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Hairballs, long nails, shedding, and matted hair are just a few of the grooming problems that pets face. Proper grooming is essential to help prevent these issues, keeping your pet healthy and fresh regularly.
With several countries under lockdown and hard financial times, you may find it hard to get your pet professionally groomed. For this reason, it’s a great time to learn how to groom your pet at home. Grooming will help control shedding, maintain a healthy coat by removing dead skin and hair, and improve coat ventilation. Not only are the necessary products readily available at reputable vendors such as Pet Life Store, but they are also affordable.
Just follow these simple tips on grooming your dog or cat at home to keep them looking and feeling fresh at all times.
Brushing Your Pet
Our pets need a good brushing every so often. It helps spread their natural oils, removes and prevents tangles and matted hair, and keeps their skin clean and irritant-free. Additionally, brushing allows you to check for ticks and fleas.
Pets enjoy rolling in the grass and dirt, so it is not uncommon for them to pick up these parasites. Their soft, warm fur provides a perfect breeding ground for these insects and can cause dermatitis, Lyme disease, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia.
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Bathing Your Pet
Our furry friends need a bath at least once every three months. Their fur collects a lot of dust and sweat, leaving them dirty and smelly. Bathing is possible anywhere in the house but is best done in the bathtub. Ensure that the surface is not slippery to avoid the pet feeling anxious and unsafe.
Vendors stock a wide variety of shampoos available for both cats and dogs, which are specially formulated to deal with parasites, hair loss, or allergy relief, depending on your pet’s needs. Once you select a shampoo and conditioner, be sure to purchase a towel, nail trimmer, pet toothbrush, and cologne if you wish. These items can be used for a long so that you can save money over several washes.
Now that you have the necessary bathtime tools, follow the steps below:
- Begin by filling the tub with 3-4 inches of lukewarm water.
- Wet your pet with a hose or cup. Avoid spraying into their eyes, ears, or nose.
- Scrub with the shampoo.
- Rinse and repeat depending on the amount of dirt.
- Use a wet washcloth to wash and wipe their face and nose. Please pay special attention to their ear flaps and get all the dirt out.
- If your pet has long hair, you will most likely need a pet conditioner as such, massage in a conditioner, and rinse.
- Try and squeeze out the water and pat the towel on their fur. Avoid rubbing the towel in circles to avoid knotting.
- Finish off by spraying your pet with your choice of cologne for that fresh scent. You can choose from various scents such as lavender, apricot, blueberry, bubblegum, and cherry.
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Trimming their Nails
Your pet’s nails may grow surprisingly long before you notice. A clear sign is when you hear tapping or clicking when they walk. At this point, you can trim their nails with a clipper.
There are two types of clippers: the guillotine or scissor type. Choose whichever you are comfortable with.
Wrap them in a towel when mellow and hold their paw firmly for wiggly dogs and cats.
Avoid cutting too close to the quick, which is the tender flesh growing below the nail since it can bleed. Trim slowly and repeatedly to prevent injury to the quick.
Brushing Their Teeth
Just like humans, pets can have dental issues too. Tartar, gingivitis, tooth loss, and infections are common amongst pets, and many vets will advise you to brush your pet’s teeth regularly. Other than preventing oral diseases, it also reduces bad smells. If you wonder where to find a pet-appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste, most pet stores will have quality brands, and vets can also guide.
Get your pet used to having their teeth brushed by gently massaging their lips with your finger. They will eventually get used to the feeling and be comfortable with brushing.
Start by brushing in small circular motions. Try to do this at a 45-degree angle.
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Conclusion
Pets require proper care and grooming at frequent intervals. Brushing your dog’s coat, for instance, is essential in keeping it healthy and getting rid of damaged or old hair. It also keeps their skin in good shape reduces grease on the coat, ensuring the skin breaths well. Accumulation of grease blocks the pores causing irritation and various skin conditions.
While professional groomers exist, COVID restrictions and challenging economic times have limited pet owners’ ability to do this. However, it is possible to groom your furry friend at home. Our straightforward guide will help you get started and have your pet feeling fresh and clean regardless of your financial position.