With most of us in quarantine, our pets are loving the extra time we’re spending at home with them. Currently, most non-essential businesses are closed in Florida. Many may think dog grooming is included, but without grooming your pet’s health could be severely impacted.
A good-smelling pet isn’t the only reason for regular baths. When outside, pets can bring back many unwanted guests – pollen, fleas and ticks to name a few. Some dogs can experience allergic reactions from this, leading to severe itching, hair loss or even infection. Without regular grooming, these unwanted outsiders can spread from your pet to your home and cause your pet extreme discomfort.
Have you ever put your hair up and it felt too tight or stuck together? Matting can feel the same way for your pet, and cause a constant, uncomfortable pull on their skin. Try to imagine pulls all over your body, and you’ll have an idea of how uncomfortable an ungroomed coat can be. Matted fur needs to be handled by a professional, as to not hurt your pet or cause them any more discomfort than they are already facing.
Regular grooming also creates opportunities to look for lumps, bumps and injuries, all while clearing mats and ticks from their coat. Thinning hair discovered during grooming can be a sign of thyroid issues which can lead to tumors in the spleen, anxiety, skin irritations, as well as anal gland complication. Impacted glands can rupture, causing severe damage or even death from toxins or anal gland tumors. If these are caught early, they can be easily removed.
Other benefits of regular grooming include spotting behavior changes caused by arthritis or bone cancer, prevention of severe eye drainage that can cause face sores, or ear infections that can lead to hematomas.
There are many things groomers can recognize to help refer you to your veterinarian. Catching any of these things early can prevent unnecessary complications.
Remember during this downtime to keep your pet’s essential needs in mind as well. Grooming is important to not only keep their coats clean, but to avoid health complications or skin discomfort, too. Stay safe!