Grooming salons around the world are closed due to the current pandemic. However, your pet still has certain hygienic needs. While nothing quite compares to the pampering experience of a professional grooming salon, you can begin to address these needs in your home. Follow these tips to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy during the social quarantine!
Tangles Be Gone
Like our own hair, our pets’ fur can get quite tangled over time. This can be hard to see, particularly in long-haired cats and dogs. Tangles often hide in the undercoat (or deeper layer) of your pet’s fur. These pesky tangles are important to catch early on, as they can quickly become mats. Your groomer will need to remove them once the quarantine is over, but in the meantime your pet will experience a tugging discomfort that will only get worse.
The solution to tangles is to brush or comb your pet. On your next trip to the pet store, pick up a brush or comb specifically made for cats or dogs, depending on your pet. Run the brush through their fur once a day, making sure to reach everywhere, including the undercoat. Not only does this limit the emergence of tangles and mats, daily brushing can be a great bonding experience for you and your beloved pet.
A Toothy Grin
Alongside their fur, your pet’s teeth may be causing them some discomfort. Cats and dogs accumulate plaque over time, potentially leading to dental disease later down the line. You can help their teeth by giving them a daily brushing. While pets cannot handle human toothbrushes or toothpaste, your local pet store should carry pet-safe options. Your cat or dog may not appreciate this brushing at first, but as time goes on they will get used to the experience. Their teeth will thank you!
Skip the Clippers
Sometimes, pet owners try to cut their furry friend’s fur at home. We strongly advise against this. Not only is it quite difficult, an unsuitable cut can lead to complications such as post clipping alopecia. Post clipping alopecia leaves fur permanently damaged and discolored; it will never grow back quite the same. For more information, see our blog on post clipping alopecia.
With regular brushing, your pet’s fur should not grow to a point that it is uncomfortable. Wait until the quarantine ends, then schedule an appointment with your local grooming salon.
Claws N Paws Day Spa is a professional, full-service grooming salon located in Fountain Valley, California. Although we are currently closed, we are still working hard to keep the shop clean and comfortable. For more information and regular updates, you can follow us on Facebook at Claws N Paws Day Spa and on Instagram at @clawsnpawsdayspa_.