We all know we should do it, but what does grooming really do for your pet besides making them look pretty?
In general terms, a clean pet is a happy pet. No hair in the eyes, clean fur and skin, clipped nails and clean teeth all make for a pet that is comfortable and better behaved.
But adverse, serious side effects occur when we neglect to groom our pets. If we don’t tend to our pet’s grooming needs on a regular basis, we encourage a variety of issues which can lead to expensive vet bills and difficult or even aggressive behaviour from your pet.
Long hair
Long hair is the culprit of a variety of discomfort and skin issues. Hair hanging over your pet’s eyes can restrict vision altering the pet’s capabilities and behaviour. When long hair is not brushed and washed regularly, pets often suffer matting and can load your pet with extra weight.
Matting
Matting of the hair can be painful and cause many skin conditions. Severe matting restricts blood flow, pulling tightly on a pet’s skin and making a simple pat painful. In some cases, matting can be so severe that it restricts body movement leading to deformity.
Overgrown nails
Overgrown nails can be very painful, with long nails growing into the paw pads and causing infection. Long nails can cause your pet’s toes to bend and create a walking disfigurement.
Double coating
Double coating from irregular brushing leads to extra coating, causing your pet to suffer heat stress.
Grass seeds
Grass seeds will not be easily detected if you are not hands-on with your grooming, undetected grass seeds can lead to abscesses and severe infection. It is not unheard of for a pet to lose an eye from an undetected grass seed.
Fleas, ticks and mites
Fleas, ticks and mites are some of the most common parasites that can be fatal to your pet and they thrive on dirty and untreated bodies.
Dental disease
Dental disease can lead to bad breath, teeth loss, reduced appetite and if untreated can cause organ damage to your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. Learn more about dental health.
All of these issues can be detrimental to your pet’s mental wellbeing, due to the discomfort and pain they can cause. By tending to your pet’s grooming needs on a regular basis you can optimise your pet’s physical and mental health.
Benefits of pet grooming include:
- A pet that looks and smells nice all the time, plus your best friend will be free from discomfort, feel great and behave well.
- Reduced risk of eye, ear, skin, teeth and nail infections, ensuring your pet is free from pain and disease!
- Easy vet checks as your pet will be more comfortable and used to being handled, especially around the face, feet and tail. Less stress for all involved!
- Increased sociability as grooming becomes a positive experience and easy for both you or your groomer and your pet.
- Lower medical bills as regular grooming will prevent disease and catch many health issues before they become an emergency.
