Why Regular Grooming Is Good for Your Pet’s Health

Grooming keeps your pet comfortable, and it gives someone a regular look at the skin, coat, nails and ears. Problems found early are usually cheaper and easier to treat.

Skin and coat

Brushing removes loose hair, dead skin and dirt before they build up. Dirt and tangled hair can irritate the skin and make infections and hot spots more likely.

A groomer handles your pet often and may notice:

• Lumps, bumps or growths
• Red, scaly or discoloured skin
• Fleas, ticks or mites
• Bald or thinning patches
• A bad smell from the skin or ears

A groomer doesn't diagnose. If something looks wrong, they'll tell you and you can book a vet check.

Mats

Mats pull on the skin and trap moisture and dirt. Under a mat the skin can become sore and infected, and fleas and ticks can hide in it. Tight mats can hurt, especially in armpits, behind the ears, in the groin and under the tail. A very tight mat on a leg can cut off blood flow.

Don't cut mats out with scissors, because the skin is easy to nick. Brush out small mats early. If a mat won't brush out, a groomer can clip it. Severe matting sometimes needs sedation and a full clip, and that is a vet's decision. Our grooming includes knot and mat removal for cats, and our team can tell you what your pet needs.

Nails

Long nails change how a paw sits on the floor, which makes walking uncomfortable. They can also split, tear or grow into the pad. Older pets often wear their nails down less, so they may need trimming more often. Clipping is a standalone service, and we also offer a pawdicure (nails plus paw pad trim).

Ears and teeth

Ear cleaning removes wax and dirt. It's also a chance to spot redness, a smell or discharge, which can mean an ear infection or mites. We offer ear cleaning and ear hair plucking.

Teeth brushing is available as a standalone service. A groomer can notice bad breath or tartar, but only a vet can check for dental disease. Bacteria from severe gum disease may reach the heart and kidneys, so don't ignore tartar or bad breath. Our veterinary team can examine your pet's mouth.

Parasites

A grooming session is a good time to check for parasites:

• Fleas cause itching and allergic reactions. A heavy infestation can lead to anaemia, especially in puppies and kittens.
• Ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease.
• Mites can cause mange and strong itching.
• Lice cause irritation and hair loss.

Groomers can spot parasites but can't prescribe treatment. Ask your vet which prevention suits your pet.

Don't shave double coats

Shaving a double-coated breed doesn't keep it cooler. The coat insulates against heat and cold and protects the skin from sunburn, and shaved coats can grow back patchy. De-shedding and regular brushing remove the dead undercoat instead.

Senior pets and special needs

• Older pets may need shorter sessions and gentler handling if they have stiff joints.
• Long-haired breeds need frequent brushing to stop mats forming.
• Short-nosed breeds need their facial folds kept clean and dry.
• Cats can usually groom themselves, but long-haired cats benefit from regular brushing.

Tell the groomer about arthritis, skin problems or any recent surgery before the appointment.

How often?

It depends on coat, breed and lifestyle. Dogs with medium or long coats may need brushing every day, while short coats need less. Ask your groomer for a schedule that fits your pet, and brush between visits.

Grooming and your vet

Our groomers and vets work in the same clinic, and a vet is on site during opening hours (Monday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 16:00, and Tuesday and Wednesday 09:00 to 17:00). If a groomer sees something that worries them, they'll tell you and you can ask the vet to look.

Learn more about our grooming services, or contact us to book.