HUNT VALLEY, Md., July 15, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hunt Valley Animal Hospital is advising pet owners to introduce their pets to grooming at an early age. According to veterinarian Dr. Allan Frank, pets should begin a regular grooming routine between three and four months of age. The hospital staff stated that the earlier pets begin a formal bathing and grooming routine, the more comfortable pets will become with grooming. The animal hospital offers grooming services, including bathing, haircuts, ear cleaning and nail clipping.
According to veterinarian Dr. Frank, he recommends starting pets with a regular Hunt Valley dog grooming routine when the pet is still a puppy or kitten.
"The earlier a pet begins to visit a cat or dog groomer, the more relaxed the pet will be with the grooming process," said Dr. Frank. "Some pet owners may begin by bathing their puppy at home. Between the ages of three and four months, young dogs are ready for their first trip to the groomer. By introducing grooming into a pet's routine at an early age, the dog will familiarize himself with the process early in life. This makes future grooming trips much easier."
The hospital staff says that all animals can benefit from routine grooming care. This includes a regular bath, hair trim and nail trim. Cat or dog groomingis also an opportunity to check for new lumps or bumps on the body, as well as fleas, ticks or other parasites.
"Taking a pet to a professional groomer offers a number of important health benefits," says Dr. Frank. "Our dog groomer, Kathleen Muth, has years of experience handling animals. She will help them feel comfortable. Most importantly, she also knows how to check an animal for any potential health concerns, including the presence of fleas, ticks or bumps."
Dr. Franks says that dirty, matted hair is a potential breeding ground for fleas, ticks and other parasites. Regular bathing will help prevent potential health problems and alert veterinarians to any dermatology issues.
Grooming offers year-round benefits, especially in the summer. During summer months, a pet's hair may grow faster. Pets with thick coats can also benefit from a summer shave. Dr. Frank cautioned that when trimming or shaving a pet, a professional groomer should always be consulted.
"Even pets with heavy coats need some fur to help protect themselves against the sun's damaging UV rays," said Dr. Frank. "A pet should never be completely shaved. There's a fine line between a comfortable haircut and being over-shorn. This is one of the many benefits of using a professional groomer."
The Hunt Valley dog groomer offers bathing, haircuts and nail trimming as part of their puppy care and kitten care wellness program. The vet hospital recommends grooming at all stages of a pet's life, including part of senior pet care.
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