Uh Oh! Are you Forgetting these Important Areas of Pet Care for Your Dog and Cat?

cat groomers

A Wag! Survey on Pet Parenting in 2023 revealed some interesting trends on how different generations view and treat their pets.  Baby Boomers tend to view their pets as “fur-babies,” emphasizing obedience in training and showing a preference for traditional approaches. In contrast, Gen Zers see their pets as “best friends” and adopt more flexible, reward-based training methods. Younger pet owners are also more inclined to bring their pets to public places like restaurants.

Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, tend to pamper their pets more than Boomers and Gen Xers. Despite having lower average incomes, Gen Zers are more willing to spend generously on pet-related expenses, including grooming and pet fashion. Around 73% of Gen Zers are open to splurging on premium pet grooming services and supplies to keep their pets looking their best. Additionally, 55% of all surveyed pet parents, regardless of age, enjoy dressing up their pets in clothing and accessories, with Gen Zers showing a particular willingness to pay premium prices for pet fashion, especially for special occasions.

From our experience, pet parents of all generations adore their dogs and cats. As pet owners that are conscious of their pet’s health and comfort, we know you have their best interest at heart! Pet grooming can be a tedious and sometimes difficult task when done at home.

Are you Forgetting These Important Areas of Pet Care?

 

Pet owners often prioritize basic grooming tasks like bathing, brushing, and nail trimming, but there are several grooming aspects that are sometimes overlooked:

Ear Cleaning: Cleaning a pet’s ears is crucial, especially for breeds with floppy ears or those prone to ear infections. Regularly check for dirt, wax buildup, or signs of infection.

Denver Dog ear cleaning

Teeth Care: Dental hygiene is essential for pets, but it’s often neglected. Brushing your pet’s teeth three time a week at minimum is recommended.

Anal Gland Expression: Some dogs may need their anal glands expressed periodically. If your pet scoots or licks their rear end excessively, it may be a sign that these glands need attention.

Paw Care: Regularly inspect and clean your pet’s paws, especially if they spend time outdoors. Look for foreign objects, cuts, or signs of irritation.

Eye Cleaning: Certain breeds are prone to tear staining or may develop discharge around their eyes. Breeds of dogs with short noses, including Shih-tzu, Pekingese, and pugs, are susceptible to increased tear production due to either their shallow eye sockets or the presence of hair growing in the folds of their skin around the eyes. Additionally, Cocker Spaniels and Poodles have a higher likelihood of experiencing blocked tear ducts compared to other breeds. Gently cleaning the area can prevent staining and discomfort.

Tail Care: Long-haired or fluffy-tailed pets may accumulate dirt and debris in their tails. Regularly brush and check their tails for mats or tangles.

Fur around the Eyes and Ears: Breeds with long facial hair may need extra attention to prevent matting around their eyes and ears.

Regular Checkups: Grooming goes hand-in-hand with overall pet health. Regular veterinary checkups can identify grooming needs related to skin, coat, or general health.

Proper Brush Selection: Using the right type of brush for your pet’s coat can make a significant difference in grooming effectiveness. Different breeds and coat types require different brushes.

Diet and Nutrition: A well-balanced diet can greatly impact your pet’s coat health. Proper nutrition can lead to a shinier and healthier coat, reducing the need for excessive grooming.

 

Leave it to the Pros at Collar Cuts Mobile Grooming in Colorado

While many pet owners groom their pets at home, professional grooming services can provide a more comprehensive and specialized treatment that includes things like de-matting, anal gland expression, teeth brushing, ear cleaning specialized breed cuts, and skin and coat health assessments. The professional groomers at Collar Cuts Mobile Grooming not only come to you, they also take special care of your cat or dog in a private, climate-controlled environment to help them feel safe and at ease. Contact us for a fast quote for your cat or dog today. Just call or text: 720-271-1074.

