Grooming
Keeping your pet well-groomed will also maintain his or her health. This can include bathing, brushing and combing, DIY or professional clipping and trimming of fur, and trimming nails.
Bathing
The frequency of bathing your pet receives will depend on how dirty she gets and if dry skin is a problem. Even with the dirtiest pets, most should not need to be bathed more than once a month, twice a month if fleas are a problem. For those who like to play in puddles and dirt, a simple rinse with water can get out most particles and other messes. When choosing bathing products, select a shampoo that is soap-free; this will help prevent dry skin.
Please note: certain species of animals, such as rabbits and chinchillas, should not be bathed in water.
Again, going natural does not have to empty your wallet. EarthBath and TropiClean are two brands that are natural, effective, and earth-friendly that are also not budget-busters. To keep your pet fresh between baths, consider using a coat conditioner and deodorizer. These can keep your pet's coat looking shiny while adding a fresh scent.
Brushing
How often you brush your pet will depend on the breed. A pet with longer fur should be brushed and combed 2-3 times per week, while a pet with a very short coat may only need an occasional brushing to remove dead or shedding hairs. It is very important to do this, as mats can form. Remove any and all mats and tangles. Leaving them will cause them to grow larger; they can be very uncomfortable and in severe cases can even prevent a pet from walking.
Clipping Fur
Some dog breeds have their fur clipped to achieve the "look" of the breed. In hot weather, some owners will clip their dog's fur if they normally have very thick or long fur. Clipping can be done by a professional groomer or you may wish to learn to do it on your own. If you choose to DIY clip, be sure to purchase a good quality pet hair timmer/clipper set and follow instructions carefully. It is important to oil the clipper blade frequently throughout the sessions, as well as before and after, to prevent the blade from getting too hot and burning your pet's skin. You also need to be careful around ears and tips of tails to be sure they do not get knicked by the blade. If you do not have any experience clipping, have a groomer or experienced freind show proper techniques. If you are ever unsure or uncomfortable in what you are doing, it is best left to the professionals.
Trimming Nails
Trimming your pet's nails is very important to their health. Just about every house pet will need a nail trim: cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, rodents, birds. If nails are not trimmed, it is possible for the nail to grow so long it eventually curls back and could grow right through the pad of the foot. However, it is important to know how to properly trim nails, as you could harm your pet and cause bleeding. Have your veterinarian or groomer show you the proper technique and what to look for in determining how much nail to trim off. In some animals, like cats, the nails are transparent and it is easy to tell where the quick (the "live" part containing blood vessels) is. Other animals have dark, opaque nails where it is much more difficult to determine where the quick is and you will need to cut off very small amounts at a time.
There are two main types of nail clippers on the market: scissor type and guillotine type. The one you use depends on personal preference; though scissor type tends to be better for small animals and the guillotine type better for larger animals with thick nails. There are now also nail grindersavailable, which can help prevent trimming the nail too short. One supply you will always want to keep handy, no matter which nail trimming tool you use, is styptic powder. If you cut into the quick and cause bleeding, this powder helps to stop bleeding quickly.