When getting a new pet, there are many things that you need to know. What kind of food to get, what type of toys, what treats does your new pet like, and so much more? Sometimes things like grooming can fall through the cracks, but it is arguably one of the most important things to consider when getting a new pet.
Grooming can be done in multiple ways, either at home or professionally. But how often should you groom your pet? And what does grooming really include? There are a few different answers to that question and it ultimately comes down to what kind of pet you have and the specific breed for that pet as well. Knowing when to groom your pet is essential to their health and their quality of life.
Grooming can provide an excellent opportunity for you to bond with your pet and monitor their health closely. If you are concerned about any part of their well-being, grooming is an excellent way to stay up to date with their needs.
Why Groom Your Pet?
As a new pet owner or someone who has never owned a pet before, you may be thinking; why do I need to groom my pet? There are many reasons to groom your pet, including coat health, skin health, mat prevention, and shedding control.
With dogs and cats, the key to keeping their coats and skin healthy is regular grooming. While it’s a bit different for cats because of their self-grooming tendencies, dogs need regular grooming for that shiny coat and healthy skin underneath. Grooming also includes nail clipping, brushing their teeth, combing their fur, getting their anal glands cleaned for smaller dogs, and other important things for their hygiene.
Things like regular brushing can prevent matting. If you have a long-haired pet then brushing will save you a lot of hassle in the future if they develop a mat. Sometimes after developing a mat, they can be brushed out but more often than not they will need to be shaved.
If your pet sheds a lot then grooming can help with that. Grooming reduces loose hair around your home, making it cleaner and more manageable. If you have pet allergies then consistent grooming may help reduce the amount of pet hair in your home.
How Often Should You Groom Your Pet?
The ultimate question that everyone asks is “How often should you groom your pet?” The answer varies on different factors including your pet’s breed, coat type, age, and health status.
For cats, they need less grooming in the more traditional sense. They should be brushed about once a week. However, they don’t typically need to bathe because they self-bathe. For dogs, they need a bit more attention.
Most dogs need a bath every 1 to 3 months, the nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks, and brushed once every week. We also encourage you to get into a consistent routine of brushing their teeth and getting regular cleanings since this can impact your dogs’ overall health.
Taking care of other animals such as fish or reptiles, is a whole other level of care and a different kind of pet. For basic care of reptiles check here
Grooming Professionally or at Home?
There are pros and cons to professional grooming for dogs and there are pros and cons to grooming at home.
The greatest pro for grooming at home is that it is extremely cost-effective. Grooming at home can save you money on professional grooming services, especially for regular maintenance. Grooming at home is more convenient and can take less time. You can also use this time to bond with your pet. Grooming can be a great way to connect with your pet. It provides quality time together and helps your pet become more comfortable with handling.
For everyday grooming, such as brushing it is easy to do at home, and can be a way to reward your pet.
The biggest con for at-home grooming is how time-consuming it can be. If you don’t have the time it may be more convenient to take them to a professional. It can also be quite a mess and you want to make sure you’ve got the right tools and equipment.
Going to a professional brings the biggest pro of all, they do this for a living. They have expertise and know what they are doing. Professional groomers have training and experience, enabling them to handle various breeds and grooming challenges effectively. They know the best techniques for each coat type and for different breeds. Going to a professional can be good for time constraints and can reduce your pet’s anxiety.
The greatest limitation or con, for a professional is mostly seen as the cost. Professional groomers can be pricey. And your pet may have travel stress in cars so this is all something to consider when determining if you should groom them
Some local pet groomers in the Tri-Cities include Lucky Puppy Grooming, and The Nail Place, a mobile grooming trailer, which is usually in front of Ace in Richland off George Washington Way.
No Matter Which Way You Go, Grooming Your Dog Regularly is Important in Taking Care of Their Health & Wellbeing
Regular grooming is a vital part of responsible pet ownership. By understanding your pet’s specific needs and establishing a grooming schedule that works, you ensure they stay healthy, happy, and looking their best. Always consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer if you have questions about your pet’s grooming needs.
At DogWatch Columbia Basin we are here to help you have peace of mind, and take the best care of your pet. Pets are more than animals to us, they are a part of the family. We have a variety of products, and hidden fence systems that help to keep your pet safe, to fetch a free quote for our hidden fences contact us here. Happy grooming!
