Groomers have it!

Giving your pet a summer “do” is good for its general comfort as well as self-esteem, of course.

Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Those great hot sunny days are fabulous for us to frolic about in but spare a thought for our furry friends. They can’t just take off their fur coats if they are feeling a bit hot.
As pet parents we need to plan ahead for the upcoming hot weather so that our pets do not suffer from heat stress. For many of us it has been a long hard winter. We have been very busy. Our household has a newborn in it and even I was aghast to find knots on our Persian kitten. Don’t feel bad, just deal with it now – before the full summer heat begins to hit us.
There are many ways in which we can groom (or have groomed) our pets so that they are more comfortable this summer.
Cats
• My number one favourite is the ‘Zoom Groom’. A quick trip to the vet for a short belly and sides. For many cats this can be done with no sedation. However, if your cat is a little unfriendly at the thought of a buzzing clipper blade heading their way, then the assistance of some ‘happy juice’ may be required.
• Longhaired cats may require a complete shave.
• Shorthaired cats will benefit from having a really good brush-out to remove the old guard hairs and winter coat. This will also reduce itchiness associated with old hair coat sitting where it is not needed. You can use a hand grooming mitt or a really good brush. Your vet can advise you on the correct grooming product to purchase for your pet. I advise my clients to purchase a really comfortable brush that will last as long as their pet!
Dogs
• The Zoom Groom is a great option for many dogs. I also advise a hydrobath to remove all the old hair. This will leave your pet fresh and clean for the summer. They will smell great too. Be sure to use a quality grooming pet shampoo as pets’ skin has a different pH to ours. If you use something from the bathroom cupboard be prepared for an itchy dog – and a trip to the vet to fix it!
• Hand stripping is not really recommended. Some breeders still subject their show dogs to this procedure. I liken it to having each hair on your arms and legs plucked out one by one. If you wouldn’t do it to your own arm then please do not ask a groomer to do it to your dog. (This is my personal opinion)
• Breed clip – after a long and wet winter, many of our pets’ grooming is not up to standard. However, it has not been a big problem until the sun comes out and we actually want to take our dogs out along the footpaths. Public humiliation is as good a reason as any to get your dog to the vet/groomer for a tidy up. Nobody likes to be seen with a neglected manky looking pooch. Remember to make an appointment early as the closer it gets to Christmas the more likely the groomer is booked and you will miss out. Each year I see pets that the owner have “had a bit of a go at”… mmmm not the best look for you or the pet unless you are a hairdresser and have a perfectly behaved dog. Pet grooming is a specialised skill and is often best left to the experts. Many clients, however, do come in for some tips that assist them in reducing their pet’s maintenance bill. I recommend a quality pet shampoo (none of the blue rubbish thanks!) a quality brush and daily small amounts of grooming and brushing.
Special mention needs to be made of the ‘Rescue Attempt’.
This is required when pets are left too long and no amount of pleading from the owners or money will turn their pet from a solid one-piece matt into a show ready Poodle or Bichon.
Each year, I have to completely shave (often under general anaesthetic as it would be too painful for the pet) several cats and dogs. Yes, they do look ridiculous and no, it is not the vet’s fault. Regular maintenance is required if you have a pet with a high maintenance requirement. This means you have to brush your pet regularly or see the groomer every 4-6 weeks.
Remember that prior planning prevents poor presentation/performance – PPPPP!
Dr Heidi G Ward-McGrath BVSc
vetcare@xtra.co.nz