Health, Happiness, and More: The Benefits of Pet Grooming

Whether your pet enjoys being groomed or disappears at the first hint of a bath, there’s no denying the immense value in keeping our pets clean. Besides helping them look and feel their best and keeping our homes cleaner, regular grooming sessions provide a front row seat into changes in your pet’s skin, coat, and body that could signal underlying health problems.

So grab that brush or call your local groomer because the importance of regular pet grooming cannot be understated!

Why Pet Grooming is Important

Proper nutrition and regular wellness exams are essential to your pet’s wellness. A grooming regimen works alongside these other important aspects to support your dog or cat’s ongoing good health in the following ways:

• Skin – Besides keeping shedding to a minimum, daily brushing can alert you to the presence of external parasites, as well as to any lumps, bumps, or other changes in your pet’s skin. Brushing also stimulates blood flow to the skin and encourages shiny, silky fur.
• Mats and tangles – Regular grooming is absolutely essential for pets with medium to long hair that’s prone to matting. Matted fur can cause serious problems, such as hotspots and secondary infections. Daily brushing is needed to remove tangles, burrs, and other items caught in the fur (serious matting must be handled by a professional groomer).
• Ears – Make it a habit to look inside your pet’s ears on a regular basis. Redness, swelling, or a foul odor can indicate an infection, which should be addressed immediately by your veterinarian.
• Nails – Overgrown nails are not only uncomfortable for your pet (and your floors), but can actually interfere with his or her ability to walk properly, leading to joint problems and significant pain. Prevent problems by making sure your pet’s nails are trimmed regularly.
• Teeth – Brushing your pet’s teeth daily or several times a week is one of the most powerful preventive measures you can take to support your pet’s oral health. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s dental care, please don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian.

Bathing reduces dirt and grime in your pet’s fur and decreases the buildup of crusts in the corners of his or her eyes (these can lead to sores and infection if not removed). Your veterinarian will help you determine how often your pet needs to be bathed.

Godspeed Animal Care is proud to offer professional, full-service pet grooming through our St. Francis Pet Resort. Please give us a call for more information or to schedule an appointment for your furry friend.

The post Health, Happiness, and More: The Benefits of Pet Grooming appeared first on Godspeed Animal Care.

Health, Happiness, and More: The Benefits of Pet Grooming posted first on http://ift.tt/2ls6uH6