Seasonal Grooming Tips for Cats, Dogs, and Common Pocket Pets
Back-to-school sales and crossing guards are the signal to all residents in the Southeastern Massachusetts area that fall and winter are on their way. As summer fades away, it is time for pet owners to shift gears and start making all of the changes necessary to protect our fur babies from the cold, wet, and windy weather. Even if your pet never goes outdoors, it is still a good idea to take care of grooming and adhere to other seasonal pet tips to keep them safe throughout the year. From trims and brushing to pumpkin benefits for dogs, Guinea pig care and feeding, and heaters for other small pets, the more you can learn about your pet’s requirements, the better equipped you will be to provide them with everything they need to live a long and healthy life. Start your care with a visit to your South Coast veterinarian, where you can get a check-up and professional advice based on your pet’s age, species, breed, and lifestyle.
Winter Coats for Dogs
While we hear a lot about “summer cuts” for dogs, especially during the hottest and most humid months of the year, there’s not a lot of discussion about winter coats. Just as humans drag out the fall and winter coats, sweaters, and layers of clothing to stay warm this time of year, animals grow a thicker coat when the temperatures begin to drop. You might think that shedding is just for the spring when that winter coat begins to fall out to keep your pet cool, but there is also an autumn shed, which is done to make way for the protective cold-weather coat. Each breed will experience a different level of shedding, but it is possible to reduce the amount of hair all over your home with routine grooming.
Daily brushing and regular trips to a reputable groomer can help your dog to look and feel great year-round. Speak with your South Coast veterinarian to discuss pumpkin benefits for dogs, especially for senior pets who have dry or itchy skin and other health concerns. Never start a new food or diet without getting clearance from your vet. Seasonal pet tips can be beneficial to many types of animals, but there are some situations where the recommended methods are not appropriate. If your pet is seven years or older, has any underlying health concerns, or has had issues with diet in the past, make sure to contact Anchor Animal Hospital before you make any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Cats Need Brushing, Too!
While there are many cats that resist brushing and won’t allow their owners to assist with grooming, it is important to try at least. Brushing can help to get the shedding undercoat out of the way faster so your cat can grow a warmer winter coat to keep them warm. In the spring, brushing helps to get rid of that winter coat to make way for the summer coat. It’s a year-round grooming treatment that should be offered to your cat. The more you do it, the more likely your cat will be to simply accept your help and allow you to brush them. If you make it into a game or an opportunity to spend one-on-one time with your cat, they will enjoy it even more.
While most cats don’t go to the groomers like dogs, there are some seasonal pet tips that you can use to help your cat to stay clean and healthy throughout the year. Speak with your South Coast veterinarian about using sanitary fur cleaning wipes, ear cleaning wipes, and other bath products for cats who might need some extra assistance in the grooming department. Nail clipping, checking for litter between toes, and other common issues should be performed every week to prevent more significant problems from occurring. If you aren’t sure what type of grooming assistance is right for your pet, contact our team at Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Small Pet Grooming Tips
When it comes to specific species care, such as Chinchilla or Guinea pig care and feeding, there is a lot of information on the internet that pet owners can use to their advantage. However, if you are unsure which tips are best, consult with your local South Coast veterinarian. At Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth, we see a variety of rabbits, Guinea pigs, and other common “pocket pets” at our facility, to provide our patients with the very best in veterinary care. While most people think about bringing dogs and cats to the veterinary clinic, there are professional services available for small pets right here in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our team members, please give us a call at 508-996-3731. We can answer any questions you might have about seasonal pet tips for your specific type of pet or offer veterinary care services, including check-up appointments, ongoing treatments, preventive services, vaccinations, and much more.