If you establish a grooming habit early on, when your pet is still young, you’ll have a much easier time sticking to it as he grows (older cats and dogs can even learn to love it). Approach grooming in the spirit of spending quality time bonding with your pet—and improving his quality of life.
Brush coat regularly
Brushing is essential for all breeds (even those with short hair), as it keeps their coat shiny and healthy.
Make brushing your cat or dog a weekly event, using treats to make the process more enjoyable (if necessary).
Long-haired and double-coated breeds like shepherds and huskies may need brushing daily to keep their fur from matting; if mats do occur, cut them out with blunt scissors.
Always brush in the same direction as the hair growth, using a slicker brush or a pin brush, which is more gentle on longer hair.
It’s a good idea to brush them outside, to avoid spreading dander in your home, as a courtesy to people with pet allergies.
Tip
White furry faces (dogs and cats) and certain smush-nose dog breeds (bulldogs and Pekingese) are often prone to harmless rust-colored tear stains. Temper the discoloration by applying cornstarch with a moist towel, avoiding the eye itself, then brushing it out.
be diligent about dental health
While dogs and cats aren’t prone to getting cavities, they can develop painful gum disease that may lead to loss of teeth.
At first, just let your pet lick toothpaste off your finger once a day. Use a pet product, never human toothpaste. After about a week, start rubbing the paste on the gums.
Next, introduce a toothbrush that’s designed for animals (or use a soft-bristle infant toothbrush). Some fit over the finger and may be easier to maneuver than traditional types.
Brush daily if you can, or at least once a week. The animal’s tongue does a good job of scrubbing the inside of teeth. Just carefully lift your pet’s lips and brush the outer surfaces, particularly the teeth along the cheeks.
clip nails with care
This can be a tricky task to do at home, since your pet will most likely be none too eager. That said, it’s entirely doable—and can be another bonding opportunity. See opposite for more tips on clipping a cat’s nails. For dogs:
Choose clippers that are easy for you to handle. Guillotine versions often have a built-in guard against removing too much. The cross-cutter variety looks more like scissors.
If your pet is really resistant, have a partner hold his muzzle while you work, or have your vet or a groomer do the clipping for you.
Clip less than you think you should; a good rule of thumb is to cut only the curved portion of the nail. Always leave at least 2 millimeters between the end of the nail and the quick (the flesh-colored segment).
If you do cut to the quick, apply cornstarch or flour with a moistened cotton swab to stop the bleeding. Call your vet for other guidance.
