Grooming your pet is not just about keeping them looking neat and tidy; it's also essential for their overall health and well-being. However, despite our best intentions, many pet owners inadvertently make mistakes during the grooming process that can have negative consequences for their furry friends. In this article, we'll explore some common grooming dos and don'ts to help you ensure that your pet's grooming routine is safe, effective, and enjoyable for both you and your companion.

Dos:

1. Do Use Appropriate Grooming Tools: 

The first thing you should do before you groom your pet is to ensure you have the appropriate tools. We have a wide variety of brushes, nail clippers, scissors, toothbrushes and shampoos available to ensure that you only use high quality products when grooming your fur-baby. Be sure to choose tools that are suitable for your pet’s coat type. Using the wrong sort tools will increase the chances of causing injury or discomfort. 

2. Do Brush Regularly: 

In order to improve and maintain your pet’s skin coat health and reduce regular shedding, you’ll need to ensure you’re brushing them regularly. Regular brushing will help avoid matting and tangles, and will also help remove loose fur and dirt. You should make brushing your pet a part of your routine. Pets with longer or thicker coats should be brushed daily. 

3. Do Start Grooming Early: 

By introducing your pet to grooming from an early age, you’ll have them get used to the process and put up less of a fight when the time comes. Start grooming them early with short sessions and gradually increase the duration of grooming each time as they get more and more comfortable. Use positive reinforcement like praises and treats to help them associate the experience with something to look forward to at the end. 

4. Do Trim Nails Carefully: 

You’ll need to be very careful when clipping your pet’s nails. Avoid cutting them too short or too close to the quick, which can be visible under a light as either a pink, dark brown or black line in their nails. If you’re not confident enough to cut your pet’s nails, we’d recommend having it done by a professional, like our expert grooming team!

5. Do Pay Attention to Hygiene: 

Maintaining your pet’s hygiene is one of the most important aspects of pet grooming. You’ll need to ensure that you regularly clean their eyes and ears and brush their teeth to prevent any dental issues. In order to keep their skin and coat clean they’ll also need regular baths. Thankfully, our Mobile Grooming Service offers packages to ensure your pet’s hygiene is maintained!

6. Do Watch for Signs of Discomfort: 

While grooming your pet, pay attention to their body language and comfort. If they start over-panting, vocalizing, or are constantly trying to escape, this could be a sign that they’re either in distress or feeling uncomfortable. Don’t force them to continue their grooming session as it may make them feel worse. Instead, take a break and reassess your approach. Your pet should associate the experience with pleasantness or positivity, so make sure you’re paying close attention to how they’re responding. 

7. Do Use PetHaus Mobile Grooming: 

We have an expert grooming team available to groom your fur-babies at your doorstep. Our professional groomers are experienced and gentle with all kinds of pets regardless of size, species and age! 

Don'ts:

1. Don't Force Your Pet:

If your pet is uncomfortable, don’t force them into a grooming session, as this can lead to them feeling overwhelmed, stressed and anxious, which will make future grooming even more difficult. 

2. Don't Neglect Regular Grooming: 

Neglecting regular grooming sessions can lead to poor hygiene, hair matting and tangles and potential skin issues. Grooming your pets should be part of your regular pet care routine to ensure their happiness and comfort!

3. Don't Rush the Process: 

While grooming your pet, take your time and avoid rushing through the process to avoid any accidents like getting soap in your pet’s eye, clipping their nails too short or nicking their skin. Rushing through their grooming can also cause your pet unnecessary stress or anxiety. Remain patient, gentle and take it slow, giving your pet time to relax and trust you.

4. Don't Forget to Check for Parasites: 

During grooming sessions, be sure to check your pet for any parasites like sand mites between their toes or ticks on their skin. For prevention, you can apply products like Beaphar Fiprotec, or Bioline Anti-Parasite Spray after their grooming session. If you happen to find any ticks and you’re unsure about how to remove them, you can consult your veterinarian for help. 

5. Don't Overdo It: 

While it may be important to groom your pets on a regular basis, it’s also essential to avoid overdoing it as this may have negative consequences. Excessive bathing, brushing or haircuts could strip your pet’s skin of their natural oils and cause skin irritations. You can avoid over-grooming them by sticking to a regular grooming schedule based on their breed and coat type. 

6. Don't Ignore Behavioral Changes: 

If you notice that your pet is suddenly resisting their grooming session, or has been exhibiting unusual behavior such as excessive licking or scratching, it may be a sign that there is an underlying issue. In cases such as these, we’d recommend consulting your veterinarian and have them examined for any potential medical issues. 

7. Don't Use Human Grooming Products: 

Lastly, DO NOT use human grooming products on your pet. Shampoos and perfumes made for humans can be harmful to your pet’s skin. We’d recommend sticking to products that are specifically made for pets to ensure their fur & skin remains healthy.

Grooming your pet is an essential part of responsible pet parenting, but it is important to ensure you’re grooming them correctly. By following this list of dos and don’ts you can ensure that your pet is safely groomed and that the experience is enjoyable for both you and your fur-babies. Remember to pay attention to their body language and remain patient, gentle and soft-spoken during their grooming sessions. Don’t forget, when in doubt, contact our team of expert groomers to take care of your pet’s grooming needs for you!