Customer Login
If you are already registered, please log in.
News
8 Grooming Tips for Pets
As pet parents we are always looking for the best ways to take care of our fur-babies. One of the integral parts of pet-care is grooming. Not only making sure that our little companions are looking their best, but also feeling comfortable. Here are some tips for grooming your fur-children that every pet parent should know!
First off and most importantly, in order to groom your pet correctly and ensure their coat remains healthy, you first need to be familiar with their coat type. Knowing what types of shampoos, conditioners or sprays your pet’s coat requires can make a big difference. It is also vital that you do not strip away any natural oils when bathing your fur-baby as that may lead to hair damage or skin issues. Pet shampoo brands like Earthbath offer products containing oatmeal, coconut oil & aloe vera, like their Aloe & Tea Tree Oil shampoo, which is useful against skin irritations. Earthbath’s Hypoallergenic Facial wipes are also ideal for removing debris and dirt from your pet's face without causing irritations.
Keeping their hair trimmed short and knot free will not only keep their coat healthy, but also keep your pet comfortable. If the hair on your pet’s face gets too long it may cause irritations for their eyes and nose, so be sure to maintain it! Long haired cats and dogs could even have their fur shaved into styles, like lion or teddy bear haircuts. Regular brushing for long-haired cats & dogs will not only help reduce shedding, but also prevent matting and cat hairballs being developed from self-grooming. Furminator has a range of deshedding grooming brushes for both cats and dogs that are effective in removing fur undercoats, which is an excellent tool in removing dead fur clumps and allowing your pet’s skin and fur to “breathe” better.
Cats may be tricky to groom as they’re prone to being rather feisty! That’s why for some cats it’s best to start getting them used to grooming young. Brushing their fur or trimming their nails especially as kittens, may save you a fight later on. Always make sure to groom them when they’re at their calmest.
Be sure to always check your pet's ears for any infections, dirt buildup or even ear mites. For cleaning dirty ears, use a product like Oxyfresh ear cleaner which is suitable for both cats and dogs, with a cotton swab, not a cue-tip ear bud, as that can cause more damage. If your pet has an infection or ear mites, it’s best to see a vet to get the appropriate treatment & medication.
Manicures are not just for people! Trimming your pet’s nails frequently with ConairPro’s dog & cat nail clippers will make it easier for them to walk more comfortably. Some pet breeds require the fur around their paws and paw pads to be trimmed as well which allows for better traction when walking & prevents any irritations from forming around their paws. For rabbits, nail trimming is essential to their comfort when hopping around, as when their nails are too long it can start to hurt them & broken nails may also lead to infections. Avoid cutting your pet’s nails too short though, because you may accidentally cut their blood vessels in their nails and cause them to bleed.
What types of food do you feed your pet? This can also have an impact on the health of their coat. The better quality food, the shinier their coat will be. Certain dog breeds are prone to skin allergies such as French Bulldogs or West Highland Terriers. Consult with your vet on which food is best for your fur-baby.
What’s that smell? It could be your pet’s anal glands that may need expressing. Full anal glands can be very uncomfortable for some animals, and will start to either leak or stink. Dogs tend to “scoot” or excessively lick their behinds when their anal flands are full. Leaving them unexpressed for too long may cause a rupture and bleeding. Any certified pet groomer or a veterinarian is able to express and clean them for you, so there’s no need to worry about undergoing this “unpleasant” task yourself!
Small pets also require grooming care & maintenance. Guinea pigs require frequent hair brushing & nail clipping. Bathing is not required, unless they’re covered in their own mess, in this case, a simple rinse of their behinds is all that is needed, in just a small amount of water, with any pet friendly shampoo. Longer haired breeds of Guinea Pigs & Rabbits will need to bathe more often, and even need regular haircuts. Rabbits & Guinea Pigs have teeth that are constantly growing, which is why chewing hay is useful for wearing down their teeth when they get too long. A good choice for Rabbit & Guinea Pig owners is Zupreem’s Natural Timothy Hay. Chinchilla’s tend to self groom and shed their dead fur naturally, but bathing is done with dust baths. Beaphar offers bathing sand, ideal for your little chinny, simply pour the sand into a shallow dish and your chinchilla will roll around and clean themselves with it.