Congratulations on your new pet! As you welcome the new addition into your family, you are likely to notice that these furry little animals tend to get dirty pretty quickly indeed. New to the world of pet grooming? You will find the answers to some of your questions and concerns below.
How often should I bathe my pet?
This will depend on the pet. In most cases, it is unnecessary to bathe cats as they tend to keep themselves clean. Dogs need a bit of help in that department. How frequently you bathe your dog will depend, in large part, on the length of his hair. Long-haired dogs can be bathed every one to two weeks, while long-haired dogs can usually get away with monthly grooming at a professional groomer like heartandpaw.com.
How old should a dog be before starting to groom him?
It is of great importance to start grooming your puppy as soon as possible. The earlier your pet is exposed to the grooming process, the more likely he is to get used to it. Trying to introduce an older dog to grooming is only going to lead to more stress and anxiety than is necessary. So, don’t wait.
What grooming equipment will I need?
The grooming equipment that you will need includes a great quality shampoo designed especially for pets (never use human shampoo), a sturdy pet brush, a pair of scissors for trimming fur, special nail trimming equipment, and lots of patience.
My dog has sensitive skin – do I still bathe him?
Even dogs with sensitive skin should be bathed. The key, however, is to bathe him less frequently and to invest in a special shampoo designed especially for pets with sensitive skin. Some pet owners swear by replacing traditional dog shampoo with coconut oil. This is good to try if your dog is prone to redness, itching, or dry patches. Remember that sensitive skin is also often associated with an allergy. Many dogs are allergic to grass, pollen, or even an ingredient lurking in their food. Chat to your vet about the fact that your dog has sensitive skin to try to identify the cause and bring your pet some relief.
How can I prevent my dog from shedding his fur?
Shedding is normal for dogs, especially as temperatures start to rise in summer. There is no way to stop your dog from shedding. You can reduce the amount of fur that winds up in your house and on your furniture by brushing your dog regularly. Dogs with long to medium length hair should be brushed daily.
Why do my dog’s nails bleed when I trim them?
Dogs have clusters of blood vessels at the base of their nails, and it can be painful if you accidentally cut into this area, which is called ‘the quick’. Do your utmost best to trim the nail well above the base of the nail, or take your pet to a professional groomer if you are struggling to get it right or your dog is anxious.
Happy grooming!
