Grooming cats and dogs

● Brush long-haired cats and dogs at least once a week to avoid matting. Brushing can become more time-consuming and difficult the longer you leave it, so it’s wise to do it regularly.

 

● To untangle your pet’s fur, first sprinkle a little cornflour on the mats, and then brush them out gently. While there’s no need to buy a commercial de-tangler, fur that is heavily matted may need the help of a professional groomer.

 

● Use a flea comb regularly in warmer weather.

 

● To make your dog’s coat smell pleasant and look shiny, apply tea- tree oil to the grooming brush.

 

● Check your pet’s ears weekly. The ear canals should be clean, with no signs of inflammation, unpleasant odour or redness.

 

● Clean out the ears gently once a month with an equal mixture of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide (available from chemists). Soak a piece of gauze in the solu- tion and wrap it around your fingers, gently using it to swab away any accumulated debris.

 

● Alternatively, use 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water, or witch hazel extract for a gentle and effective ear-cleaning solution. Don’t probe deeply into the ears or you could damage your pet’s hearing.

 

● Gently and carefully clean around the eyes with a cotton wool ball dipped in lukewarm water or warm black tea.You can also use olive oil in place of water, though some cats will not tolerate it well.