pet helps remove dead hair and other debris from their coat before it can spread around your home. The more often you brush your pet, the less loose fur they will have to shed.
Three Tips for Grooming Your Pet
- Use Treats—Most pets respond positively to treats. If they learn to associate grooming with snack time, they will be more likely to participate (or at least tolerate) grooming in the future.
- Go Slowly—Chasing your pet around the house is no way to start a grooming session. Wait until they’re calm and comfortable, and don’t try to do too much at once.
- Don’t Give Up—Grooming works best if done regularly. If your pet resists your attempts at grooming, consult your veterinarian or a professional pet groomer.
Veterinary Care in Gilbert Arizona
Grooming is only a small part of pet care. Every pet needs regular veterinary checkups and dental cleanings. Annual exams are a way to track your pet’s health, detect medical problems early on, and to consult your vet about making changes to your care routines as your pet grows older.
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we treat every pet like one of our own. With our talented veterinarians and experienced technicians, we are here to help you navigate every aspect of your pet’s health. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/18/24).