Grooming is a vital part of pet care. Keeping your pet buddies looking and feeling their best helps them stay in good shape. Plus, it’s also an excellent way to show them, love. But how often should you give your pet a good scrub? The answer depends on the type of pet you have. Keep reading to learn more.
What is involved in pet grooming?
Various pets need different levels of grooming. For more info, we have listed here the regular services included in a pet grooming procedure
Brushing the Coat
Brushing helps remove dirt, debris, and dead hair from your pet’s coat. It also activates the natural oils in the skin to keep it nourished and healthier. Brushing can also help prevent mats and tangles from forming while distributing natural oil over your dog’s layer for a glossy shine. Doing it regularly will make it much easier to detect any changes or irregularities on their skin that could indicate a health problem.
Here’s how to do it:
- Brush in the direction of the hair, starting at your pet’s head and working your way down.
- Start with a soft brush and switch to a tough bristle brush or slicker brush if required.
- Use long strokes and ensure you get right down to the skin.
- You may use a shedding blade to help remove excess hair.
Bathing
Regular baths help keep your pet’s skin and coat well-maintained and free of dirt, debris, and excess oils that can cause irritation and other problems. Not to mention, it allows them to stay smelling fresh. When deciding on a shampoo for your pet, select one formulated for their hair type or skin condition. It’s also important to avoid using human shampoo as these products are generally too harsh for animals’ delicate coats.
Throughout the bath, use lukewarm water and carefully massage the soap from the tail to the head before washing thoroughly. Afterward, dry out your pet completely with a towel or blow dryer set on cool before allowing them outside again.
Nail Trimming
Cutting a pet’s nails is a vital part of grooming that helps prevent overgrowth or splitting. If you allow your pet’s nails to become too long, it can result in discomfort when they walk and put them at risk for infections. It’s best to have a qualified groomer do the job if you are uncomfortable doing it alone.
Cleaning Ears and Eyes
Frequently cleaning your pet’s ears and eyes helps eliminate dirt and debris that can accumulate from playing outdoors. This will help prevent ear infections or eye irritation brought on by irritants like pollen, dust, or debris.
Here’s how to do it:
- Slowly clean your pet’s ears with a wet cloth.
- If necessary, you can use an ear-cleaning solution to help remove any accumulation.
- To clean their eyes, use a cotton ball soaked in warm water and carefully wipe away from the corner of their eye.
Teeth Cleaning
Like humans, pets must have their teeth brushed regularly to preserve a healthier mouth. This aids in preventing tartar buildup, foul breath, and other oral issues if left unattended. Use pet-specific toothpaste when brushing your pet’s teeth, as human toothpaste can contain toxic ingredients for animals. You also want to make sure you choose a soft brush primarily designed for pet mouths.
Below are tips for safe teeth cleaning:
- Start off by getting your dog used to having their mouth touched by gently rubbing the area around its lips. Use a gauze wrapped around your finger or a finger cap scrubber designed for pet teeth cleaning.
- Once they fit, you can recommend the toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Brush in a circular motion on each side of your pet’s teeth for about two minutes. When finished, reward your pup with a treat or some extra love.
What is the ideal pet grooming schedule?
The frequency of grooming your pet depends on its breed and size. Usually, small dogs need to be groomed every 4-8 weeks, and huge breed pet dogs must have a grooming session every 6-8 weeks. Long-haired dogs should be groomed every 8-12 weeks, while short-haired types can get away with just a few times yearly.
Below is a detailed guide:
- Brushing of hair
In general, it is advisable to brush your pet’s hair once a week. However, for best results, you may do it every 3 to 4 days for short-haired dogs and every 2 to 3 days for long-haired ones. If you need to comb them more than 2 to 3 times a week, use a soft-bristled brush as it won’t damage their coats.
- Bathing
The rule of thumb is you should bathe your dog once a month unless they’re smelly or dirty. However, if you reside in an environment with humidity, you may need to bathe them more often. For example, drop-coated breeds like Shi Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers may need a bath every three weeks because their hair tends to accumulate oil and debris.
- Nail trimming
Nail trimming must be done every two weeks. But if you can hear them clicking against the floor when they walk, it’s time to clip them.
- Cleaning of ears and eyes
You need to wash your pet’s eyes and ears once a week.
- Teeth cleaning
Clean your dog’s teeth approximately 2 to 3 times per week. However, if you are unable to maintain your pet’s dental hygiene, you can bring it to a Stockton pet hospital, where they will aid you in keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy.
Note that your vet may propose a different timetable depending on your pet’s breed, size, and lifestyle. Always ask your veterinarian for more expert advice.
Key Takeaways
Regular grooming is vital for preserving your pet’s health and hygiene. The grooming schedule depends on the pet’s breed, size, and way of living. But generally, you may need to groom your small dog every 4 to 8 weeks. If you have a large-size breed pup, it can be done every 6 to 8 weeks.
On top of that, you must groom your long-haired pets once every 8 to 12 weeks, while short-haired ones may need fewer sessions. Nonetheless, your vet may recommend different schedules after analyzing your dog’s needs.
