Adding a dog or a cat to your family is indeed exciting, but it also comes with many responsibilities. Caring for them might even seem like a full-time job to some.
Taking care of their meals and sleep time aren’t the only tasks for the owners. You also have to groom and train them and take them out for walks or play with them every day.
When owners get cats or dogs for the first time, grooming them becomes the primary concern for many.
Cats and dogs need little supervision when it comes to eating and sleeping, but grooming is something they cannot do on their own.
But how do you groom your furry friends? Where do you begin? Below, we have listed six grooming tips so that you can take care of your dogs and cats easily.
Brushing coat
Both cats and dogs need their coat or fur brushed. If your cat has short hair, brush it weekly. If it has long hair, brush at least 2-3 times per week to prevent hairball and matting.
Similarly, brush your dog’s coat at least twice a week to keep it tangle-free. You might need to get a comb and detangle any matted hair closer to the skin for dogs with longer hair.
Brushing your cat and dog regularly ensures a healthy coat or fur and keeps it free from debris and foreign particles.
Accumulation of dust and debris can cause skin diseases and damage the natural shine of the fur. Therefore, regular brushing or combing is important.
Brushing teeth
Cats and dogs also get food stuck in their teeth. A gradual buildup can cause tartar and smelly breath, and they could lose their teeth very early. Many owners choose to get their pet’s teeth brushed at a pet salon, but you can also do it at home.
You can buy cat or dog toothpaste and toothbrushes from a pet shop.
Don’t use human toothpaste on them as they contain harmful ingredients that can affect their health in the long run.
Experts advise you to brush your pet’s teeth every day. But you can also brush their teeth 2-3 times per week to keep them clean and healthy. Don’t forget to get their teeth checked and brushed by a professional at least once a month.
Look for ones that specifically provide cat or dog dental care, and you’re good to go.
Bathing properly
Your furry friend needs to bathe to stay squeaky clean. While you might not need to bathe them every day, you might have to do it once a month. Indoor cats don’t need to bathe as often, and once a month is okay for them.
Dogs tend to get dirtier if they go out, so you might have to bathe them whenever they roll in the dirt or mud during a walk.
Use warm water in a tub and lower your furry friend. Gently wash their coat or fur with a brush. Only use cat or dog shampoos, and avoid all human products.
Some pet stores carry pet conditioners. If you have a long-haired pet, you can use them to keep their coat or fur soft and shiny.
Cleaning face and ears
Even though cats groom themselves every day, the insides of their ears remain untouched, which can cause wax and dirt to build up and lead to ear mites and other infections.
The same happens in dogs. They also can’t lick their entire face, so washing it at least thrice per week can keep it clean and dirt-free. Dirt buildup can cause aches and hair loss in cats just below their chin. Cleaning the face can easily prevent it.
Use a soft and wet cotton cloth and gently rub the insides of the ear flap.
Only clean the visible portion, and don’t go deep. If you see reddened skin, peel-offs, or excessive wax buildups that go deep into the ear, it might be wiser to visit the vet or a pet salon for professional grooming.
Cleaning eyes
Just like humans, cats and dogs also get buildups in their eyes. Watch out for dried eye crusts after they wake up every morning. Wet a cotton cloth and gently remove the crust.
If you see runny goop that is yellow or greenish, visit the vet immediately – as it can be a case of eye infection.
Trimming nails
Both cats and dogs need their nails trimmed regularly. Cats can hurt you or a family member with their sharp nails and also damage your furniture.
Dogs can hurt their feet if their nails get stuck in a piece of fabric or furniture. It can also prevent them from moving comfortably.
Trimming your pet’s nails might be your least favorite grooming task, but it is the most important one. You can use the nail cutter designed for pets to snip the tip of the nails.
Don’t cut too much, as you can cut into their veins. Despite the occasional snips, don’t forget to visit a professional salon for routine nail trimming.
Owning pets is not a difficult job if you know how to take care of them. You have to remember that they are also members of your family and need the same amount of love and care that a human does.
Regular visits to pet salons can be expensive and unaffordable, so you can use these tips to groom them at home while in between two visits to the professionals.