Grooming at home: brushing, bathing and nail trims

Grooming means caring for your pet's coat, skin, nails, ears and teeth. Regular care prevents matting, skin problems and nail injuries — and it strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

Brushing: how often?

Once a week is enough for short-haired pets. Long-haired dogs and cats should be brushed several times a week to prevent mats, and daily during shedding season.

• Choose a brush that suits the coat: a bristle brush, a comb or a deshedding tool;
• Brush gently in the direction the hair grows;
• Don't cut mats out with scissors — it's very easy to cut the skin; ask a groomer for help with difficult ones.

Bathing

Most dogs only need a bath every 1–2 months, or when they get dirty; bathing too often dries out the skin. Most cats keep themselves clean and rarely need a bath.

• Use only shampoo made for pets — human shampoo doesn't suit their skin's pH;
• Use lukewarm water and keep water out of the eyes and ears;
• Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly and dry your pet completely.

Nail trims

If you hear "clicking" when your pet walks, it's time for a trim. Inside the nail there is a pink area with a blood vessel and nerve — cutting it hurts and bleeds. Trim just a little at a time. Be extra careful with dark nails, where this area isn't visible. If you're unsure, ask a groomer or vet to show you the first time.

Ears and eyes

Check the ears once a week. If you notice a bad smell, redness or a lot of discharge, see a vet. Never push cotton buds into the ear — use a pet ear cleaner and a soft wipe. Wipe around the eyes with a clean, damp cloth.

Teeth

To prevent tartar, use a toothbrush and toothpaste made for pets. Human toothpaste is not suitable for animals. Chew sticks help too.

Make grooming a pleasant routine

Start with short sessions, praise your pet often and reward with treats. Getting a young animal used to having its paws and ears touched makes grooming much easier later in life.

Some jobs are better left to a professional: breed-specific haircuts, heavy matting and grooming aggressive or very anxious pets. On PET360 you can find grooming salons and book online.