Grooming your pet at home not only keeps their coats healthy, but it also gives you an opportunity to bond with them and can help with early disease detection. It is also a great way to get your kids involved in pet care!
Bathing
Bathing can sometimes be a stressful event for pets so taking the time to form a positive association with baths will make bath time more fun for everyone! Don’t be afraid to use treats, toys, and lots of praise.
Tips: Always use dog or cat specific shampoos. Ask your vet whether a medicated shampoo might be right for your pet. Dogs only need a bath about once a month, while cats groom themselves more regularly and may only need a bath under special circumstances. Be sure to thoroughly rinse shampoo out of your pet’s fur!
Brushing
There are many benefits of brushing. Regular brushing prevents the formation of mats, which are dense tangles of fur that can cause irritation and discomfort in our pets. Brushing is also a great way to assess your pet’s body and may help to identify abnormalities early on, which should always be brought up to your vet.
Getting Started with brushing
There are a variety of cat and dog specific brushes available but choosing a general brush or comb is a great way to get your pet used to grooming. Give your pet a chance to smell the brush and then brush with gentle strokes while you reward with treats. Keep sessions short to start then increase the length of time as your pet learns to enjoy it.
Nails
Nail trims can be one of the most challenging parts of grooming but is also very important for the comfort of your pet. As with all at-home grooming, allow your pet time to become accustomed to the nail clippers with positive reinforcement. Playing with your animal’s paws, especially at a young age, allows them to get used to having their feet touched and manipulated.
How to trim nails
When trimming nails, it is important to avoid accidentally cutting the blood supply in the nail bed (known as the quick). This is easier in light coloured nails as the quick can be visualized. Trim small amounts at a time if the quick cannot be visualized.
