Just as our pets give us all of the love and attention we need, they crave the companionship and extra time that we can spend with them.  These days with the cost of living on the rise, including pet care, we can meet the needs of our pets as well as save some money all at the same time.  By grooming our pets at home, we give them special attention that they will enjoy and avoid the appointments at the professional groomers.  Home grooming is easier than you think and can be a relaxing and fun experience for both of you.  Basic steps include a nice bath, gentle brushing, and nail care.  Bathing and brushing your pet may be the easiest part of grooming but with a bit of patience and practice it wonít be long before your pet will become accustomed to you doing a peticure dog nail routine.

Start with a nice warm bath using a gentle pet shampoo and creating a lather that not only cleans their coat but massages their skin to loosen dander and release loose hair from the undercoat.  Keep shampoos away from the eyes and ears and be sure to completely rinse the soap from the coat and skin.  Avoid using human cleansers on your pet as they may be too harsh for them and cause skin or allergic reactions.  After their bath, give them a firm but gentle brushing with a good quality pet brush to remove loose hair from the undercoat and leave the topcoat sleek and shiny.  The last step is one of great importance.  It may take a little coercing and a few pet treats before your pet may allow you to introduce a peticure dog nail session.  Often pets will pull their paws away when their nails are being trimmed but with patience on your part, they will gradually relax and allow this to be accomplished.  Nails that are neglected become chipped and rough and can lead to health problems for your pet.  This may include split nails that could become infected as well as hip problems that could develop because they are not walking properly if the nails are too long.   Many groomers and vets are using a filing system instead of conventional nail clippers to safely trim their clientís nails.  One such product, Pedipaws, allows you to trim the nail using a filing wheel, similar to an emery board, that gently removes layers of the nail leaving smooth edges.  The worry of cutting the nails too short and entering the quick of the nail, which can cause pain or bleeding, are eliminated.  Cleanup is almost non-existent as the nail filings are collected in a protective cap for easy disposal.  New products like this have made home grooming easier and less stressful for your pet.

It doesnít take much to please your furry friends and the extra time and attention you lavish on them will make them healthier and happier.  They will quickly adapt to a grooming routine, especially if treats are involved, and both of you can benefit from the experience of grooming your pet yourself.