For most pets, grooming can be their least favorite time of the month.
That’s why we put together this article with tips and tricks that’ll make at-home grooming more enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Tip #1: Give them pet CBD
CBD is a great way to help ease your pet’s anxiety before grooming. Whether it’s trimming their nails, or bathing them, pet CBD will help keep your furry friend feeling calmer throughout the entire experience.
VetsGrade Relief+ Tincture is an organic and solvent-less CBD oil that is perfect to give to your pets beforehand. We recommend giving your pet the suggested dose about 30 minutes before grooming. This will help keep your pet calm throughout the process and assist in keeping them still.
If your dog responds better to CBD treats, Bosco's recipe is also a great way to give your pet CBD beforehand. These tasty treats are an all organic solvent-less full spectrum hemp infused calming treat, perfect to help ease your dog's anxiety.
Tip #2: Make Bath Time a Breeze
Most veterinarians recommend bathing your dog every 3 months, although this may vary for some pets. Before initiating the bath session, be sure to have all the necessary items on hand. This includes their shampoo, wet wipes, towel, and blow dryer. When bathing your pet, make sure to test the water first and ensure that it’s lukewarm. Always use gentle and natural shampoo to avoid any skin irritation.
VetsGrade Derminol Advanced Hemp Shampoo is perfect for pets with sensitive skin. It is a clinical strength shampoo, scientifically formulated with essential oils and plant-based moisturizing agents like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil. VetsGrade's special formula helps soothe irritated or inflamed areas and leaves their coat soft and shiny. The shampoo is non-toxic and safe for both cats and dogs.
While cats do their own grooming and usually don’t require a bath, it’s important to brush out their coat once or twice a week. This will help keep their fur smooth and clean and helps avoid excess shedding.
Tip #3: Skincare Routine
It’s important to keep an eye on your pet’s skin as this can indicate their overall health. It’s also important that you check your pet’s feet regularly and make sure that there are no wounds, infections, or any stuck foreign objects. Dogs in particular may suffer from extremely dry paw pads, which can lead to cracked and irritated skin.
If your pet is suffering from any kind of dryness or irritation, VetsGrade Delta Rx may help. Delta Rx is an all-organic moisturizing balm, infused with USDA-certified oils and chamomile extract, intended to soothe irritated, dry, and cracked skin. It’s perfect for applying to your pet’s paws, elbows, nose, and large areas of skin.
If your pet suffers from dry and/or irritated skin, we recommend seeking out veterinary help to identify the underlying cause.
Tip #4: Paw-dicure
When it comes to cats, it’s important to trim their nails once every two weeks. Clipping their nails can prove to be a complicated task as many cats don’t enjoy the process, so we recommend doing so in a quiet area without any external stressors that can further upset your cat.
Once your cat is ready, gently lay them on your lap or a soft surface. Grab one paw at a time, and gently push down on their paw pad. This will cause their claws to come out, making it easier to trim their nails. Use a nail clipper to trim each nail (no more than 1/16th of an inch). After clipping each paw, be sure to give your pet a treat to provide positive reinforcement.
For dogs, you’ll want to pick up their paw and place your thumb on their paw pad, and forefinger directly on the top of the toe on the skin above the nail you’re going to trim. As you push your forefinger forward, push your thumb lightly up and backward on the paw pad, causing the nail to extend. Make sure to only clip the tip of their nail, straight across. We recommend avoiding clipping past the curve of the nail to ensure you don’t accidentally cut too far, hitting the area of the nail with blood vessels (the quick). This can be very painful for your dog and cause bleeding. If you do hit the quick, you should apply styptic powder or cornstarch immediately. Be sure to apply just a little bit of pressure while pressing the powder into the nail.
