Just thinking too long about keeping your pet neat and clean might tempt you to tuck your tail and run. But with a little patience and by shopping for a few handy products, grooming can become less stressful for both you and your four-legged friend.
When Baths Are a Must
While most dogs are not exactly fans of the bathtub, there are times when you will need to give your pet a good soaking to get rid of dirt and odor and to keep her coat in good condition. How often your dog will actually need a bath depends on the specific texture and condition of her hair. For some dogs, too much bathing can be drying to their coats, causing them to lose their natural shine. Cats, which are notorious for their disdain of getting wet, also need an occasional wash down to remove dirt, alleviate allergies and eliminate greasy coats. Try to make bathing part of your kitten's regular routine so that she becomes more comfortable with the process over time.
When selecting bath products, look for items that are specially formulated for pets, with limited fragrances, preservatives and harsh chemicals. The Organic Super Gentle Puppy and Kitten Shampoo by Opie and Dixie for dogs or cats has a combination of organic ingredients, including lavender, chamomile and purified rain water.
Don't Forget to Brush
According to the Cupertino Animal Hospital, not only is poor oral hygiene to blame for a pet's chronic bad breath, but ignoring the dental health of your pet can cause gum disease, tooth loss and serious conditions such as diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys. To ensure the overall health of your pooch, make tooth brushing a regular practice. Drs Foster and Smith Toothbrushes have a slim handle, soft bristles and a tiny head that work well for a dog's mouth.
Getting your cat to comply with a toothbrush can be thorny at best, but the Petco Dental Health Kitmakes things a little easier for today's cat lovers. The kit features a non-invasive toothbrush suited for a cat's small mouth and chicken-flavored toothpaste to entice any hungry cat to give it a try.
And... About Those Toenails
To keep those pesky toenails in tip-top form, choose from a variety of nail trimmers depending on the needs of your pet. Nail trimmers for cats resemble small scissors with a half circle indentation on each blade. For dogs, look for "guillotine style" trimmers for a small dog, the "Miller's forge" design for a medium-sized canine, and "large nail trimmers" for a larger dog.
By remembering these pointers and taking advantage of these useful products, you will be well on your way to hassle-free grooming and back to the business of enjoying your pet.
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