Grooming is an essential element of pet ownership. It promotes good health and helps to form a bond between you and your animal. Here are a few grooming facts from our Carrollton vets.
Dog Grooming
The breed and lifestyle of your pet will determine the grooming habits you should have for them. Dogs who spend large amounts of time outdoors, or with very long or thick coats will require more grooming than short hair dogs that stay inside. All dogs require regular basic grooming to keep them looking and feeling their very best.
Starting a regular grooming routine while your pet is young is key to making grooming calm and enjoyable activity for you and your dog.
1. Bathing
Bathing your dog regularly can help to remove dirt from your dog's coat and keep them smelling fresh. When you Bathe your dog, use warm, not hot water to prevent injury. You should also purchase a specially formulated dog shampoo to clean your dog's fur. Never use human shampoo on your canine pal since human formulations could cause your dog's skin to become dry and irritated. Rinse your dog thoroughly to ensure that all of the shampoo has been removed. If your dog has very long or difficult fur, use a dog-specific detangling conditioner to make brushing easier.
Shorter-haired dogs need to be bathed every 2- 3 months, however, dogs with longer fur may benefit from a monthly plunge. If you're unsure of how often you should bathe your dog, once a month is a good rule of thumb.
2. Brushing
Dogs enjoy being brushed so add this to your daily care routine. Brushing helps to prevent matting, removes old hair from your dog’s coat, and prevents skin irritation. Weekly brushing also allows you to monitor the health of your dog's skin and coat. The other positive about brushing is that it can reduce the amount of loose fur floating around your home.
For most dogs, weekly brushing is ideal, although some breeds such as Portuguese Water Dogs or Bichon Frises will need to be brushed more frequently to keep their coat looking great.
3. Nail Trimming
Nail trimming is essential for all dog breeds so invest in a nice trimmer for dogs or take them to the groomer to get it done. Nail clippers specifically designed for dogs take a little longer to use but dogs react better to them.
If you are nervous about cutting your dog's nails, or if your dog won't tolerate you trimming their nails, make an appointment with a professional groomer. A trained groomer can get your dog's nails trimmed quickly and calmly so you won't have to worry.
4. Haircuts
Different breeds have very different requirements when it comes to haircuts. Speak to our Carrollton vets to find out how often your dog should have a haircut.
To give your dog a haircut, begin by bathing and towel-drying your canine friend. Next, take a pair of sharp scissors and trim the fur around your pet's face and feet. Finally, use electric clippers to trim the rest of your dog's fur.
Professional groomers have all the tools to make haircuts for your dog quick and easy. If you'd like to leave your dog's haircut to the professionals, contact us for more information.
5. Paw Care
Whenever your cat jumps into your lap to be petted, take a few minutes to gently examine their paws. Check for cuts, scratches or any swollen areas. If you detect any blood or pus or notice a bad odor, see your vet. It's always best to treat issues early before they become serious.
Trimming your cat's nails may help to minimize furniture scratching around the house. If you begin trimming your cat's nails when they are young it should be an easy process. However, if your cat is unwilling to tolerate nail trimming, begin by touching and gently playing with your cat's paws when the clippers aren't nearby. As your cat gets more accustomed to having their feet touched you can gradually move on to trimming a single nail each session.