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What You Should Know About Dog & Cat Grooming

Grooming is an important aspect of healthcare for any dog or cat. In this post, our Voorhees vets review the basics of dog and cat grooming and offer tips on grooming your pet at home.

Grooming Dogs & Cats

When you think of grooming your pet, you could be forgiven for assuming it's all about keeping it looking its best—clean, fluffy, and smelling good. But pet grooming is about much more than aesthetics. Implementing a regular grooming routine will help your pet stay healthy.

However, despite the advantages, you may have run into some challenges while attempting to groom your cat or dog at home – after all, most dogs and some cats don't look forward to having their ears cleaned or their nails trimmed, and these tasks must be done right to avoid health complications such as matted fur or overgrown nails. 

The specific steps you follow to groom your cat or dog will vary depending on your four-legged friend's needs. In this article, we'll cover grooming basics for both cats and dogs and what a typical routine for each looks like.

Grooming for Dogs 

Grooming routines for dogs typically include giving your pet a bath, followed by brushing their fur and nail trimming. Depending on your pup's breed, needs, and other factors, they may also require a haircut. 

Bathing 

Giving your dog a regular bath will keep their skin healthy and remove dirt and debris from their coat. That said, if you do this too frequently their skin may become irritated and they'll be at higher risk of contracting fungal or bacterial infections. Bathing your dog too often can also lead to damaged hair follicles. 

Most dogs should be bathed between once a month and once every three months. Use a shampoo designed specifically for dogs and warm water (check that the water is not warmer than the dog's skin). 

Brushing 

Brush your dog's coat to remove dead fur and prevent skin irritation and matting. This will also help to reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds around your house – a perpetual battle most dog owners fight on a daily basis. 

Long-haired dogs will need to be brushed more frequently than short-haired breeds. While some dogs will require daily brushing, others can be brushed once a month. 

Nail Trimming 

Use a clipper specially designed for dog's nails to trim them. Though a rotary timmer can be a safer option, it may take more time. If you're not comfortable trimming your dog's nails yourself (or if your dog's won't tolerate it well), you may want to bring. your pup to a qualified professional groomer for a trim. Dog groomers will have the knowledge, tools, and training needed to complete this task. 

Haircuts 

Different dog breeds have different needs regarding haircuts and coat length. Ask your vet or professional groomer how often your dog will need a haircut (or if it will at all) and how best to go about it. 

Before picking up the scissors, wash your dog's hair with a good quality dog shampoo, then towel dry them and brush out their fur. Trim the fur around the face and feet with sharp scissors. Use electric clippers to trim the hair on the rest of your dog's body. 

Grooming for Cats

Cat grooming usually involves brushing, bathing, nail and paw care, ear care, dental care, and eye care.

Brushing

Brushing your cat removes dirt, grease, skin flakes and dead hair from the coat, and it helps to stimulates blood circulation and improve overall skin condition as well.

Brush your kitty once or twice a week with a metal comb (thick or thin teeth are both fine, whatever works best). You’ll find that these regular brushing sessions are particularly beneficial as your cat ages and can't groom as meticulously anymore.

Bathing

Grooming a cat involves completing a task that most pet owners - and cats - dread with a passion. While it's not a secret that most cats hate water, you'll be pleased to learn that most cats do not need to be bathed on a regular basis. Cats can more or less take care of their own grooming, and will only need help if they get particularly filthy, or get into something sticky.

Bathe your cat using special cat shampoo and warm, but not hot water. Keep in mind that there's a good chance your cat will not want to cooperate, so be sure to shut the bathroom door before you begin, and consider wearing gloves and long sleeves.

Nail & Paw Care

It’s important to regularly examine and clean your cat’s paws and make sure they’re wound-free, and free of debris.

Trimming cat's nails can reduce scratching, and mitigate the destruction of your soft furnishings. For cats that are unwilling to tolerate nail trimming, spending some time getting them used it their paws being touched (without trimming) can help.

Dog Bathing & Grooming at Voorhees Veterinary Center

While grooming your dog or cat can provide a nice opportunity for bonding between you and your canine and feline friend, it can also be a messy endeavor. When you bring your dog into our professional groomers in Voorhees, you can be assured we'll have the training, time and tools necessary to do the job right so you and your pet can spend more quality time together. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your cat or dog due for a grooming session, or do you need advice on at-home grooming? Contact our Voorhees vets to book an appointment for your pooch today.

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Voorhees Veterinary Center is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of New Jersey's companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.

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