Grooming means that pets will be clean and relaxed. However, there is a dark side to grooming. Skin infections, a very serious issue, can be caused by mistakes in the grooming process. Both Veterinarians and professional groomers say that mistakes in the grooming process can lead to issues such as itchiness, redness, and infections caused by fungus or bacteria. At PW Pets, we let our customers know that grooming should be used as a method to promote the health of the pets, and not to endanger it.
1. Bathing Pets Too Often
Groomers and Veterinarians recommend that, for the protection of skin health, bathing should be limited in frequency and done only as often as necessary for a given breed and coat type. Additionally, certain pets may be required to be bathed more frequently due to environmental factors and/or due to the pets’ daily lifestyle.
2. Using Human Shampoo
Dogs and cats have different skin and coat pH’s than humans. Because of this, shampoo that people would use can cause serious skin issues such as drying or irritation.
3. Bad Drying After Baths
This makes the skin very moist and can cause several other issues that are more serious than the initial issue of having a dirty pet. Skin folds and areas not commonly thought about can be breeding grounds for infections and for bacteria.
4. Ignoring Knots and Matting
Knots capture moisture, dirt, and bacteria. This puts your furry friend at risk for hot spots, rashes, and sores. Matting can be prevented by regular, professional grooming, rather than just brushing.
5. Dirty, Uncleaned Grooming Tools
Bacteria, fungi, and parasites can be passed from one pet to another using the same, dirty brushes, clippers, and scissors. So, the pet grooming services you trust should be regularly cleaning their tools.
6. Shaving Too Close to the Skin
Micro-cuts, razor burn, and sunburn can all worsen risk for infection. Plus, some breeds should never be shaved. Experienced groomers know the specific grooming needs for your dog, including how to protect the coat.
7. Skipping Ear Cleansing
Infection is always a possibility with ears, especially in breeds with longer, floppier ears. Removing ear hygiene from the grooming process can lead to a fungal and bacterial infection, so make sure to include gentle ear cleansing.
8. Incorrect Nail Trimming
Nails that have been cut too short can bleed and be painful. This also puts the pet at risk for infection. Plus, pets are likely to be traumatized by bad grooming experiences, so that is another reason why bad nail trimming is so risky.
9. Grooming Pets with Skin Issues
Unsuitable grooming can worsen a pet’s skin issue or infection. Always visit a vet for skin problems before attempting any kind of grooming.
10. Selecting Untrained Groomers
Inexperienced or untrained pet groomers can lead to stress, skin cuts, and possible infections. This is why groomers need to be trained, to make sure your pet stays healthy.
Why Choose PW Pets
We pay close attention to safety, hygiene and the overall comfort of the pet during grooming. Using sanitized and pet safe products, our team of highly trained professionals make sure to use the right grooming techniques to avoid any skin problems.
Final Thoughts
By taking the time to learn common grooming mistakes, you’re on your way to healthier looking skin for your pet in addition to a fabulous shine on their coat. With the right groomer, your pet will receive the love and care they need.
