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Grooming Your Pet
Bathing
The purpose of the bath is to remove dirt, crusts and scales, ectoparasites and toxic or irritating materials. Be sure to never leave animals unattended in a bath tub. They will often jump out and may severely injure themselves. Further more, never tie them to the bath tub as they can tangle up and suffocate.
Hint - Trim cat nails before bathing to avoid getting seriously scratched.
Steps in Bathing your Pet:
- Trim toenails and brush out the coat. Any tangles or knots will become very difficult to remove after they are wet
- Apply mineral oil to the eyes to protect them from the shampoo
- Always monitor the water temperature to ensure that it is neither too hot or too cold
- Read the directions on the pet shampoo bottle. It will tell you if it is appropriate for the specific condition of your pet and will tell you of any special instructions.
- Do NOT use human shampoo. It is too harsh on the animals skin and may cause dryness or other skin conditions/reactions
- Wet the pet thoroughly. Take care around the head so you don’t frighten them
- Apply shampoo and lather all over the body, avoiding the eyes, nose and mouth (For larger pets, wash, lather and rinse in sections)
- Leave any medicated shampoos on the coat for no less than 5 and no more than 15 minutes
- Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! The coat must be rinsed thoroughly to prevent the skin from having a reaction to soap residues
- For those pets with longer hair – apply conditioner in order to make final brush out easier
- Squeeze out as much water as possible
- Towel dry
- Blow dry or allow to air dry if environment is sufficiently warm
- Comb or brush out
- Repeat as needed
Nail Trimming
Regular nail trimming should be part of the grooming routine for your pet. Nails that are too long interfere with the way a dog walks and stands. Excessively long cat toenails can be easily caught on furniture. Toenails must be trimmed regularly to keep them a comfortable length.
With a little training and following the correct procedures, difficulties are easily avoided and nail trimming becomes the quick and painless activity it should be.
Steps in Trimming your Pets Nails:
- First, the pet must become accustomed to having their feet handled. This should be done when they are very young, but even adult pets can be taught to accept it. Handle the feet while talking in a friendly, upbeat voice. Gradually, hold the paws for longer periods of time and remember to make this process fun with the use of special treats, praise and pats.
- Always use the proper equipment. If you use nail trimmers that are dull or overly large and difficult to handle, it will only make this process difficult on you and possibly painful for your pet. Nail trimmers come in 2 basic types: Scissor or Plier type, and Guillotine type. The Guillotine type need to have the blade replaced regularly. The Scissor type is available in different sizes for dogs and cats.
- It is easiest to trim your pet’s nails if they are in a sit on the floor at your side or positioned on a grooming table. Make sure it has secure footing or they will become very fidgety
- Firmly grasp paw to be trimmed
- Position the blade of the trimmer so that it is well below the quick (the blood and nerve supply of the nail) in each nail. Squeeze the handles firmly together, and voila! One toenail trimmed! Proceed to trim the rest of the nails – and remember to trim the dewclaw as well.
- If you accidentally cut into the quick, it will cause some bleeding and may cause your pet some discomfort. Be sure to downplay your reaction – if you make a big deal of it, your pet will too. For the bleeding, there is a specific product called Quick Stop Powder that can be used, or you could dab on some cornstarch to help stop the bleeding.
- Lastly, praise your pet! Tell them how wonderful they behaved and give them a treat and a big hug!
 
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