How Grooming Helps You Bond with Your Pet
The information in this blog post was provided by our partners in www.petmania.ie
One great way to strengthen your bond with your pet is through grooming and massage. Taking time to brush, comb, trim, and even cut your dog or cat's nails can turn what might be a stressful task into a fun and loving experience for both of you. Whether
your pet has long or short hair, and regardless of breed, grooming is a fantastic way to show affection and
How should I start grooming my pet
Grooming not only keeps your pet's coat looking and feeling great, but it also makes them feel happy and relaxed. That’s why it’s essential to brush your pet regularly. Frequent grooming sessions can help build trust and affection between you and your furry friend.
A great way to start grooming your pet is by understanding what their breed needs. For example, dogs like Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus have longer coats that often need brushing every day to prevent mats and tangles. On the other hand, dogs with shorter coats, like Staffordshire Terriers, don’t need as much brushing but do require regular baths. By grooming your pet consistently, you'll quickly get to know what their skin and coat normally feel like.
Even if you regularly take your pet to a professional groomer, you still need to keep up with combing and brushing at home between visits. If mats develop, they can make your pet uncomfortable and make grooming harder for both the groomer and your pet. Your pet will definitely appreciate it if you keep their coat in good shape between appointments.
What are the benefits of grooming?
Grooming isn’t just good for your pet’s physical health; it’s great for their mental wellbeing too. Your dog or cat will get used to being handled and touched, making the process less stressful over time. Plus, it helps build trust between you and your pet, whether they’ve been with you for years or are new to the family. And don't forget the physical benefits like:
- Detecting disease
- Managing allergies
- Spotting fleas or ticks
- Reducing chance of infections in the ear or eye
- Keeping coats healthy and shiny
- Reducing risk of matting
- Lowering the risk of developing bad posture or bone deformations (by trimming nails)
When should I start grooming my pet?
To make grooming more enjoyable for both you and your pet, it’s a good idea to start when they’re young. Regular baths, grooming and nail trims can help them get used to the process. If your pet is older, try brushing their hair more often but for shorter periods. Just a few minutes each day, followed by a treat, can make a big difference.
Essential equipment
Depending on what type of coat your pet has, you will mainly be using one of the following brushes:
Slicker brush
Slicker brushes have thin bristles and are great for keeping your pet’s coat free of mats and tangles. They come in different types, so make sure to choose one that’s right for your pet’s age or breed. For example, a soft-tipped slicker brush is recommended for puppies because their skin is delicate.
When using a slicker brush, start by parting the fur in the area you want to brush. Brush from the roots to the tips, working in small layers (this is called line brushing). Repeat this until the brush moves through easily, then use a comb to check for any remaining tangles.
Comb
Another essential grooming tool is the comb. Many pet owners have combs at home, and they’re suitable for all long-haired dogs or cats. After using a slicker brush, combing through a pet’s fur is a great final step to make sure there are no knots or tangles left.
Massage brush
Next up is the massage brush. It’s perfect for short-haired or thin-haired dogs and cats, especially when their fur is damp. The brush not only massages them, stimulating their oil glands, but also helps them relax and get used to grooming.
Should I still take my pet to professional groomers?
Yes, definitely! Taking your pet to a professional groomer is essential for their coat’s health and overall wellbeing. Professional groomers have expert knowledge of various breeds, coats and grooming styles, along with a wide range of grooming tools. You can rely on them to make sure your pet looks fantastic and feels their very best. Dogs with longer, curly or double coats should be visiting their professional groomer every 6-8 weeks for a full haircut.
Book a groom
If you are looking to get your dog groomed, Petmania offer grooming services in all of their stores across Ireland. They provide a ‘Standard Groom’ which includes a standard wash and dry, nail trim, ear clean, eye clean and a breed-standard haircut. They also have wide range of other specialist treatments available that can help keep your dog’s coat and skin stay in top condition.
For double-coated dogs, their deshedding package is very popular. This involves a special therapy mud and canine massage to hydrate the pet’s skin, and release any dead hairs. The groomer will also go through the coat thoroughly with a deshedding brush which can help reduce shedding by up to 90%.
Check out the fabulous Ruger getting his Coconut Summer Spa treatment in the video below.
If you would like to book your dog in for a groom with Petmania you can do so on their website, or call your local Petmania Store to see what your options are.
If you’re in the market for Pet Insurance, why not get a quote today by clicking on the link below.
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