Pet grooming is typically associated with outdoor animals since they appear dirtier than indoor pets and need to be bathed more frequently. But did you know that indoor pets need grooming just as much? Pets need to be well-groomed not only for aesthetic reasons but also for their personal health as well as comfort.

Unlike outdoor pets, cats and dogs that live indoors do not walk on dirty and muddy surfaces, but they do suffer from some illnesses that foster-in clean pets. If you ever wonder when was the last time your beloved pet got a cuddle-groom, then here are the key pointers that can help figure out when it’s time to do so.

1. Grooming Requires Combating Shedding Hair

Finding fur on your couch, clothes or loose on the floor is a great indicator that your furry friend requires grooming. A major reason why shedding occurs is because animals are not brushed well before they go out which allows loose fur to spread throughout the house. Pets do require grooming for many reasons, some of which are that it improves pet hygiene while also ensuring that their coat is groomed and properly maintained.

Select the best brushing tools that match your pet’s coat type. For example, a de-shedding tool works wonders on heavy shedders such as Siberian Huskies or Maine Coons, whereas a soft-bristle brush may be more appropriate for pets with shorter hair.

2. Matted Fur

Pets with long or curly hair may experience the painful complication of matting if it is left for too long. Mats not only tug on your pet’s skin and create discomfort, but they can also trap dirt and bacteria which can lead to skin infections. Mats may become problematic, so matting needs to be dealt with. Regular brushing along with professional grooming appointments works wonders in preventing and resolving matting.

When confronted with matted fur that seems insurmountable to tackle at home, the best course of action is to seek the assistance of a qualified groomer who can remove the fur safely and stress-free for the pet.

3. Unpleasant Odors

Does your lovable pet give off an unpleasant odor? Though pets that are kept indoors don’t get to roll in the mud, they do acquire stubborn body odors. This could be because of their skin, coat, ears, or even the lack of proper dental hygiene. Giving them a bath with pet-safe shampoos is a good way to freshen them up. At the same time, pets should not be over bathed, as this would result in the coat to lose its natural oils. Hence, it would be best to speak with the vet or a groomer to find out the best bathing routine.

Persistent odors could be due to insufficient grooming, which might indicate other serious issues like an ear infection or a skin infection that requires the services of a vet.

4. Overgrown Nails

If your pet walks across the floor, does it give off the sound click-click-click due to long nails? The fact that nails are overgrown is not merely an issue of appearance, but all the more, a source of severe discomfort, and pain. Walking becomes incredibly difficult when nails start growing and may cause strain on the joints in the long run. If your pet suddenly starts avoiding certain activities like climbing stairs or jumping, this could be the result of overgrown nails.

Round out your pet grooming activities with nail trimming . Use pet nail clippers designed specifically for pets. In case you find the task daunting, reach out to a professional groomer or veterinarian.

5. Dirty Ears

Pets that are kept indoors do experience ear-related issues. Ear infections might occur as a result of the accumulation of dirt, dust, or wax over time. If you notice your pet ears are red, contain excess wax and give off a bad odor, you need to clean them. Pets who feel unclean or irritated tend to shake their head frequently and scratch at their ears.

Use approved ear cleaning solutions along with soft cotton pads to gently clean the outer areas of the ear. Do not use any cotton swabs or sharp objects as they may cause a lot of harm.

6. Excessive Licking or Scratching

Pets that incessantly lick and scratch different parts of their body often need medical attention. Possible reasons might be dry skin, tangled hair or even fleas. This could also stem from an allergy due to a persistently filled allergic compound within their fur. Grooming literally helps with this as it aids in providing a clean skin and fur free of any unwanted pests. Regular brushing of the animal’s coat also aids in moisturizing the animal’s skin and mitigates irritation.

Excessive licking indicates an underlying injury or infection needing vet attention, so look out for blisters, swollen areas, and redness.

7. Change in Behavior

Pets overdue for grooming become moody, and change their behavior. For instance, they may feel agitated, avoid physical contact due to pain from matting or long nails, or nap restlessly. Monitoring your pet’s physical condition is essential in ensuring comfort and happiness.

Timely intervention to behavior changes helps sustain trust, ensuring the pet remains relaxed, while enhancing their comforts as their caregiver.

Consistency is Key

Now that you understand when your pet needs attention, it is easy to schedule a grooming session. It is important to note that grooming needs to be done continuously, and with a few breaks in between for a smoother experience. Adding routine promotes comfort, cleanliness, and overall care for the pet while maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Here are some of their pointers aimed at achieving regular grooming of pets:

• Organize brushing sessions, and ensure they happen three or more times weekly.
• Treat ear cleaning and nail trimming as monthly chores that need to be ticked off.
• Ensure the pet receives full professional attention around every 6-8 weeks as needed.
• Reward with praise and treats to promote better grooming habits without resistance.

Incorporating these practices into your pet care routine will enable you to promptly attend to grooming-related matters before they escalate.

Grooming enables you pet to look good but that is not all it covers. It also forms an integral part of their health, comfort, and happiness. Factors such as shedding, matting or some odor can impact the quality of life your pet lives and paying attention to these will allow your furry friend to live a better, healthier life.

With effort and care, every pet can feel their best. Making sure grooming tasks are performed professionally or by you is just a part of it. The key lies in doing it regularly. Design a grooming schedule today that works for both you and your pet and watch as they shower you with love alongside tail wags and pet purrs.