Did You Ever Think About Spring Cleaning Your Pet?
Many people give their homes a ‘Spring clean’ at this time of year and with pets, in particular cats and dogs, playing such a big part in so many households, it’s only right that they get a ‘Spring clean’ too.
PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, gives their advice on a variety of dog and cat health matters plus general pet care tips to ensure your pet looks and feels its best.
Diet and nutrition
A pet’s diet is very important in helping to maintain good health. Pets should have a well balanced diet suitable for their breed and species. A recent survey by PDSA has found that around one in three dogs and one in five cats is overweight – which is bad news for our furry companions. “Many people simply don’t realise that pet obesity can cause serious health problems,” says PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury. “Overweight pets are at a higher risk of many conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
Coat care and grooming
Skin and coat condition are very good indicators of a pet’s health. Many vets think of coat and skin condition reflects the overall health and well being of pets. For dogs in particular, cleaning and grooming regularly is important in maintaining a healthy glossy coat. Fleas and other infections can also affect the condition of the coat, so carry out a regular flea treatment programme as recommended by your vet. In addition, what you feed your pet affects the condition of the coat – research has shown that a high quality diet produces a better quality coat.
In cats, regular grooming is an important part of the bonding process (it is especially important in longhaired cats). It gets rid of dead hairs, and so prevents fur balls. It also gives owners a good opportunity to check for any lumps and bumps etc.
Clipping
Many heavily coated dogs benefit from having their hair trimmed and thinned for summer.
Nail care
Owners should check their pet’s nails regularly as overgrown nails can be very uncomfortable. Regular walks may help keep a dog’s nails in check, however they might need clipping from time to time. For cats, providing a scratching post at the correct height is important to help them condition their own claws, but some elderly or infirm cats may need to have their claws trimmed.
Bathing
As dogs sweat very little, they do not need to bathe as often as people. The skin and hair of a normal dog remains clean and healthy through regular dry grooming. Excessive bathing can be detrimental to a dog as it can remove the coat’s natural oils and dehydrate the skin. There are situations where dogs do require a bath – such as after rolling in a noxious substance or if the vet recommends or prescribes a shampoo for a skin condition. However, for most dogs, bathing once every two or three months is adequate. Use a mild hypoallergenic dog shampoo unless your vet advises you otherwise – human shampoos can be too harsh for a dog’s skin.
Cats tend to be quite clean animals, grooming themselves with their tongues, so they don’t usually require bathing unless they are particularly dirty or unable to clean themselves through illness, injury or old age.
Owners should always seek advice from their vet on coat care, including the correct way to bathe cats and dogs.
