BUFORD, Ga., May 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hamilton Ridge Animal Hospital, a full-service veterinary hospital in Buford, GA, is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of the vet clinic's pet grooming and bathing services. According to veterinarian Dr. Rachel Rodriguez, regular grooming and bathing is an important part of a comprehensive flea-prevention strategy. Dr. Rodriguez is also cautioning pet owners about "over-grooming" in advance of summer, reminding owners that shaving off pet's coats can increase their risk for sunburn and exposure to the elements. Rather than pet grooming and bathing at home, the veterinary team recommends that pet owners choose an experienced pet groomer to clip their pet prior to the summer heat.
With summer a month away, the veterinary team at Hamilton Ridge Animal Hospital is recommending pet grooming and bathing services to keep pets flea-free and comfortable in the summer heat.
"While summer is the perfect time for dogs to play outside, swim, and roll in the grass, it's also a time for fleas, ticks and pests," said Dr. Rachel Rodriguez. "A regular grooming routine is essential to both junior and senior pet wellness care, and helps to keep pets flea-free all summer long."
According to veterinarian Dr. Beth VerSteeg, Buford pets are in a high-risk area for fleas and ticks. Dr. VerSteeg emphasized that bi-weekly bathing as an important part of junior and senior pet wellness care, and can help prevent problems with fleas, ticks and other pests. During a bath, the clinic's groomer will check for the presence of any pests trapped in matted or tangled fur.
"Regular summer baths are the best way to keep your pet pest and odor free," said Dr. Rodriguez. "Not only is a tangled, dirty coat unattractive, but it also increases the risk for fleas, pests and odors. If your dog enjoys spending time exploring the great outdoors, we recommend a regular bathing appointment to keep his coat shiny, clean and free from fleas."
Buford veterinarian Dr. Tabitha Tanis is also cautioning pet owners not to "over-groom" their pet in anticipation of summer heat.
"While a long, heavy coat can be uncomfortable during the summer, completely shaving this coat off is not always the best choice," said Dr. Tanis. "The coat protects pets from the elements, and helps insulate against the sun. Completely shaving off a long coat can actually make some dogs very uncomfortable."
Rather than trying to groom at home, Dr. Tanis recommends that pet owners leave the clipping to an experience pet groomer. A professional groomer can help trim a dog's fur without leaving the pet over-exposed to the elements.
Hamilton Ridge Animal Hospital is part of the Georgia Veterinary Associate's network of animal hospitals. The veterinary hospital provides comprehensive junior and senior pet wellness care, spay/neuter operations, vaccinations, surgical care, and emergency care. The Buford vet hospital serves the communities of Hoschton, Dacula, and Suwanee.