By Gloria J. Towle
With two rather spoiled indoor cats at my house, I realize the importance of grooming. It’s rare that I actually do the grooming, thanks to my husband, Steve. The kitties enjoy a rare outside experience on our upper deck and will get groomed at least three or four times a week.
They actually seem to enjoy the grooming process — although they would never let on that they do! It’s unbelievable the amount of fur that is removed each time. This still, however, doesn’t eliminate the shedding of some fur “inside,” but it certainly does help. Plus, I have found that in springtime the birds love the extra fur blowing around our yard to build their nests.
Pet Friendly Canada has some helpful tips…
Grooming your pet isn’t just for appearance; regular grooming also promotes bonding between you and your pet, helps to minimize shedding, allows you to find lumps or other conditions that should be checked by a vet, and helps to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy.
Basic grooming can be done in the home. This can include brushing/combing of the coat, brushing your pet’s teeth (yes, really!), trimming nails and cleaning ears.
Professional pet groomers can assist you with all of the above and more. They can also remove mats (although regular grooming will help to ensure mats don’t form at all), clip your pet in a manner that suits his breed, give baths (either regular or medicated); and remove harmful substances (like skunk odor!).
When you choose a groomer, consider the following:
Ensure the facility is well-equipped well-lit, and clean.
Watch the groomers: they should be treating all pets with care. How do they handle frightened or uncooperative pets? Do they appear confident and knowledgeable? Make sure you are comfortable leaving your pet in their hands.
Ask questions. Dogs and cats should ideally be kenneled in separate areas. How often does the staff monitor the pets in their care?
Provide the groomer with information on any health conditions or habits that your pet has that may affect the grooming session. Some pets may be uncooperative at first and will need to be eased into the grooming experience at home before being brought to a professional groomer. If your pet finds it too stressful to go out to a professional business, consider employing the services of a mobile pet groomer.
Please consider finding your next companion at The Central Aroostook Humane Society. Our hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with a lunch break from 12-12:30. Visit us online at petfinders.com or Facebook.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
