Grooming Advice & Cat Clipping
Keeping your pet well groomed is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing. Our team is happy to provide advice on maintaining your pet’s coat at home. We also offer cat clipping under sedation to safely remove matting and assist with maintaining a healthy, comfortable coat.
5 Tips For Bathing Your Dog At Home
- Choose the right shampoo. Never use human shampoo (including baby shampoo), as it has the wrong pH for dogs. If your dog has itchy, oily or sensitive skin, our veterinary team can recommend the most suitable product.
- Protect your dog’s ears. Place a small piece of cotton wool in each ear to help prevent water entering the ear canal. Remember to remove it once bath time is over.
- Provide a non-slip surface. A towel or non-slip mat in the bottom of the bath helps your dog feel more secure and reduces the risk of slipping.
- Be prepared for the shake! Keep a towel handy to help contain splashes when your dog inevitably shakes off.
- Catch loose hair. Placing a small piece of steel wool over the plug hole can help catch loose fur and make cleaning up easier.
IIf you’re unsure which grooming products are best for your dog, our veterinary team is always happy to offer advice based on your pet’s individual skin and coat needs.
Do I Need To Wash My Cat?
Most cats are excellent at keeping themselves clean and generally do not require bathing. Their rough tongue acts like a natural brush, helping to remove loose hair and dirt as they groom themselves.
However, some cats need a little extra help. Long-haired breeds, overweight cats and older cats can struggle to groom effectively, which can lead to painful mats forming in their coat. Regular brushing at home can help prevent matting and keep your cat comfortable.
If your cat develops severe matting, clipping may be necessary. For the safety and comfort of both your cat and our staff, we offer cat clipping under sedation when required. Sedation allows mats to be removed safely and with minimal stress, particularly for cats with extensive matting or those that are anxious or difficult to handle.
If you notice your cat is grooming less than usual, it may be a sign of pain, arthritis or an underlying illness. We recommend booking a veterinary examination so we can identify the cause and help keep your cat healthy and comfortable.
