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Pet grooming is much more than simply keeping your dog or cat’s fur short and soft. While it does keep them in snuggle-worthy condition, regular grooming is an important aspect of your pet’s health, as well. To help you understand the importance of grooming, the team at Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital in Columbia, MO, shares some of the ways it boosts your companion’s health.

Baths

pet groomingWhether your pet enjoys it or not, bathing should be a regular part of their schedule. Each animal has unique needs, so talk to your vet about how often you should be bathing your dog or cat. Bathing removes dead skin and dirt to keep them clean and itch-free. This is especially important for animals with sensitive skin or infections.

Brushing

Brushing also removes the dead skin and dirt that builds up between baths. It also fosters the natural oils on your pet’s coat and spreads them across the fur, giving them a healthy coating and beautiful sheen.

Trimming Nails

Domesticated animals often don’t wear down their nails enough, which is why they need regular trimming. If nails are left to grow, they can get so long that it becomes uncomfortable for your pet to walk or stand. This puts an unnatural strain on the muscles, leading to even more pain. Longer nails can break off and become infected, as well.

Brush Teeth

You need to brush your pet’s teeth for their oral health the same way you need to keep up with your own dental care. Fortunately, you don’t need to commit to two times per day to keep up with their teeth as you do your own! Usually a few times a week is sufficient, but you can always talk with your vet about your pet’s unique needs.

Inspections

If possible, sit down with your pet once per day and inspect their fur, between their paws, inside the ears, and all over. This gives you a chance to find any potential problems, such as ticks, wounds, and dry patches. If you find these issues early, you can treat them before they worsen.   

If you don’t have the time or resources for grooming, bring your pet to the caring experts at Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital. Call them at (573) 449-7387 to schedule an appointment, and visit them online to learn more about their services.

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