As a proud pet parent, you always want your furry friend to look and smell their best. Fortunately, unlike humans, most pets don’t really require daily hygiene and grooming habits, but they do need a fair bit of cleaning from time to time. For cats and dogs, hygiene such as teeth brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and brushing is needed to keep them in tip-top shape. However, there may be times that you don’t have access to a dog grooming or cat grooming center. And when that happens, you need to take matters in your own paws—we mean, hands.

No one expects you to be as good and thorough as professional dog groomers and veterinary technicians, but as a pet parent, it’s useful to learn maintenance grooming to keep your furry pals looking their best before their next appointment to the groomer.

For tips on doing DIY pet grooming at home, read on.

Brush them regularly.

Even just a few minutes of brushing can already do wonders in removing dirt, excess hair, tangles, and mats from your pet’s hair. And just like with human hair, brushing also distributes oils that help keep the skin and coat healthy. Some pets, especially those with long hair may require more brushing. Regular brushing means there’s less hair to vacuum, fewer instances of stepping on soggy hairballs, and fewer pieces of clothing to clean with a lint roller. It’s a win-win for you and your pet.

Safely trim their nails.

You would know that your pet’s nails require trimming when you hear a tapping on the ground when they walk. If you observe that their nails click or snag on the floor, it’s a sign that they need a trim. You can do this by purchasing nail clippers specially designed for a dog or a cat. When it’s time for trimming, wrap them in a towel and seat them comfortably on your lap. For other pets, it may help if you pull them in close to your body and take hold of their paw. You want to cut the tip of the nail from top to bottom at a slight angle. Trim a few more times and stop just above the quick, which is the blood supply that runs into the nail.

Brush their teeth.

Regularly brushing your pet can help them prevent incurring tartar, gingivitis, receding gums, tooth loss, and other oral health problems. In some cases, proper oral care can also help with the early detection of diseases. For brushing the teeth of your pet, you need to gently massage their lips first until they get comfortable. Use a veterinarian-approved brush and toothpaste as these have softer bristles and won’t irritate their stomachs. Brush at a 45-degree angle in circular motions and schedule doing this 2-3 times per week.

Schedule regular baths.

And don’t forget bath time! Some pets need baths more often than others. Cats are usually pretty good in this department, but dogs, especially those with skin issues, may benefit from having a regular bath. When bathing them, ensure that you use a specially-formulated shampoo. At the Paw Resort and Wellness Centre, we use non-toxic shampoos and have a veterinarian on staff to ensure that your pet gets the right shampoo that would work best for them.

Conclusion

Following the tips above helps your pet look good, smell good, and feel good. Of course, if you need expert help, it’s always recommended to visit a professional.

If you’re in need of a professional to help you with dog grooming in Brandon, MB, our team is capable of offering your pet multiple services under one roof. Get in touch with us today to see how!