As the months start to heat up, it’s not only important to keep your pet safe in the warmer temperatures, but to also stay vigilant about keeping up on your pet’s grooming regimen. Below are a few tips to make a potentially stressful process, smooth and pain-free.
Caring for your pet’s…
Coat: Whether your pet is a longhair or shorthair breed, it’s human instinct to think that their hair is more than likely making them miserable during the summer. Owners often have the urge to shave their pet, cat or dog. Many vets and animal experts advise against this because it may lead to skin problems. Instead, getting the right tool for your furry family member might be all that’s necessary to keep Fluffy and Fido cool. Regularly brushing your pet will remove any loose hair to allow a healthy air flow circulating through to their skin, as well as prevent any mats.
The Furminator is a favorite among animal lovers and vets alike, and is made for creatures great and small. Animal experts also recommend using two types of brushes when it comes to cats. A wide-toothed metal comb will help loosen excess fur from the undercoat, and a follow-up with a bristle brush will remove the loosened fur.
Baths: For cats and dogs, you should be using shampoos formulated for each, respectively. For both, if possible, start young so there is less time for negative associations with water.
- Dogs: Before bathing a dog, it is recommended that you brush them to get out any excess hair or dead skin. This is also recommended for after the bath as well. An important note to make when you’re bathing your dog is to protect their ears. It is not only uncomfortable, but waterlogged dog ears can also cause health problems.
- Cats: Cat grooming is a little bit different. Many cats are self-groomers, so this problem may take care of itself. However, if your cat does need a bath after a day of play, this will be more difficult, because chances are, your cat doesn’t love water. For the safety of your cat and you, I’d suggest contacting a professional licensed groomer for assistance or to just schedule Fluffy for a day at the spa. There are also waterless shampoos on the market that might be an easier, less stressful experience for both of you.
Paws and claws: Trimming your pet’s nails may seem like the worst part of all when it comes to grooming, for both you and your furry family member.
- Dogs: For dogs, keeping their nails trimmed is important since they will be spending much more time playing outside, and a broken or snagged nail could cause discomfort. Cutting your dog’s nails during or after a bath is the best time to do so because the nails are soft and easier to cut. If you choose to cut their nails during their bath it tends to lessen the likelihood of pulling their paws away from you. The bath provides a nice distraction thus making the nail trimming seem much less of an ordeal to them. If clipping nails isn’t your forte, Dremel has come out with an electric nail file.
- Cats: With cats, it is important to keep calm when trying to cut their nails, since most cats are not accustomed to having their paws handled. Some recommendations to make this process less painful are cat claw scissors, which have blunted ends to prevent cutting accidents for all parties involved. If you want to leave it to the experts entirely, check out some options in and around Everett.
Regular grooming will also help you keep an eye out for any ticks that may latch onto Fido during an outdoor adventure, and will help reduce Fluffy’s hairballs and mats. These are all proactive measures that will help prevent any discomfort for your pet. Continuing to keep your pet regularly groomed during the summer.
Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter. Plan a visit, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check out all of our adoptable pets. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel.
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