Work slowly, beginning with getting your pet snug within the empty bathtub, utilizing treats for optimistic reinforcement. Then, introduce water, whereas nonetheless giving treats, and slowly introduce the opposite bathing parts, all whereas giving treats. “Some canines are afraid of the hose or faucet, so we’ll typically use a cup to pour water over them as a extra mild, much less noisy choice,” says groomer Shea Barrett.
Smearing peanut butter on the aspect of the bathtub or utilizing a suction lick mat is an effective way to distract and occupy your canine whereas associating the tub with a deal with.
Fur Upkeep for Cats and Canines
Brief-haired cats and canines solely require brushing as soon as per week. Lengthy-haired cats and canines require it day by day. A de-shedding brush helps clear the undercoat and is beneficial for canines throughout shedding intervals, normally when the seasons change.
My long-haired cat hates being brushed, which makes my job quite a bit more durable. My greatest recommendation for brand new kitten or pet homeowners is to groom, clip nails, and brush tooth usually beginning at a younger age so they’re desensitized to the grooming course of. For my cat’s wispy lengthy fur, I like utilizing a mixture of brushes, one with many quick bristles and a self-emptying button for ease, and an extended comb with fine- and wide-pronged tooth, which helps detangle high fur and skinny out the undercoat.
{Photograph}: Molly Higgins
Sanitary Shaves
My aforementioned long-haired cat, Clover, is nicknamed Poopy Butt as a result of she generally will get messy close to her rear, resulting from her hair being so lengthy. Among the finest issues I’ve executed is purchase an at-home grooming package so I can sustain with shaving the hair close to her hind space to maintain issues sanitary.
“Sanitary shaves assist preserve the genital and anal space clear in long-haired pets. If making an attempt this at residence, use clippers with a guard and provided that your pet is calm; by no means use sharp scissors close to delicate areas,” says veterinarian Jamie Richardson.
{Photograph}: Molly Higgins
Bautrium
Cat Grooming Clippers Package
I would counsel shopping for a package, just like the one I’ve above, with a number of heads (and the comb I mentioned earlier) so you may extra simply and safely entry these smaller or tucked-away areas.
For method, I sit Clover in my lap and entry her pubic space whereas I am above. If I’ve one other particular person to assist, I’ll have them maintain her in place and carry her tail, so I can do the hindquarters from behind. (This gives extra visibility, however she’s so squirmy that I would like one other particular person’s assist to maintain her in place this manner.)
I’ve examined a number of strong cat water fountains and computerized feeders from model Oneisall, and the corporate has tons of various choices and sizes for clippers and different grooming units for canines that I would counsel dog-owning readers take a look at.
The best way to Clip Nails
It’s best to clip your cat or canine’s nails about each 4 weeks. This can be wanted much less for canines, as their nails get naturally filed as they stroll on pavement. However indoor cats’ nails have to be clipped each three to 4 weeks, together with offering scratchers to allow them to assist naturally file their nails between slicing.
Just like the canine clippers set above, there are handheld nail grinders that assist to progressively and gently file away canine nails for a much less traumatic clipping expertise. (These aren’t really useful for cats, as the short of their nail is farther down and extra inclined to unintentional nicking and harm.)
