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Grooming Services
All dogs require regular grooming for their comfort and well being. Each dog's coat type will
determine the amount and frequency of grooming, but some elements are common to all dogs, such
as nail trimming, tooth brushing, ear cleaning, and brushing.
Regular grooming also has some less obvious but no less important benefits for our pets. A dog's
state of health is often indicated by the state of his coat and skin. A dull, dry coat or flaky
skin may be the first signs of a larger problem. Cuts, sores, eye and ear infections or other
injuries are easily noticed during grooming, and can therefore be attended to before they become
more serious. Pests such as fleas, ticks or mites can be identified and eliminated before an
infestation occurs, and other irritants such as speargrass or burrs can be removed before damaging
a dog's coat or skin.
More permanent features such as lumps, growths or weight problems can be monitored for any change,
which is especially important in older dogs.
Thorough brushing during grooming will reduce shedding, meaning less dog hair all over the house
(car, clothes, etc.) It will also prevent mats, and the skin problems and pain that can be associated
with mat removal.
A clean and well-brushed dog will also stay warmer in cold weather, as it is the air warmed by the
dog's body and trapped next to the skin by the coat that provides the insulating value. A dirty or
matted coat traps very little air, and provides very little warmth. In warm weather, the coat will
shield the dogs skin from the heat of the sun, keeping him cooler. It will also make him less prone
to sunburn and heatstroke.
Dogs that begin regular grooming at an early age adapt to it easily, and often learn to enjoy
the experience. Dogs not used to being groomed can find it a frightening and stressful experience,
as it is not part of their established routine. Their fearful and sometimes aggressive behavior only
increases their level of stress, making grooming an experience they learn to hate. Understandably
so, as the infrequently groomed dog is often matted, or experiencing other symptoms of neglect that
cannot be remedied by the groomer without causing pain to the dog.
For all pet guardians, one of the most valuable benefits of grooming is the time spent interacting
and bonding with their pet. Both guardians and dogs alike come to look forward to this special time
spent together. A clean, well-groomed dog is far less likely to be left in the backyard or the garage,
and more likely to be the interactive family member we want him or her to be!
Copyright © 2006 Pet Planet
The Regular grooming is essential for your cat's good health. A glossy, beautiful coat is a sign of
your cat's overall health and wellbeing. It not only helps your cat to look its best, it helps you avoid
more complicated problems like parasites and skin diseases. Most cats do a credible job of keeping
themselves clean, but they’ll need your help when it comes to preventing matted hair and fur balls, and
in detecting problems with their eyes or ears. If your cat is not used to being groomed, start with a
gentle combing in areas that it seems to enjoy and gradually work up to a full grooming session.
Shedding
Hairballs are common, especially in long-haired cats. To minimize hairballs, brush your cat thoroughly
and regularly or try a commercial hairball remedy, closely following package directions.
Brushing and Combing
For shorthair cats, we recommend grooming once a week with a natural bristle brush and a fine-tooth comb.
For Siamese and other breeds without an undercoat, you can substitute a rubber brush for the natural
bristled one. Longhair cats require more frequent grooming, usually two to three times a week unless it
is an outdoor cat. In that case, every day might be necessary. In order to properly groom your longhair,
you will need a wire brush, a wide-tooth comb and a fine-tooth flea comb.
Start by untangling your longhair with a fine-tooth comb or mat splitter. Carefully untangle mats,
working toward the skin, not away from it.
Next, use long, gentle strokes to brush your cat from the nose to the tip of the tail. Remove as much
dead and loose fur as possible. If necessary, rub your cat's coat with a nylon stocking to remove static
electricity.
Finally, give your cat the once over by running your hands over your cat's body, looking for any unusual
lumps or sensitive spots.
Bathing
In general, you should not have to bathe your cat, as they are very good at keeping themselves clean.
However, should bathing be necessary, use only warm water and mild soap, preferably a cat shampoo. Rinse
your cat thoroughly, dry it well with towels and keep it away from drafts until fully dried and fluffy,
as cats can easily catch cold. If possible, use two tubs or a double sink to speed up the bathing process.
Reasons you might need to bathe your cat are:
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Poison on its fur |
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It doesn't take care of its coat as it should |
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You are allergic and need to minimize allergens |
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You are about to show your cat |
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It needs a flea, tick, or lice dip |
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Bad weather has left it unusually dirty |
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