GROOMING
Although it's often overlooked, grooming is an important part of your pets health program.

Routine brushing and combing removes dead hair and dirt and prevents irritating matting.

Grooming stimulates the blood supply to the skin and gives your pet a healthier and shinier coat.

Start regular grooming when you first bring your pet home and make it a part of their weekly routine. Purchase a good-quality slicker brush and comb found in most pet stores and get your animal used to being handled and familiar with grooming. Praise your pet when they hold still and soon they will come to enjoy the extra attention!

Some breeds have special grooming needs, so ask your vet or a professional groomer for advice on particular equipment necessary for your pet.


TOP MEDICAL REASONS FOR GROOMING YOUR DOG

Keeping your dog's face free of long hair that can irritate the eyes will make him feel more comfortable and prevent eye problems.

Long floppy ears covering your pets ear canal create a moist warm environment that lacks air circulation. This can cause suffering from chronic ear infections that can be difficult to cure and can re-occur. Infections that go unchecked can result in serious and painful ear disease.

Every dog will need a bath a few times a year. Bathing helps remove old hair, dirt and oil from the skin. Bathing may make you aware of a lump or injury that may have appeared or changed suddenly.

Dogs that swim in ponds, rivers or the sea should be rinsed well after every swim.

Brushing your pet will help keep the coat clean and free of hair matt’s. Matt’s can be irritating and painful and cause skin problems. Longhaired pets require everyday brushing to keep their coats healthy. If your pets fur is badly matted, they may need to be shaved. As your pets hair grows back, begin with daily brushing to keep the new hair tangle free.

Lastly, there is the rear end. Longhaired animals can get their faeces trapped in the hair surrounding the anus. Have your groomer keep this area clipped short. Situated to the sides of the anus are two anal glands. These glands can become painfully blocked and infected. Your veterinarian can help keep these sacs empty. It is easy to see fleas here too, and signs of a tapeworm infection.

USEFUL GROOMING TOOLS

The Slicker Brush for cats and dogs is designed to remove moulting hair and small knots.

The Pin Brush is suitable for pets with wire / coarse coats.

The Moulting Rake for cats and dogs has a double row of teeth designed to remove the moulting hair of your cat or dog with double / thick coats.

The Matt Breaker is a tool for the removal of large knots, tangles and small - medium matt’s.

The Flea Comb is used to remove fleas, larvae and eggs from your pet's coat.