How to Keep Your Dapper Dog and
Classy Cat Well Groomed

By Sharon Marie Bay


As with most people, animals feel better when they are neat, trimmed, and clean. You can not just leave your pets to clean themselves, but need to take some simple approaches to the hygiene of your whole family. Your pet needs your help to keep them happy and healthy.

Give your pet a bath about once or twice a month. Not only does it help to remove allergens from the air, and keeps hair off the furniture, it also keeps your friends skin healthy. Most pet stores have shampoo that has been specially made for your animal. DO NOT use human shampoo. There are different chemicals and may end up harming your pet while it was great for you. Don't forget to trim your pet's hair as they are wet. The area around the anus in particular needs to be kept free of hair to keep it free of feces.

There are many types of brushes and combs on the market. Just like humans, it all depends on the hair type and length of your pet as to which one is right. You should brush your pet about 3 times a week, or more frequently depending on the hair growth and time of year. By doing so, you can help your pet avoid having matted hair, and help check for fleas and ticks. Some options of brushes and combs are below:

  • Curved Slicker Brush: Good for all hair types
  • Strip Comb: Short Wiry coats
  • Pin brush: Long Silky coats
  • Shedding Brush: Short Smooth coats
  • Mat Comb: Long Durable Coats
  • Mat Rake: Long Durable, Long silky, Short Smooth coats
  • Tooth Comb: Long Durable, Curly, Short Wiry coats
If you are the proud owner of a hairless breed, they are just what they say and do not need either a brush or comb. But be aware of their skin. You may need to apply a lotion to them if they tend to be scratching or uncomfortable in warm weather. Remember that your pet will need sunscreen if they are hairless or shaved.

You see, thick coats actually help animals maintain a better body temperature as it acts as an insulation against both the heat and the cold. Therefore you should only shave your pet if they need it to remove mats. If you have a professional groomer in the area, consult with them on the best way to remove mats.

Nail trimming is an important and necessary part of grooming your pet. About twice a month, you will need to use the proper instruments to help cut down the nail without hitting the quick. The quick on humans in that sensitive area just under your fingernail. As with humans, if it is cut it hurts and can bleed. Be aware of the pink part under the nail and try to cut close to it without cutting into it. Again seek help from a professional groomer, your vet, or a CARA volunteer to make sure you can do it.

While certain breeds of both cats and dogs are very susceptible to ear infections, all animals can have waxy buildup, and parasites in their ears. Try to keep their ears as dry as possible, especially during baths, and use a lightly moistened (not soaking) cotton balls, never Q-tips, to gently clean them. This should be about once or twice a month or more frequently if they do suffer from ear issues.

Even animals can get bad breath. By using toothpaste specifically made for them about 3 times a week, you can reduce tarter and prevent dental disease.Most annual vet visits will check the status of the teeth, and the vet will let you know if a more in-depth dental cleaning should be performed.

Everything listed above will help keep your pet free from pain, insects, and disease. They are simple steps that in the long run will keep them out of the vet's office, and your pet costs down. But just as humans should see their doctors, you need to take your pets to the vet for regular visits.

Page updated June 6, 2008