Of course, we all spend time grooming our pets. If we are lucky enough to have enthusiastic subjects, these hours spent together give us and our furry friends quality time to bond while we brush, comb, scrub and bathe our dogs. We all know that good grooming creates a full, shiny coat, but grooming can also be the first, best defense when it comes to your pet's health.
Grooming and bathing your pet is a great opportunity to get a closer look at your dog's or cat's overall health. While making your pet more beautiful, take the time to push its hair aside and examine the skin underneath, checking for signs of ticks, fleas or other skin irritations. In addition, look for areas where the hair may be matted, tangled, or showing signs of dandruff, etc. If your pet seems to have areas where it is extra sensitive, gently check these areas with extra care. If you find no signs of illness or parasitism, it may be that your pet has a general sensitivity to being touched in this area. By learning where your pet enjoys being touched and groomed - and where it is more sensitive - you can make grooming more enjoyable for your dog, and make it more likely that your pet may actually come to enjoy its bath time. Letting your dog sniff the brush or comb before you begin grooming, and speaking in a reassuring tone while your groom your pet, you will keep your pet calm and healthy.
Regular grooming is absolutely essential to any dog's health and overall well-being. Regular brushing, combing and bathing provides a number of benefits for your pet. Attention to your pet's scalp and coat stimulates its skin, and releases the oils that will bring a luster to your pet's fur. In addition to the ailments mentioned before, this is the perfect time to check for inflammations, lumps or hair loss that may presage a serious illness or condition.
Here are a few tips on proper grooming:
Combing
Always comb in the direction of your pet's hair growth, and deal with small sections at a time. This will allow you to find all the tangles and mats, and remove them effectively. If you discover a particularly stubborn mat, carefully remove it with scissors. It is in the combing stage that you are most likely to find any abnormalities with your dog's scalp. In addition to a sturdy comb it may be helpful to use a product like True Blue Easy Comb Detangling Spray. This can eliminate the need for cutting your dog's hair, and will assist you in examining your pet for any signs of illness or parasitism.
Brushing
Once you've thoroughly combed your pet, and removed the tangles and mats from its coat, begin your brushing with your pet's head. Work your way gently, but firmly, toward the legs and tail. Your dog's legs and flanks can be particularly stubborn areas for matting and tangles. Just like with combing, always brush your pet in the direction of its natural hair growth. Brush your dog several times a week in order to maintain a shiny, healthy coat.
After brushing and shampooing, consider using a product like True Blue Moisture Rich Conditioning Crème. This will maximize the luster and body of your dog's coat, and show off all of your work!
It is vital to establish a regular schedule where your pet's grooming is concerned. Just like walking and playing, grooming is something your pet needs consistently. In fact, grooming your dog after a walk, can be a great time for your dog to relax and enjoy the process. Long haired dogs may need daily grooming, while short haired dogs can usually get away with grooming twice a week.
Eric Weinstein is Vice-President of Marketing and Sales at www.PawsChoice.com an online retailer of all natural pet food and organic pet products.
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