2014 Resolutions: Staying on Top of Your Pet’s Grooming

December 15, 2023

There are so many reasons to stay on a consistent schedule with your pet’s grooming besides just keeping them smelling clean and looking good.


We all manage to come up with lots of reasons to push back or reschedule grooming appointments for our pets, just as we do for ourselves with busy schedules and so much going on. Why not make a resolution for 2014 to get your pet on a consistent grooming schedule?


There are many important reasons to make consistent grooming a habit for your pet, including these five very important tips from www.animalplanet.com


  • Save your sofa (and home) from hair and dander: Groomers have the proper tools and training to thoroughly remove undercoat, loose hair and cleanse skin to decrease shedding and dander.


  • Make your pet more comfortable: Groomers will properly remove matted hair, clean out waxy/hairy ears and trim long claws. When left unkempt these problems can lead to discomfort for your pet.


  • Protect your family’s health: Groomers may identify parasitic infestations such as fleas, ticks and tapeworms that can transmit disease to people.


  • Detect early signs of illness: Groomers can alert you to illnesses such as ear infections, tooth decay and skin cancer. Early detection and treatment can lead to more successful treatment outcomes.


The Importance of Consistent Scheduling

It is extremely important to keep your dog on a consistent schedule for grooming and bathing to avoid things like matting, skin infections and overgrown nails. Keeping a short haired dog properly bathed, brushed, and having nails trimmed every few weeks is always a good plan. Longer haired breeds should normally be bathed and have their hair cut every 4-6 weeks and nails cut more frequently if needed.

Most grooming salons will allow you to book your appointments in advance for every few weeks and will be glad to call or email to remind you of your appointments.

Pet owners who allow their longer haired dogs and cats to go too long between grooming appointments are often disappointed when their dog’s coat has to be shaved down, or the groomer has to charge double for the amount of time and work that goes into de-matting and shaving a dog who has not been kept on a consistent grooming schedule.


Tips for Maintaining Your Dog’s Coat Between Grooms

It is always a good idea to maintain your pet’s coat between grooming appointments with consistent brushing/combing. This will help avoid matting and the need for the groomer to shave mats or knots out of the coat at your next appointment. It will also keep your dog more comfortable as excessive mats can tug on your dog’s skin causing pain, skin irritation and possibly infection.

Listed below are a few good products to keep on hand for use at home between grooms:


De-matting brush or comb


Slicker brush


Greyhound comb or other high quality metal comb


Pet bath wipes for freshening up sanitary areas and keeping paws clean


Deodorizing/Conditioning coat spray to keep your dog smelling fresh


Our groomers at Pet Care Plus in the West Loop and Pet Care Plus Salon and Spa in Oak Park would love to help you get your pet on a consistent grooming schedule in 2014!

 

Call or email us today to schedule your pet’s next grooming appointment.

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