Like getting regular rabies shots, most veterinarians will recommend professional dog grooming services for your pet on a regular basis. You should, however, also be grooming them at home in between visits to the groomers. Grooming them regularly also improves their health, and it makes them feel better. It is also a great way to welcome them home after a stay in our dog kennels. The following are some grooming tips which come from a conversation with  the  veterinarians and groomers at our Colorado Springs animal hospital to help you groom your pet at home.

Tips for Grooming Your Pets at Home

Be gentle. Many pet brushes have stiff wire bristles that can be painful if they are brushed too hard. The purpose of grooming is to stimulate the skin, distribute the oils from the hair follicle and to remove debris and dirt; this can be done with gentle strokes.

Trim their nails. When trimming a pets nails, be sure that the clippers are sharp. Dull clippers will only bruise and fray the end of the nail. If you are unsure on how much to trim your pets nails, please call us or ask the next time you have an appointment at our animal hospital. As your Colorado Springs vet we stand ready to help.

Snip large tangles. Do not try to yank and pull at matted fur or tangles. Simply snip away the tangles that are too big to work through. Be careful not to snip the skin while you are cutting. If your pet is very matted, leave the work to the professionals who can handle dog grooming issues like matted fur.

Baths can be fun. Some dogs love water, and some do not. Most cats are quite happy never getting wet and, for the most part, cats do not really need to be bathed. Dogs, however, can benefit from periodic baths. Always use warm water and appropriate shampoo for. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the soap from their coat and allow them time to dry in a warm, sunny spot.

What other tips for grooming your pet at home can you suggest which has worked for you? Please feel free to share with our readers.