Grooming & Well Checks: Vet Care at Dartmouth Animal Hospital
Taking care of your pet means more than just providing food, water, and shelter. Vet care for cats and dogs is essential to their well-being and ensures a long and healthy life. Schedule a veterinary check-up in New Bedford with our Dartmouth animal hospital for an annual check-up and make sure to adhere to regular grooming, which can help to catch any conditions or underlying issues right away. Whether you use a professional groomer or take care of your pets at home, New Bedford pet owners should speak with a trusted veterinarian to determine what their pet needs to maintain good health.
Bathing and Brushing
Some pets love baths, while others run and hide the minute they see you reach for the shampoo. Even if they do not enjoy the grooming process, it is essential to make sure that your pet has a bath as often as is required. Pets that stay indoors at all times will require less bathing, while others who have a wild social life at dog parks or walks around the block may need more. If you have a young pup or kitten, start off on the right foot by introducing them to the grooming process early and slowly. Training them to sit still and allow you to groom them will help when they are older, bigger, and stronger.
Brushing is a significant part of the grooming process. Regular brushing – even in between baths – can help to remove dirt, dandruff, dead hairs, and dead skin cells from your pet. For cats and kittens, regular brushing can reduce hairballs and prevent matting and tangles, which can be extremely painful and ultimately can cause infections. Brushing helps stimulate the natural oils within your pet’s fur, which allows them to have a glossy and healthy shine. As you brush, carefully examine your pet’s skin for any possible issues, such as fleas and ticks, bald patches, dry areas, and other types of concerns. Contact our Dartmouth animal hospital if you have questions or feel that you should schedule an appointment.
Nail Trimming
One of the most significant areas of contention between pets and their owners is nail trimming. Some pets have nails that grow incredibly quickly, requiring frequent trims to prevent scratching and other injuries. Other pets may have nails that can get caught on furniture or on the carpet, causing pain or even walking issues. Regular trims can prevent the likelihood of ingrown nails, which can curve up into the pads of feet, cause severe pain, and increase infection risk. While it might seem that nail trimming is more stressful on older pets, it is essential as it can help to reduce joint pain and arthritis caused by overgrown nails impeding their ability to walk correctly.
During your veterinary check-up in New Bedford, our team can show New Bedford pet owners the best way to trim nails. We can do nail trimming and other essential grooming services for you or help you learn how to do it at home in the best way for your pet. Vet care for cats and dogs requires regular appointments and attention to details to ensure that your pet lives their best life. Our Dartmouth animal hospital offers a wide range of services that can be used to keep your pet healthy and strong, including dental care and advanced dental services, as well as preventive treatments and veterinary acupuncture to help reduce pain and stress.
Schedule a Check-Up Today
If it has been a while since your pet has been to Anchor Animal Hospital, consider scheduling a check-up today. Annual check-ups are recommended for dogs of all ages, while new puppies and senior dogs with health concerns may need to visit more frequently. New Bedford pet owners can get advice, support, services, and treatments, as required, to help keep their pets healthy throughout every stage of their life. We offer a comprehensive array of services to deliver quality vet care for cats and dogs, as well as pocket pets and certain exotics, at our Dartmouth animal hospital. To learn more about our services or schedule a veterinary check-up in New Bedford and the surrounding Southcoast area, give us a call at 508-996-3731 and speak with one of our highly trained and experienced technicians.