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Pet Grooming
Grooming is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health, appearance, and hygiene. Read our blog below for tips and tricks on keeping your pet looking and smelling fresh, clean and healthy.
Teeth
Brushing your cat or dog’s teeth is the best way to keep them clean and healthy. Although, there are plenty of other alternatives if your pet just hates the toothbrush! Water additives, healthy treats and chew toys are great ways to keep your dog’s teeth disease free. Petplace recommends the Kong Squeezz Dental Stick. These toys satisfy dogs instinctual need to chew as the textured nubs reward appropriate behavior while cleaning teeth and the way the toy flexes as dogs chew allows for a deeper clean.
Claws and Nails
Dog’s nails for the most part will look after themselves, being worn down on hard surfaces and pavements when you go for walks together. However, if your dog’s nails aren’t looking after themselves, their untrimmed nails can break, bleed or even grow into their feet, causing them a lot of discomfort. If your furry friend is a senior, walking on overgrown dog nails can cause pain if they have arthritic feet. Click on the link below to read how to properly trim your dog’s nails.
Some signs that your dog’s nails may be too long can be hearing a clicking noise on hard surfaces as they walk or licking their paws. Licking of the paws may show signs of discomfort in your dog. Petplace recommends Rosewood soft protection nail clippers for trimming your pets nails. The clippers are ideal for dogs and cats and easy to control for accurate clipping.
Cats are very good at maintaining their own paws. They keep their claws trim by scratching on surfaces. If you have a young, active cat, it’s unlikely you’ll need to trim their claws very often. Some cats, for example older cats or ones with mobility problems (like arthritis) may not be able to keep on top of claw maintenance. It’s then that you might need to help them out by trimming the ends.
If your cat’s claws get too long, it can cause problems for them and even hurt them. There are a few signs your cat’s claws are too long, they might catch them on things such as blankets or carpets, you can see them clearly when your cat is resting, or you hear them tap when they walk on hard floors. If you notice any change in your cat’s claws or suspect they might be growing into their paw pads, make an appointment with your vet. Click on the link below to learn how to properly trim your cat’s claws.
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/trimming-cats-claws
Ears
Checking the health of your dog’s ears is something you should do on a regular basis. Your dog might enjoy having their ears rubbed when they are healthy, but if your dog pulls away from having their ears touched, then their ears may be sensitive or sore.
Healthy, clean ears are usually pink in colour, do not have dirt or look inflamed and are usually odorless. If you notice your dog shaking his/ her head more than usual or you start to smell a mild odor, it might mean it’s time to give those ears a clean. If your dog’s ears become inflamed then you should talk with your vet as this could be an infection or sign of fleas.
It is very easy to clean dogs ears. All you need is some dog safe ear cleaning solution and some cotton wool pads. Petplace recommends Tropiclean dual action ear cleaner as it’s gentle and soothing and will easily remove wax and debris without causing irritation. (Please see link below for product).
General
Brush their coats. A quick brush can do wonders to your dogs’ coat- and your house! Brushing your dog’s fur will help remove dirt and dead skin cells and keep their coat looking smooth and healthy and get rid of any loose hairs. Regular brushing will also reduce matting and tangling. Petplace recommends the Furminator as it reduces shedding up to 90%. (Link below).
Remove any gunk. Dogs commonly have excess tear or discharge that collects around their eyes. Give their eyes a quick wipe whenever you notice it to keep the dog comfortable and looking fresh. Petplace has a range of dog eye wipes to keep the dreaded goop away.
Wash their face. Dogs sniff their way through life and can pick up germs easily. Dogs such as Shar Pei’s, Pug’s and De Bordeaux have more wrinkles and therefore having a routine and washing your dog’s face regularly will help to keep good hygiene.
Regular baths. Regular baths at home are important for your dog’s hygiene. Once a month is a good time to wash dogs in between taking them to the groomers. It’s important not to wash dogs too often as excessive washing can cause skin irritations. Remember to always use dog shampoo and skin care products. Dog cologne is another brilliant quick fix in between bath time.
Wash their bedding. Giving your dogs’ bed, towels, blankets and coats a regular wash will help to reduce any bad odors or germs that may have built up on the garments. Petplace have a ‘rugwash’ in store designed to wash large garments like a dog bed, horse rug and more. The ‘rugwash’ can be used for dog towels, coats and blankets too, just pop in store as speak to a member of staff.
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