Does Your Pet Need a Groom?

Not a “Bride and Groom” type Groom…I’m talking about care of your pet’s coat through correct Grooming!

Animals instinctively groom themselves.  However as we humans have changed their circumstances over thousands of years through breeding and domestic habitat, their ability to do this effectively has become limited. The original ancestors of dogs – wolves – had a thick coat for winter comprising a topcoat and an undercoat.  The topcoat is present year-round but the thickness of the undercoat depends on the season.  Much of it is shed for summer.  Selective breeding by humans has modified dogs’ coats, as well as other characteristics.  Extreme examples are the short coat and very supple skin of the greyhound or the extra thick coat of the husky.

Winter has reached its shortest day so the days will be slowly increasing in length.  Some pets sense this change in daylight and begin to shed their undercoats.  The undercoat is shorter, fluffier and warmer than the longer topcoat. When some form of stimulus occurs, like the day length, nutrition or even illness, this undercoat can shed very quickly even overnight.  Longhaired pets such as Persian cats can form a thick felt mat of undercoat close to the skin which is very resistant to self-grooming, combing or brushing. Intensive combing MAY rid the pet of this unwanted hair but usually there is need for a partial or complete body groom or clip of your pet’s coat.

It is important to ensure that your pet’s coat is cared for as neglected coats can lead to skin problems and other health issues.

Your Vet can advise you on your pet’s coat care.  Some Vet clinic’s have Pet Groomers working with them or can refer you to one of the many available to ensure that your pet always gets the right Groom!