Keeping your pet’s coat in good condition is not just about aesthetic appearance: it also has a positive effect on their general well-being. In fact, the condition of the coat is often an indicator of your pet’s state of health. Regular combing and brushing are essential because they maintain the balance of the skin’s ecosystem.
Additionally, having a pet in your life can sometimes create issues of inconvenience with shedding fur. Nothing is spared: your furniture, your cushions… even your wardrobe. Regular combing and brushing are even more important if someone in the house is allergic to cat or dog hair. By accustoming pets to regular grooming when they are young, it can turn out to be a fun activity for both the pet and the pet parent. Find out our tips on how to groom your pet properly.
The Importance of Combing and Brushing
For Cats
Because cats are particularly clean animals, people often underestimate the importance of combing and brushing them. However, cats tend to swallow and then vomit dead hair accumulated on the surface of their coats (the well-known “hairball” phenomenon) when cleansing themselves with their tongues. Moreover, although cats are talented with astonishing flexibility, they are sometimes unable to reach certain parts of their own bodies (due to age, arthritis, etc.).
For Dogs
Unlike cats, dogs do not clean themselves on their own. When their fur gets dirty, cleansing and grooming are necessary to maintain their skin in good condition and keep their coat looking fine and beautiful.
The Benefits for Your Pet
Regular combing and brushing should be a standard part of your pet’s grooming routine, especially during periods of molting. Grooming stimulates both blood circulation and the secretion of cutaneous sebum. This mechanical action helps remove dead hair and various types of dirt and particles (weeds, soil, grass seeds, etc.) as well as facilitate the growth of new fur.
The process of a careful and thorough grooming session also gives you an opportunity to check for the presence of parasites such as ticks or fleas. Furthermore, it enables you to detect any wounds on the skin.
How frequently grooming is required depends on the breed and its fur type. A long-haired pet or one that is going through a period of molting will need more frequent care and maintenance (once per day) than a short-haired pet (once per week).
How to Choose the Right Comb and Brush for Your Dog or Cat?
For Short-Haired Pets
For short-haired pets (Boxer, Labrador, Doberman, etc.), we recommend first using a metal comb with very fine, closely set teeth as this will remove dead hair from both the topcoat and the undercoat. Afterwards, use a soft brush to get the coat smooth and glossy.
For Long-Haired Pets
With long-haired pets (Collie, Yorkshire, Golden Retriever, etc.), it is advisable to spend some time untangling the coat before combing and brushing. To do so, first use a metal comb with widely spaced teeth and work away at the knots delicately using gentle, rapid movements. Then focus on each lock of hair individually, holding them at the base to avoid causing any suffering to the pet. In particularly difficult cases, don’t be afraid to use a pair of blunt-ended scissors to cut the knot. The process of untangling fur can be painful for your pet; a patient approach and gentle movements will help to calm and reassure them. If your pet resists being groomed or is frightened by the process, special grooming gloves are available. This is one health and wellbeing device which your pet is absolutely certain to adore!
Good to know: Remember to eliminate any knot in the fur before bathing your pet as water tends to tighten them. Do not hesitate to offer a reward or treat to your pet after grooming. We recommend beginning this ritual from the age of 3 months onwards. Your encouragement and your soft voice will soothe your companion.
Conclusion
Regular combing and brushing are essential for maintaining your pet’s health and hygiene. Whether you have a dog or a cat, understanding the importance of grooming and choosing the right tools can make the process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pet.
For those looking for convenient grooming solutions, we provide doorstep grooming sessions. This means you can ensure your pet is well-groomed without the hassle of travel. If you’re searching for dog grooming near me or cat grooming near me, look no further. Our professional groomers come to your home, providing top-notch grooming services tailored to your pet’s needs.
Remember to check out our other informative posts on topics like Tick Fever in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know and Are Knots and Mats Good for Your Pet? for more insights on pet care.