Your dog’s looking a little shaggy these days. It’s been a while since you dragged him in, yelping, to the dog groomer. His next haircut can wait for a while . . . or can it?
Pet grooming is a necessity to keep pets healthy and happy. While many pet owners view grooming as a luxury similar to a fancy human haircut, it’s a little different for dogs and cats. Long, unruly pet hair can form mats that are painful and trap ticks and fleas. Long nails can scratch pet owners and cause paw pain for the dog or cat. Here are a few reasons why pet grooming is critical to keeping these little guys healthy.
Coat Grooming
This isn’t just like a human haircut. Your dog’s coat touches every possible surface and can get dirty very easily. Those trips to the beach and the local parks can really cause your dog’s coat to get filthy. Dogs are notorious for rolling around in just about every nasty smell possible. Since they’re often house pets, no one likes to have a smelly dog napping on the couch next to them.
Without grooming and brushing, a dog’s coat can become matted. These mats trap fleas, ticks, dirt, and bacteria. They can become painful and pull on the dog’s coat. Proper pet grooming can eliminate this threat by washing the coat and removing any mats that have accumulated.
Nail Clipping
Dogs also need to have their nails clipped regularly. If their nails are too long, they can scratch you when they jump up or climb on your lap. A good way to control your dog’s nail length is to regularly walk on concrete surfaces, such as the sidewalk. But you’ll still want to get your little buddy’s nails clipped when you take him in for pet grooming. Nails that are too long can cause paw pain for your best friend.
Eliminating Hyperthermia
If your dog has a long, shaggy coat in the middle of a hot summer, he or she can easily overheat and get hyperthermia (also known as heatstroke). For dogs with heavy coats that live in hot, humid areas, proper pet grooming can ensure that your dog gets a trim for summer. Many pet owners opt for something called a “puppy cut” where the coat is trimmed to a short length for hot summers. This helps your dog withstand the roasting heat of June through August.
Lastly, your pet is your best friend: you want him or her to look nice. Pet grooming can give your dog a lovely haircut that boosts its self-esteem. No one wants his or her dog to look like a stray. Pet grooming ensures a happy, healthy, confident dog that is proud to walk around the neighborhood by your side. For more information visit OC Veterinary Medical Center
