Welcome to a blog post dedicated to all pet parents who want to keep their furry friends looking and feeling their best! Whether you're a seasoned groomer or new to the world of pet care, we've got you covered with six essential grooming tips to help your pets shine from nose to tail. Get ready to unleash your inner groomer and pamper your beloved companions like never before! Let's dive in and discover the secrets to a happy, healthy, and well-groomed pet.

Bathing:

  • Consider bringing your pet in for a bath if they've accumulated dirt or debris in their fur from outdoor activities.
  • We offer baths for pets with skin allergies to help soothe and treat their irritation. 
  • Use shampoo and lukewarm water to avoid drying out their skin.
  • Be sure to thoroughly rinse your pet to remove all shampoo residue, as leftover soap can cause skin irritation.

Nail trimming:

  • Check your pet's nails regularly and trim them as needed to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
  • Be cautious not to trim too close to the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain.
  • If you're unsure about trimming your pet's nails, or want to learn how you can limit your pet’s stress during nail trims, bring your pet in to see one of our amazing veterinarians. 

Ear cleaning:

  • Inspect your pet's ears for signs of dirt, wax buildup, or infection.
  • Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls to gently clean the outer ear canal.
  • Avoid inserting anything into your pet's ear canal, as this can cause injury or push debris further inside.
  • If you are noticing any debris, bring in your pet as they could be suffering from a possible infection.

Flea and tick prevention:

  • Start or continue your pet's flea and tick prevention regimen to protect them from these parasites, which become more active in the spring.
  • Consult with your veterinarian to discuss flea and tick prevention products for your pet's specific needs. We offer Sentinel, which benefits for environmental control of fleas, and Bravecto, which protects against ticks. 

Professional grooming:

  • Schedule a professional grooming appointment with us if your pet requires specialized grooming services, such as haircuts or dematting.
  • We can also provide additional services, such as anal gland expression, to help keep your pet healthy and comfortable. 

Brushing:

  • Increase brushing frequency to help remove excess fur that pets may be shedding as they transition into warmer weather.
  • Use appropriate grooming tools for your pet's coat type to prevent matting and tangles.
  • Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.

Call us at 760-753-9393 if you have any questions about grooming your pet - we're here to help!

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care is an AAHA-accredited animal hospital located in Encinitas, CA. The Drake Center loves being a source of information for all pet owners across the country; however, if you have any questions regarding pet care and do not live in Encinitas, CA or surrounding cities, we encourage you to contact your local veterinarian.