If you have a pet, regular grooming is essential to keep them happy and healthy. While grooming might just seem like a nice bath and a fresh haircut, there are many underlying benefits you might not realize. Let’s discuss five of the main reasons why regular pet grooming is necessary for your pet’s wellbeing.
Prevent Tangling and Matting
One of the biggest reasons to have your pet groomed regularly is to brush out tangles and prevent matted fur. If never brushed or maintained, medium-to-long pet fur can get caught in mats and cause severe skin irritation, foul odors, and other general discomfort. At a grooming appointment, the groomer will brush out your pet’s coat to remove tangles before bathing them. This keeps matted fur from ever forming so you don’t have to deal with it later on. If your long-haired pet needs consistent brushing, create a routine for yourself so you can get the job done and keep your pet comfortable. Regular brushing can also reduce the amount of shedding throughout the house!
Prevent Infections
Another important reason pets need regular grooming is to prevent infections. There are many different types of pet-related infections, but pet groomers are trained to watch out for these and should be able to spot them. As mentioned, matted fur can cause sores and infections, along with unkempt paw pads and unexpressed anal glands. You (or the groomer) should also check your pet’s eyes and ears for any signs of infection that may need to be treated by a veterinarian. Signs of infection can include swelling, foul smells, irritation, or pus.
Protect Their Paws
One pet grooming necessity that may get overlooked is paw care. Dirt or debris between your pet’s paw pads can lead to infection if left unchecked. Additionally, paw fur can sometimes grow too long between their paw pads, which can cause discomfort and be a magnet for things like burrs, thorns, and bugs to latch onto. If you have a dog, their nails will also need to be trimmed regularly to prevent pain (and protect your floors and furniture).
Take Care of Their Teeth
Another pet health necessity is dental care! While you should already be brushing your pet’s teeth regularly at home, you should also double-check their mouth and gums for any signs of tartar buildup or tooth decay. Some professional groomers may check for this (or even brush your pet’s teeth) during their session, but it varies from groomer to groomer.
Taking proactive care of your pet’s dental hygiene will help reduce the risk of things like hard tartar, tooth decay, and gum disease, which can be painful for your pet to experience (and painful for your wallet).
Help Them Be Comfortable
Finally, grooming your pet regularly can help keep them comfortable! For example, trimming your long-haired dog’s fur around their eyes and mouth can make it easier for them to see and eat without getting messy, and cleaning your pet’s paws can make it more comfortable to walk.
As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to thrive. Giving them consistent grooming at home and taking them to the local pet grooming company on a regular basis is one of the best ways you can care for their health and wellbeing. If you have questions about pet grooming or want to schedule an appointment for your pet, contact your local pet grooming company.