Dogs and cats have different grooming requirements. Animals have vastly different types of coats that warrant particular treatment. Plus, some dogs get into more messes, while some cats are more fastidious about taking care of their fur compared to others. Good grooming supports your pet’s physical health and emotional well-being, so it’s important to get it right.
Grooming your cat
Does your feline friend spend quite a bit of time grooming themselves? When they’re not asleep, cats spend around 30-50% of their time licking and cleaning their fur. Healthy cats are usually great at keeping themselves clean, but they still can use some extra help from you. Long-haired cats have finer hair that tangles easily. It can develop stubborn matts in a short time if their coat isn’t looked after daily. This means gently loosening any knots with a grooming glove or fine-tooth comb. In contrast, if your cat has short or medium fur, a weekly brushing will suffice.
Be sure to brush or comb the fur in the direction it grows. To remove loose hairs or check for fleas or the dirt they leave behind, run the comb the opposite way. Grooming is a sign of love that will cement the bond between you and your kitty. Most cats enjoy it and will relax into the activity, purring happily.
Bathing your cat may do more harm than good. Unlike dogs, cats should only be bathed if there’s a health reason, or if they get into something sticky or messy that they can’t remove from their fur on their own. Most cats are fearful of the water and unnecessary bathing will cause them undue stress. They may be injured in the process or hurt you by trying to get out of the situation.
Grooming also includes nail care. Trim your cat’s nails about every month or so. Indoor cats usually need their nails trimmed more frequently, since they have fewer surfaces to scratch on and their nails don’t wear down as quickly as outdoor cats’. If you notice your cat’s nails snagging on surfaces, that’s a sign to get out the clippers.
Grooming your dog
Just like cats, dogs experience grooming as an opportunity to bond with their owner. The breed of canine and the length and type of their coat will determine their grooming needs. Regardless of whether you take your pet to a professional groomer, you should be caring for your dog’s coat at home.
If you have a canine with short hair, plan for weekly brushing sessions. This frequency helps move the natural oils on their fur and skin down the body, supporting the health of their coat. Some short-haired dogs have an undercoat and, in this case, you can remove loose hair by brushing them every second day. Remember, your short-haired breed shouldn’t be given a haircut as it can be detrimental.
Long-haired breeds must be brushed once or even twice a day to keep their coat looking its best. Expect to bathe these breeds every month or six weeks and take them to a groomer for a cut or trim every 10 weeks to three months. If you pay close attention to your doggy’s brushing and bathing needs, you can reduce the frequency of visits to the groomer.
Does your dog have a thick undercoat? In this case, invest in an undercoat rake and use it every 10 weeks to three months to remove this layer of fur. Your pet will continue to benefit from the insulation of the undercoat, and their skin will be able to breathe better.
Silky-haired canines must be brushed daily. You can take these breeds to a groomer every month or two for a proper haircut. These breeds have no undercoat and tend to have oily skin. They may benefit from regular baths with a little baking soda in the water to keep the pH balanced—ask your veterinarian.
Finally, if your pooch is the curly-haired or wire-haired variety, bathe them every one to two months and schedule them for a grooming around the same time.
Grooming your dog at home
Consider your pet’s activity level when deciding their grooming needs. If your dog loves to run and play in parks, splash around in muddy puddles, or explore hiking trails with you, they’ll need to be bathed and brushed more often. Canines with skin conditions must typically adhere to specific grooming routines. If your pooch tends to shed more than most, brushing more often will keep their shedding in check.
It’s critical to trim your dog’s nails, generally, every four to six weeks. You’ll know it’s time when you hear clicking when they walk across the floor. Letting your canine’s nails grow too long can interfere with their movement and bring discomfort.
Using a professional dog groomer
There’s no question that some dog breeds do better with professional grooming. Some coats are quite challenging for owners to brush and trim. Groomers can also spot skin irregularities that may signal health problems.
Even if you’re doing a good job looking after your pet’s grooming needs at home, there are benefits to taking your dog to a professional regularly. Your pooch will get top-notch care, and you can pick up some tips about keeping their coat shiny and healthy.