Skin and Coat Care for Dogs and Cats
Copyright
©1996, 1997 HomeVet
General
Information
The coat
and skin often reflect the general health of your pet.
A healthy pet has few skin and coat problems.
Clean surroundings
for your pet prevent many skin and coat problems. Outside
kennels should be kept clean, and bedding should be
changed regularly.
Internal and
external parasites, such as hookworms and fleas, can
have a great effect on the skin and coat. Follow your
veterinarian's suggestions for parasite control.
Proper nutrition
plays an important role in general health, including
that of the skin and coat. An excess or deficiency of
certain nutrients can cause problems. Discuss your dog's
diet with the doctor. Any suggested changes can prevent
future problems.
Routine grooming
not only prevents skin and/or coat problems, but enables
you to detect problems before they become extensive.
Bathing should
be done as often as necessary to keep your pet clean
(for dogs). However, bathing softens the coats of breeds
whose coats should be hard and wiry, may remove natural
oils, and may dull the coat. Long-coated breeds should
be brushed thoroughly before bathing, as matted and
tangled hair will tighten after bathing and drying.
Products are available to restore coat oils after bathing
and keep hair more manageable. Consult your veterinarian
about proper shampoos and rinses for your dog.
Most cats seldom
require bathing. If bathing is necessary, use a mild
shampoo, rinse well and dry quickly with towels and
a hair dryer.
Both long- and
short-haired cats require regular grooming, but a long-haired
cat should be combed daily without fail. A short-haired
cat should be brushed at least once a week. A good-quality
stainless steel pet comb should be used to gently comb
through the hair. Special attention should be given
to areas where mats are likely to form: behind the ears,
under the front legs, on the stomach and back legs,
and under the tail.
Depending on
the breed, grooming the hair may involve both cutting
and combing. Some breeds have special style patterns.
Generally these dogs are trimmed and groomed by professional
groomers. If you wish to undertake this project yourself,
consult your library or bookstore for grooming information.
Dead hair and mats should be removed regularly to prevent
skin disorders. If you wish to groom and trim your pet
instead of enlisting a professional groomer, some important
"do's" and "don'ts" follow.
Return
to menu.
"Do's"
for Dog and Cat Grooming
Do provide
the proper facilities and equipment necessary for grooming.
A room with few distractions is best. A solid table
or bench is needed. Proper tools make the task much
easier and the results far better. Familiarize yourself
with the equipment for your dog's breed, and buy good-quality
products.
Do groom your
dog frequently and regularly. Train your pet to accept
the grooming procedure. Be firm, but make the experience
as pleasant as possible. Many dogs enjoy the attention
they get during grooming.
Do trim your
dog's nails, check the teeth for tartar, and examine
the ears, eyes, anal region and skin while grooming
your dog. If you find problems, consult the doctor without
delay.
Do consult your
veterinarian about a bland eye ointment to keep soap
from irritating your pet's eyes during bathing.
Do place cotton
in your dog's ears while bathing.
Return
to menu.
"Don'ts"
for Dog Grooming
Don't
lose your patience while grooming. If the task becomes
trying, stop and try again later.
Don't neglect
mats in your dog's coat. Gently tease and comb them
out. If not, they will become larger. Special combs
are available to help remove mats. If you trim the mats
out with scissors, be very careful not to cut the skin.
If an animal is badly matted, clipping the entire coat
may be necessary.
Return
to menu.
Some
Important "Do's" for Cats
Do train
your cat to accept regular grooming, beginning when
it is a young kitten. Make the experience as pleasant
as possible for the cat by being gentle but persistent.
Do keep the nails
trimmed, check the teeth for tartar and examine the
ears, eyes, anal region and skin while grooming your
pet. If you find problems, consult your veterinarian.
Return
to menu.
Some
Important "Don'ts" for Cats
Don't
lose your patience while grooming. If the task becomes
trying, stop and begin later. Your cat will resist being
groomed if you become angry and impatient.
Don't neglect
mats in your cat's coat. Tease the mat apart gently
and comb it out with as little pulling as possible.
Always remove mats before bathing, as soaking a mat
will only tighten it. If a mat must be cut out with
scissors, be very careful not to cut the cat's skin.
Sometimes long-haired cats become so matted that the
entire coat must be clipped.
Please note:
The information provided here is meant to supplement
that provided by your veterinarian. Nothing can replace
a complete history and physical examination performed
by your veterinarian. - Dr. Jeff
I greatly value your feedback. Please let me know what
you think of this site and what you would like to see
on it. drjeff@homevet.com
Return
to top of page.
Return
to Pet Care Medical Information
Last modified
at 2:10 PM on 12/27/97.
About Dr. Jeff | New Clients | Medical Information Center | Store | Forums
|
