For Pet’s Sake – Pet Grooming During The Lockdown
Pets are welcome stress relievers, particularly in these difficult times, which is why pet grooming was a common concern from numerous pet parents. Since several groomers are closed, the norm is do-it-yourself grooming. Home pet grooming has resulted in some pet injuries, and after grooming mishaps, many veterinary clinics’ emergency rooms have had quite many pets that need a patch up. Here are a few tips for grooming your furry friend at home.
Bathing – Pet-friendly Shampoo
Fortunately, pets don’t need baths nearly as often as humans. Catsrarely need them at all! But, you should still bathe your furry friend every few months or if they are filthy.
If you are the pet parent, who is tempted to use human shampoo on the family pet to avoid a trip to the pet store? It’s a bad idea. Human shampoo is designed for humans who do not groom themselves by licking their hair. Only a few human shampoos are the “tear-free” variety. Some human shampoo additives are not safe for pets. Massage specially formulated pet shampoo into their skin, rinse it, and so quickly, you’ll be ready to dry them off.
Puppies tend to get feisty while they are bathed, so watch out for biting. In case you are bathing your cat, you can trim their claws before you start washing.
Teeth brushing
The risk of gums and other dental problems can increase by bacteria and plaque-forming foods, causing havoc in your pet’s mouth. Fortunately, a proper diet and chew toys will help keep your pet’s teeth and gums safe in between brushing.
Remember to brush your pet’s teeth several times in a week and especially when they are relaxed. It is a big part of the battle to get your pet adapt to you touching their mouth. You should massage their gums softly with your fingers. You can then start introducing specially formulated toothpaste and toothbrush for pets into the routine.
Watch out for discoloured or bleeding gums, unusually bad breath, excessive drooling, or visible discomfort in your pet. These are signals that your pet needs a visit to the vet.
Brushing
Brushing your pet helps to collect loose hair, spread natural oils, remove dirt, and expose fleas and ticks.
Long-haired dogs and cats are more vulnerable to hair mats, so you’ll need to brush them much more often than their short, smooth-haired counterparts. They are common under the chin, in the armpits and behind the ears. A slicker brush helps remove tangles, and then a bristle brush finishes the job and leaves your pet looking and feeling fresh.
Neglecting to brush your pet could lead to excessive shedding of dead hair or hairballs in cats.
Paw and nail care
Treats and a sleepy pet are the keys to this one. The most important thing to avoid during paw and nail care is to cut a pink nail. You can also see this as a nail-coloured circle on the surface where you cut each nail.
Some pets have black nails that make the quick almost invisible, so go carefully to avoid cutting too closely. Styptic powder or corn starch and gentle pressure can help to stop the bleeding. It is recommended that you restart the session at a different time if your pet gets scared.
Cats are kind of tougher than dogs because you have to pull out their claws by touching their paws. When the nail extends, clip the spaghetti with the clippers while still holding your cat’s paw gently. This will help your cat associate positive results with the sound of a nail clipper. You then release her toe and quickly give her a treat. Please don’t neglect the paws themselves. Treat any cuts or splinters when you see them, and use pet moisturizers when you notice their paws getting dry or cracked.
Ear cleaning
Inspect your pet’s ears frequently for dirt and wax. Ensure you use wipes or gauze along with a liquid ear cleaning solution approved by your veterinarian. Trying to insert objects such as Q-tips into the ear canal can cause an infection or trauma.
Too much ear scratching, discolouration, foul smell or drainage may be a sign of a severe problem. Dogs with allergic reactions and floppy hair are particularly at risk of infectious disease.
You may find it difficult at first trying to groom your pet at home, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Is it safe to have my pet groomed during the pandemic?
COVID-19 is a disease which extends to people. Animals seldom contract the disease. There are basically one in a million cases of optimistic dogs. The reported cases of COVID-19 has hit 3 million humans, and SRAS-CoV-2 has only tested positive on three dogs. It is unlikely that the virus spreads from animals to people or is transmitted on animal fur. Your exposure to other people that can pass on the virus to you is the greatest risk when you visit the groom. When taking your pet to the grooming parlour, check the precautions being taken at the grooming salon before going, wear a mask and keep social distancing for yourself and your pet. I hope that these tips will lead to a healthy pet grooming and a sparkling clean baby.