 

cat grooming services

 

Sources:

Wagwalking.com
Petmd.com
vcahospitals.com
webmd.com
Openai.com

Yes, It’s Important to have Your Dog’s and Cat’s Nails Trimmed. Here’s Why

mobile groomers in Arvada, Erie, CO

Nail trimming is a vital aspect of pet care for both dogs and cats. Just like regular grooming and medical attention, maintaining well-trimmed nails contributes significantly to the overall health and well-being of your furry companions. Overgrown nails can lead to a range of issues.

First, let’s look at some fun facts about cat and dog claws:

Retractable Claws: Cats have retractable claws, meaning they can extend and retract them as needed. This ability helps keep their claws sharp and prevents them from wearing out when they’re not in use.

retractable cat nails
Kitty displays her claws

 

Walking on Their Toes: Cats are digitigrade animals, which means they walk on their toes rather than the soles of their feet like humans and most other mammals. Their claws play a crucial role in maintaining balance and providing traction while walking.

Claw Anatomy: Each cat’s front paws have five claws, while the back paws have four. These claws are composed of layers of keratin, the same protein that makes up human hair and nails.

Marking Territory: Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. When they scratch surfaces, they leave behind scent markers from glands located in their paws.

Digging Adaptation: Many dog breeds have well-developed claws that are adapted for digging. This is an inherited behavior from their wild ancestors that would dig to create dens or search for food. Breeds like terriers and dachshunds often have strong, curved claws that aid in digging.

Claw Grip: Dogs often rely on their claws to maintain traction and grip on various surfaces. This ability is particularly important for dogs that participate in activities like agility, climbing, or search and rescue missions.

nail cutting
Before and after nail trim for dog

Why Do You Need to Trim your Dog’s and Cat’s Nails?

Overall, keeping your pets’ nails trimmed helps prevent discomfort, injuries, and potential health issues, fostering a happier and healthier life for your furry companions. Here are top reasons to keep those claws at a proper length!

Comfort and Mobility: Overgrown nails can curl and press into the paw pads, leading to pain and discomfort while walking. Properly trimmed nails ensure that your pets can move comfortably and maintain a healthy gait.

Injury Prevention: Long nails can break or split, causing bleeding and pain. Pets with long nails are also more prone to getting their nails caught in fabrics, carpets, or other surfaces, leading to painful and costly accidents.

Joint and Muscle Health: Over time, long nails can alter your pet’s posture and movement, which can strain their joints and muscles. Keeping nails at an appropriate length promotes proper alignment and reduces the risk of related health issues.

Hygiene: Dirt, debris, and even feces can get trapped under long nails, leading to hygiene issues and potential infections. Regular trimming helps maintain cleanliness and reduces the risk of infections.

Safety for You and Others: Overgrown nails can lead to accidental scratches during play or interaction, causing discomfort or potential infections. Trimming your pets’ nails minimizes the risk of unintentional injuries to both you and anyone else your pets encounter.

The intricate anatomy of dogs’ and cats’ paws makes nail trimming a challenging task for pet owners. The presence of the sensitive “quick” area, with blood vessels and nerves, increases the potential for bleeding and discomfort. Professional groomers provide a solution by leveraging their expertise to handle various breeds, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. Groomers possess the skills to accurately locate the quick, trim nails safely, and use appropriate tools and techniques to prevent injury. With their ability to manage pets’ behavior, groomers create a calming environment, fostering a positive association with nail care. Entrusting groomers with this task gives you peace of mind for the safety, well-being, and properly trimmed nails of your pets, eliminating the stress and challenges that may arise when attempting the task at home.

nail grinding services
Cat receiving a nail trim from pro groomer

Book your pet’s next brush and bath with Collar Cuts—included in the service is nail trimming. Leave it to us and don’t forget, we come to you! Our mobile service also provides a much calmer environment to have a more personalized experience for your pet.

 

Sources:

Softpaws.com
Brittanica.com
Hartz.com
Allpetvoices.com
fourpaws.com
vcahospitals.com
openai.com