Reasons for grooming your Pet Regularly

Skin/Coat

A fresh-smelling pet is nice, but it’s not the only reason to bathe and brush regularly. Pets can pick up all kinds of pollutants while outside - pollen, dust, fleas, and ticks can all hitch a ride on your pet and end up in your house. They can also cause allergic reactions in some pets, resulting in severe itching and hair loss. If your pet is hypersensitive (which is not uncommon), a simple flea bite or some pollen can lead to skin dermatitis and other secondary skin infections. Pets who are not regularly brushed can also develop knots in their fur, causing painful pinching of their skin. They may try to pull the knots out with their teeth, which can damage delicate tissue and leave bald spots or sores.

Ears

A warm, inviting environment for blight, ears can harbor all kinds of pestilence - sometimes more than one at a time. Mites, fungus, and bacteria all thrive in an unclean ear and left untreated can lead to permanent damage and hearing loss.

Teeth

Like humans, dogs and cats require regular professional teeth cleaning, usually once a year. If neglected, dirty teeth can build tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease leading to abscesses, tooth loss and damage to other organs in the body.

Nails

Overgrown nails can be painful and interfere with your pet’s ability to walk. They can also snag or catch on fabric, break off at the quick causing pain and bleeding, grow into the pads of the paw causing infection, and contribute to the development of arthritis

Anal Glands

Your pet has two anal glands (or sacs) located on either side of its anus. These glands secrete fluid which functions primarily to mark territory and identify your pet to other pets. When working properly, the glands express themselves during defecation or territorial marking. When not working properly, the anal glands fill up, causing irritation. If this happens, you will notice your pet scoot, drag, or bite and scratch at the area. Caught in time, full glands can be expressed with no ill effect. If not, the glands can impact, abscess and rupture.

Emotional problems

We know that a lack of physical touch adversely affects pets. Dogs and cats who suffer a lack of kind human contact can be fearful, aggressive and have other behavioral problems. Pets who are not regularly groomed can suffer resulting health issues that affect their mood and behavior as well. For example, an ingrown nail or an abscessed tooth can make an otherwise friendly pet reclusive or surly.

To Read more about this visit http://www.foundanimals.org/