Grooming Tips
Start Early!
Almost every pet requires some amount of grooming even if it is just the occasional nail trim or ear cleaning. The best way to set them up for a lifetime of success with grooming for both cats and dogs is to start exposing them to the process as early as possible. You may be unable to get them to a groomer until they have had their shots and are a few months old, but you are still able to start training them at home. It is really beneficial to get pets use to grooming early even if they don't need as much upkeep now. Many pets end up needing more grooming care later in life and if they were never trained to accept it, the experience can be really stressful for them.
As soon as they are a few weeks old you can start getting them use to being brushed, having their feet and ears handled, and having their chin rest in your hand. You can also start exposing them to water and baths with a mild puppy\kitten shampoo. Make sure to have lots of treats or their favorite toy handy to keep it a positive experience! If you have an old electric toothbrush, this would be great for simulating the vibration and sound of clippers and a dremel. Try rubbing it on their body and feet and giving them lots of praise and treats for standing calm. It may take a few sessions to get them use to the noise and feeling but ideally by the time they experience the real thing, they are unbothered by it.
Of course as they get older the key is to keep them on a schedule so that grooming becomes just a part of regular routine and not something the pet feels they have to panic for. It is recommended to keep appointment frequency between 2-8 weeks depending on your pet's needs and upkeep required.
Nail Trims
It is at least recommended that you get your pets nails trimmed once every 4 weeks to maintain their length. You would need to do so more frequently (once or twice a week) if you are trying to get the quicks to recede so you can get the nails shorter.
Bathing
How often they get bathed depends on a few things such as coat type/length, skin issues, and pets lifestyle. Shorter haired, non shedding breeds can go longer while pets with long coats (especially dogs) and double coats need to be bathed, brushed, and blown out more frequently. If you are bathing your long haired/double coated pets at home, you want to make sure you are properly drying and brushing out the coat afterwards to prevent matting or souring of the coat.
Drying
While most short coated pets can get probably get away with a good towel dry, longer coats take more care. It important when using the towel to blot dry and not scrub or rough the coat with the towel as this can cause more tangles. Though a human hair dryer can be used on some, a decent pet dryer will really make the difference in how long it takes and your ability to blow the coat out properly.
Brushing
Brushing is the most important part of at home grooming care. All too often a pet has to be shaved short because a lack of proper brushing led to matting. Matting occurs when tangles in the coat tightly ball together in a clump that cannot be brushed out without causing pain and discomfort to the pet. Matts can cut off blood supply to areas of the body, hold bacteria and moisture close to the skin causing infections, and are generally painful to the pet. When this happens the most humane thing to do is to shave it off and start over. If you want to keep a long and luxurious coat on your pet, they need to be brushed at least 2-3 times a week and with the correct tools.
For long coated pets, a metal "greyhound" comb and slicker brush are going to be your best friends. You should have a slicker brush with longer uncoated pins for the body, and a smaller one with coated pins for doing detail work in delicate areas like the face. It is also helpful to keep a flea comb on hand. Once softened up with a warm wash cloth, eye boogers are more easily removed with one.
When brushing it is best to work in sections starting low and working your way up the pet with the slicker brush. Use the metal comb to periodically check each area and make sure you are getting all the tangles from root to tip. Be careful not to bare down with the slicker brush too hard or use it too much in the same area as you can cause "brush burn" or irritation on their skin. If you encounter small snags you can turn the comb long ways and use the end as a pick to break it apart then use the slicker brush to brush it out. Do not attempt to do this with large tangles or matts as it can be painful for the pet.
For shorter coated pets especially ones that shed, a rubber curry brush is recommended to help pull some of that loose coat off. it can even be used in the bath while scrubbing in shampoo or conditioner to help loosen up even more coat. You can also use a soft bristle brush on them but be warry of using slicker brushes on shorter coats as it is easier to irritate the skin when there is less hair protecting it.
Tools with blades on them such as desheding rakes/brushes, dematting combs, scissors, clippers etc.. are not recommended for at home use because they have a greater likelihood to harm your pet if used incorrectly.
Bellow is a gallery of the tools that are described. Most can easily be found at pet stores or online. Please let us know if you need recommendations and be sure to check back as we are working on an online store of our own where brushes like these and other products will be available for purchase!
Of course every pet is an individual and their specific needs may vary. As always consult your groomer, vet, and trainer on what is best for your pet and your lifestyle.
