When Should a Puppy Start Being Groomed?

Surprise! A pup should be brought in for his first grooming by the time it is nine weeks old, or as soon as possible if it is older. Quality time is spent with the puppy to make grooming a positive experience. Although a full clip may not be necessary at nine weeks of age, a bath and drying, nail trim, ear cleaning (and plucking if necessary) and partial trim (face, feet, and privates) are standard procedure for the youngsters. A small investment for a lifetime of pleasant grooms!

How often should a pet be groomed?

The time between grooming appointments can vary greatly from dog to dog and breed to breed. Below is a suggested guideline for some popular breeds; for more specific information about your pet's needs - just ask!

 

 

Why Grooming Your Cat is Important

Proper coat care provides healthy benefits. Veterinarians, breeders and groomer's recommend that most cats receive some sort of grooming on a regular basis for a variety of reasons. Grooming decreases hairballs, controls fleas, keeps the cat (and therefore your home) cleaner, keeps matting to a minimum, allows the cat more freedom of movement, removes dead skin/fur, degreases the coat and avoids the chance that elimination would be impeded.

River Heights Veterinary Clinic is one of the few places in the area that offers cat grooming and on some days the cats in for grooming appointments outnumber the dogs!

When introduced to grooming at a young age, cats can come to enjoy it. Grooming will not only keep your cat looking good, but will help you monitor any changes in his/her appearance that may be signs of illness, injury, or parasites. Some things checked for as your cat is groomed:

If any of these signs are noted, you will be informed.

A glossy, beautiful coat can be an excellent reflection of a cat's overall health and well-being. Cats should be brushed or combed at least two to three times a week at home. Longhaired cats should be combed more often - usually once a day, to avoid the development of hair mats and hairballs. Try brushing your cat when she/he is relaxed. Over time, brushing can become associated with comfort and relaxation. For shorthaired cats, a brush (natural bristles will keep static to a minimum) works best, while a comb (a steel molting comb works best) is more effective with longhaired cats. Remember to be gentle with your cat while combing.

The Hydrosurge Animal Bathing System is a "state of the art" development in professional bathing for dogs and cats. This unique system produces a vigorous flow of shampoo and warm water through a hand held massage sprayer. The warm bathing solution penetrates through the coat for a through cleaning and relaxing massage. Invigorating whirlpool jet action removes loose hair, dead skin, fleas, and other debris for the healthiest skin possible. And pets love the massage like treatment.

Hydrosurge bathing can also be a wonderful treatment for drying, flaking, itching and irritated skin. It combines the therapeutic concepts of whirlpool baths and hydrotherapy. The effectiveness of a medicated shampoo is greatly enhanced by gently washing away the dead, flaking skin during Hydrosurge bathing procedure. Regularly scheduled Hydrosurge therapeutic baths (i.e. once or twice weekly) are recommended for chronic skin problems. You'll notice the difference!

We are proud to feature Hydosurge therapeutic bathing at River Heights Veterinary Clinic. Schedule your pet's grooming appointment today!

Return to Services

Schedule Appointment | Home Page | Locations and Hours