Grooming

Regular grooming of your pet should be started as soon as possible especially for long haired breeds. This includes dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and most other pets too! This will prevent your animal's fur from getting matted. If done daily your pet will get used to this procedure and therefore it will not be a stressful time when performed. Even if you have a breed that does not require regular grooming their may be a time later in their life that this may be needed.

Grooming your pet can be used as part of the bonding between you and your pet.

If your pet is a breed that will require regular visits to a grooming parlour please take them along as soon as possible. This will prevent them from becoming stressed and will get them used to this regular experience. Some breeds will benefit from not being clipped until their coat is mature - a good groomer should be able to advise you on this.

Removing mattes can be very painful for our pets especially when they are close to the skin. Often badly matted fur will require sedation or a general anaesthetic for the patient, which is a stressful time and can be prevented with regular grooming.

There are free nurse clinics available at Willett House Veterinary Surgery where we will be able to give any advice on any problems you may require with grooming of your pet.