A very important aspect of taking care of your pet involves pet grooming. This is a process that involves taking care of your dog or cat’s coat and skin. Pets have hairs and coats which need good maintenance and grooming to keep them looking clean, glossy and healthy. Regular cleaning is necessary to keep your dog or cat looking clean and smart.
In a case where you hardly have the time to do this yourself, you might need to visit an Animal Hospital League City to get your pet properly groomed and taken care of.
Generally, healthy and happy pets have this glowing look about them which usually comes off their glossy-looking, rich coats. A sick pet, on the other hand, looks dull not just in its expression but from the look of its coat. A dull, lifeless coat is usually evident.
To keep your pet healthy, happy and clean with a well-groomed coat and skin, you may need to find out what causes a dull, untidy and infested coat and skin.
Causes of poor coats and skins in pets include the following:
Poor Bathing and Grooming Schedule
A pet that rarely or occasionally gets groomed and cleaned up is more likely to look bad and smell worse. Such a pet is also at a high risk of contracting diseases because of poor hygiene. Pets with short coats can be bathed and brushed down once a week at least while those with a longer coat can enjoy frequent grooming sessions.
Bad Nutrition
A poorly-fed pet is more likely to develop a poor-looking coat or hairs due to bad nutrition. Foods rich in Omega-3 acids and proteins are necessary for hair and skin development and nourishment.
Neglected Pets
Some pet owners don’t know much about grooming their pet’s physical appearance. Some owners simply neglect to do the needful. Simple brushing and combing of tangled or matted hair can do your pet a world of good. Brushing and combing, apart from straightening your dog or cat’s hairy coat also removes dirt, bits and pieces and even parasites that host on your pet’s skin causing them discomfort.
Sick Pets
A pet suffering from an infection of any kind will probably be dull, sluggish, in discomfort or pain, which will be reflected in its look. It is important that you take your pet for veterinary checks at intervals to prevent some sneaky disease conditions worsening into more serious or fatal complications. Animals with parasite-infested coats or skins usually look dull and their coats reflect this as well.
Now that we know the potential causes of a poor coat or skin in pets, here are some steps to follow to care for your pet’s skin and coat.
Bath your pet regularly
The Animal Grooming League City advocates bathing your dog at least once a week and your long-coated cat twice a week while the short-coated variety can manage once weekly. Hairy pets need more baths because their shaggy coats easily collect sand, dirt and other unpleasant particles.
Feed your pets properly
A feeding diet comprising essential vitamins and proteins will help your pet to maintain its natural coat and skin without issues. Nutritious pet food is definitely a plus.
Brush, Groom and Check out your Pet Often
Brushing and grooming untangle tied-up hair, unloosens knotted fur, and removes debris and particles from your pet’s coat. Old hair also gets removed during brushing and grooming giving room for fresh, richer hair to develop. Grooming also helps you check out your pet for parasite infection, injuries and other unwelcome developments.
Visit your Veterinary Care
As soon as you notice any unusual skin reaction or infection on your pet’s coat or skin, visit your vet as soon as possible. A professional grooming expert at Veterinary Care League City will know the exact treatment route to follow to tackle any skin or coat infections your pet might have. A prompt and timely visit will not only save your pet’s coat and skin but will also save you any extra expenses that might be incurred while treating an advanced infection that might have been avoided if preventive measures or early detection had been carried out.
