Download Grooming - A Necessity of Life?

35 Sunmills Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta T2X 2W6
Phone: 403.254.9698
Fax: 403.254.9045
www.sundanceanimalhospital.com
GROOMING – A NECESSITY OF LIFE?
When we think of the necessities of life we think of food, water, and shelter.
However, these are not the only responsibilities a pet owner shoulders. Just as a pet
owner is expected to seek medical care for a sick or injured pet, a minimum standard of
grooming is also required. This is illustrated by the recent prosecution of a man who was
found guilty of causing his cocker spaniel to be in distress through neglect. Three people
took four hours, finding a festering wound in process, to groom the dog. The court fined
the man $300 and the Alberta SPCA took possession of the pet for adoption to a better
home.
Good grooming starts with the fur of a dog or cat. Matted fur does not protect a
pet from cold and can cause skin diseases. Brushing out a matted coat is time-consuming
and painful for the pet. Usually a groomer will ask to shave off the coat of a matted pet.
Daily or weekly brushing is necessary to prevent matting depending on the coat of the
pet. Brushing spreads the coats natural oils, stimulates blood flow and the immune system
in the skin, and removes dirt and debris, which may be caught in the fur. An animal can
be bathed as often as needed provided a quality shampoo created for animals is used.
Many shampoos have been developed to meet each different animal’s requirements. A
quality diet with adequate omega 3 and 6 fatty acids will give a coat added shine and
often shed less, as well as making brushing easier.
Nails must be trimmed on most dogs. Nails should be trimmed so that when the
animal stands naturally the nail does not contact the floor. Overgrown nails, which arch
the foot upwards, may cause joint problems or difficulty walking in arthritic animals.
Nails, which have grown so long that they penetrate the animal’s flesh, can cause severe
infections as well as obvious pain. Frequency of trimming depends on diet, exercise, and
the surfaces the pet lives on.
Ears should be wiped out and excess hair plucked. Ear cleansers are available or
any light cooking oil on a cotton ball will do. Eyes should have matter cleaned away with
water and hair trimmed away from them. Teeth should be brushed or have regular dental
cleanings. It is amazing how many beautifully groomed animals come in to my clinic and
shatter the illusion when their mouths are opened. Advanced periodontal disease can
cause other diseases as well as being very painful.
Dogs and cats should be trained from an early age to tolerate or even enjoy
grooming. If you cannot groom your own pet professional groomers are available.
Regular grooming is much cheaper than bringing in a matted animal twice a year. These
matted pets also find the grooming procedure an ordeal. Your veterinarian can show you
how to cut nails, pluck and even clean ears, and brush your pet’s teeth. Above all
remember that good grooming not only creates an attractive pet, but also a healthy pet. It
is a necessity of life.
Jennifer L. Scott, D.V.M.
Sundance Animal Hospital