The truth is, most people don’t know the first thing about pet grooming. It’s not because they’re stupid or lazy; it’s just that nobody ever taught them how to groom a pet. Your pet’s health and well-being are at risk every time you make a grooming mistake. This article will cover the top pet grooming mistakes people make. Hopefully, by reading them, you can avoid making these same mistakes and keep your pet looking and feeling great.
Contents
Not Brushing Their Pet Regularly
One of the most common grooming mistakes is not brushing their pet regularly. Pets need to be brushed at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, and dead hair. If you don’t brush your pet, all that dirt and hair will build-up, and can cause skin problems, matting, and even infection. Also, your pet will shed more if you do not brush regularly.
Not Bathing Their Pet Regularly
Just like people, pets need baths regularly. Pets should have a bath at least once a month, but if they get dirty or roll in something foul, they may need more than one bath in a month. Not bathing your pet can lead to skin problems and infections. Make sure you use shampoo explicitly made for pets not to irritate their skin or cause other issues. Baths are also a great time to check your pet for ticks, fleas, and other parasites.
Trimming Their Pet’s Nails Too Short
One of the most common grooming mistakes people make is trimming their pet’s nails too short. Cutting your pet’s nails too short can cause them to bleed and can be very painful. It can also lead to ingrown nails, which can be very difficult to treat. You should only trim your pet’s nails if they are too long. If they are just a little too long, you can file them down with a nail file. Also, if possible, have your pet’s nails trimmed at the groomer. If you cut your pet’s nails too short and they start to bleed, the styptic powder can help stop the bleeding.
Not Brushing Their Pet’s Teeth
Another familiar grooming mistake people make is not brushing their pet’s teeth. Pets need to have their teeth brushed at least once a week to keep them healthy and free of plaque and tartar. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth, they can develop gum disease, leading to tooth loss. There are many different types of toothpaste made specifically for pets. Make sure you find one your pet likes and stick with it.
Not Cleansing Their Ears
Another common grooming mistake is not cleansing their pet’s ears. If you don’t clean your pet’s ears regularly, they can develop ear infections and other problems. Dirt, wax, and other foreign objects can build up in your pet’s ears if you do not clean them. Make sure to use a cleanser made specifically for pets to avoid irritating their ears or causing other issues. You should clean your pet’s ears every time you bathe them, but if their ears are filthy, you may need to clean them more often.
Shaving Your Dog During Summer
Shaving your dog during the summer can lead to more problems than it solves. Shaving your dog can cause them to overheat and lead to skin problems. Dogs have a natural coat of fur that helps keep them cool in the summer. If you shave your dog, they will be less able to regulate their body temperature and more susceptible to heatstroke. Shaving your dog can also cause them to lose their natural insulation, leading to them getting sick more often. If you are thinking about shaving your dog during the summer, make sure you talk to your vet first. They will be able to tell you if it is safe for your pet and will give you some advice on how to keep them cool.
Getting Shampoo In The Eyes
Getting shampoo in your pet’s eyes is a common grooming mistake. Many shampoos and soaps can irritate your pet’s eyes and make their eyes red and watery. If you do get shampoo or soap in your pet’s eye, make sure to rinse it out right away. You shouldn’t try to put any type of soap or shampoo in your pet’s eyes, even if it says it is safe to use near their eyes.
Brushing The Wrong Way
Another common mistake is brushing the wrong way. When brushing your pet, always make sure to brush in the direction of the hair growth. This will help remove dirt and hair more efficiently. If you brush against the direction of hair growth, you can cause your pet to become irritable and lead to hair loss. Brushing the wrong way can also cause your pet to develop mats in their hair. Mats can be challenging to remove and can cause skin irritation.
Conclusion
Pet grooming mistakes can be very harmful to your pet. Many pets develop skin conditions, dental problems, and infections because their owners don’t take care of them properly. Make sure you know proper grooming techniques before attempting to groom your pet. Try to make time every week to keep on top of your pet’s hygiene needs to keep them healthy and clean.
