Why It's Important To Groom Your Dog and Cat

By: Laurie Brzostowski

Most people think of grooming as a luxury.  Far from it.  Grooming is important to their health and happiness.

My dog actually likes going to the groomer and making sure that your dog can actually handle grooming is something you need to start when they are very young.  They need to be able to accept brushing, bathing, nail clipping etc., so get them used to being groomed at a very young age.

Keeping your pet well groomed not only makes for a clean-smelling companion, it also helps keep your dog more comfortable and allows you to spot health problems before they become serious, or even life-threatening.

Matted Fur:  Have you ever had your hair in a ponytail that was just a little too tight? Maybe your hair was just bunched up or stuck together? A mat can feel the same way to your dog or cat — a constant pull on the skin. Try to imagine those all over your body, and you have an idea how uncomfortable an ungroomed coat can be.  Regular grooming also allows you to look for lumps, bumps and injuries, all while clearing mats and ticks from the coat. Follow up with your veterinarian on any questionable masses you find, and you may detect cancer early enough to save your pet's life. 

 

A Cleaner Home: Grooming removes loose hair, dandruff, and any particulates in your animal’s fur, preventing them from dropping off around your house. It can also help prevent triggering allergies, if you or someone in your household has them. Animal hair and dandruff are also a main component of dust and grooming your pet can help cut down on the amount of dust as well!  

Nail Clipping: When a cat or dog’s nails are left untrimmed, several things can happen. The nail can break or tear off, a painful experience for the animal. Ingrown nails can become infected, as can split claws. If you don’t feel comfortable cutting your pet’s nails yourself, take them to a grooming salon in your area.  I am not comfortable cutting my own dog's nails so we make a trip to the groomer every few months.

Ears and Teeth: Both dogs and cats can get ear mites, small parasites that manifest as black dots in the ear. Dogs are more amicable to having their teeth brushed than cats, and are also more prone to gum diseases like gingivitis. If your animal’s breath is not appealing, brushing its teeth can help remove any plaque buildup and freshen up your dog's breath.  

If you can do all of these above in your own home, that is wonderful.  If you aren’t able to do any type of grooming in your home, for whatever reason, find a reputable groomer in your area.  I take my dog twice per year to a groomer in April and August for a full grooming and I take him into the groomer every 3 months for nail clipping.

Making sure your pet is happy and healthy is your job as a pet parent, so make your grooming appointment as soon as you can.

can keep your home cleaner. Grooming removes loose hair, dandruff, and any particulates in your animal’s fur, preventing them from dropping off around your house. It can also help prevent triggering pet-related allergies, if you or someone in your household has them. Animal hair and dandruff are also a main component of dust and grooming your pet can help cut down on the amount of dust as well! - See more at: http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/2011/08/15/how-to-keep-your-pet-healthy-grooming/#sthash.naVfz54H.dpuf

It can keep your home cleaner. Grooming removes loose hair, dandruff, and any particulates in your animal’s fur, preventing them from dropping off around your house. It can also help prevent triggering pet-related allergies, if you or someone in your household has them. Animal hair and dandruff are also a main component of dust and grooming your pet can help cut down on the amount of dust as well! - See more at: http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/2011/08/15/how-to-keep-your-pet-healthy-grooming/#sthash.naVfz54H.dpuf