All About Caring For Your Long-haired Pet

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From earliest childhood until the present day, I have adopted and cared for countless types of cats and dogs (along with quite a few other critters). While they all had distinct personalities and unique needs, I grew to understand that my long-haired pets especially required special care for their comfort and well-being.

If you are thinking of taking in a breed with medium to long hair or have already done so but have little experience maintaining such a coat, then you might wonder how to approach this special type of care. Well, fortunately, if you start early, it isn't too difficult. Here are some tips to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Virtually every breed needs some basic grooming weekly. Usually this need only last a few minutes for short-haired breeds, but medium- to long-haired cats and dogs need more thorough grooming, up to three times every week.

If you are consistent in doing this, then brushing will not be an unpleasant experience, but on the other hand, if you are negligent, then mats will develop in the fur--tangles that pull on the skin and can even aggravate its surface, reducing proper circulation. Often when these develop, they must ultimately be cut out.

While you want to avoid this as much as possible, you should have a set of dog trimmers on hand, especially because foreign objects can become lodged in the fur and cause mats even when you are doing your part.

Dogs with a double coat don't always get unwanted tangles, but during the spring and fall, they need to be brushed more than usual in order to help ease the transition to the lighter summer coat or the heavier winter coat, respectively. Doing so is particularly important as you go into warmer summer months, as excessive fur can overheat your dog more easily.
Longer hair can mean that wounds and skin woes can go unnoticed, so whenever you bathe or groom your pet, try to perform a thorough inspection, and pay attention if they manifest any symptoms, such as excessive scratching. Use a natural dog shampoo that will provide some detangling help whenever you bathe your cat or dog.

Some critters will need the occasional trip to the professional groomers, but consult with a vet to find out how frequently that will be necessary.

Young animals and pets that haven't been groomed regularly in the past will often not take kindly to your efforts to brush them, so you may want to enlist the assistance of a friend or family member. Be gentle, and your pet will likely grow to like it.


About the Author:
Sudz n' Stuff is a natural dog shampoo an authorized wholesale distributor of Kim Laube Professional Pet Grooming Products located in Central New Jersey. (http://stores.sudzandstuff.com/)



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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