Follow this advice for your pet grooming schedule.
Pet grooming might seem superficial, but it does more good for your pet’s physical and psychological health than you might realize. You feel way better after showering and having clean teeth; imagine how well your pet would feel after brushing and washing! We’re taking a look at when to start grooming your pets and why it is so important.
What Entails Pet Grooming?
Pet grooming consists of some specific tasks:
- Brushing: Without routine brushing, pets’ coats can become matted, compacted, and dirty beyond belief. Even without bathing, brushing can help keep your pets’ coats somewhat cleaner.
- Bathing: Bathing involves multiple steps, including brushing, bathing, blow drying, and shaving.
- Nail trimming: Animals might file down their nails naturally in the wild, but your cat or dog is not a part of that demographic. Nail trimming prevents painful ingrown nails.
- Teeth brushing: Brushing your pet’s teeth routinely ensures oral and internal physical health and prevents bad breath.
When Can You Start Grooming Your Pets?
You can begin grooming your pets basically as soon as you get them home, within reason. If they are very young, it’s a good idea to get your pets used to brushing, teeth brushing, and being handled. You can start gradually and eventually reach a full grooming routine.
Grooming Cats vs. Grooming Dogs
Cats and dogs have different grooming needs, as do different breeds. Cats generally groom themselves, but having a bath at least every few months will benefit them. Cats can become dirty and greasy even with routine self-grooming. Some cats that deal with obesity or another condition could also be unable to groom themselves and need some help.
As for dogs, some dogs’ coats need more diligent care than others to prevent matting and other problems. Regular grooming is necessary for managing shedding hair as well.
When to See a Professional Pet Groomer
Professional grooming can give you a pet haircut that is way better than an at-home attempt. It’s best to get your pets used to grooming as early as possible so that they will not have anxiety or fear during the grooming session. Even puppies or kittens that don’t really need grooming can benefit from the early exposure.
Why Is Pet Grooming So Important?
Regular pet grooming is necessary for preserving your pet’s health on multiple levels. The more comfortable your pet is with grooming, the lower its risk of injury during grooming and the better its skin, fur, teeth, paws, and more.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!