We’ve all seen the attention our pets pay to their grooming – cats and dogs can spend a considerable amount of time licking paws, smoothing fur and scratching ears and tails.

But did you know that grooming is actually essential to your pet’s health and wellbeing? The act of grooming for your pet is much more than just making sure their coat looks neat.

Let’s look at some of the benefits proper grooming can bring to your pet.

The Benefits of Regular Pet Grooming

Helping your cat or dog to feel comfortable and clean has many benefits. Grooming greatly improves their mood and behaviour while ensuring optimum physical and mental health.

Some benefits include:

• A clean coat and skin
• Unobscured eyes and vision
• Clipped, healthy nails
• Healthy teeth
• Reduced risk of eye, ear, skin, teeth and nail infections
• Easier toileting, by clipping area around the tail
• Getting your pet comfortable and used to being at the vet
• Increased sociability

The Side Effects of Neglecting Your Pet’s Coat

 Failing to properly groom pets can lead to serious consequences for cats and dogs, affecting much more than just their appearance. In fact, failing to tend to a pet’s grooming needs can lead to an unhappy, uncomfortable and even aggressive pet.

You might not know this but knotted, matted hair can be very painful for pets. It can cause sores and skin conditions, restricting blood flow as the hair pulls tightly on the cat or dog’s skin. Matted hair can also feel very heavy for pets, adding extra weight and increasing the risk of overheating.

As well as being very uncomfortable, parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites thrive on dirty, neglected coats and can prove fatal for cats and dogs.

How Often Should Your Pet Be Groomed?

For owners of long-haired cats or dogs with special coats, you’ll need to accept the responsibility of more frequent home grooming for your companion.

In general, pets can be groomed every 4-12 weeks, depending on the type of pet you have. It’s best to ask local veterinarian near you  to schedule grooming appointments to follow to best take care of your cat or dog’s coat.

Professional Pet Grooming

At Port Kennedy Veterinary Hospital we offer a wide range of affordable wellness packages for cats and dogs to Rockingham, Warnbro, Baldivis and surrounding  These packages include everything from check-ups to vaccinations and your pet’s grooming service. Book an appointment for pet grooming with Port Kennedy veterinary hospital today and take the opportunity to discuss your pet’s wellness program.

This way, you’ll be looking after your pet’s complete health and wellbeing with no risk of forgetting about regular clipping and grooming.