Pet Grooming and the Mental Health of Your Pet

How is pet grooming important to the mental health of your animal?

Whether you own a cat, dog, our gerbil the mental health of your animal reflects the physical condition of that animal and the relationship between pet and owners.  Having your pet properly groomed is essential to maintaining a healthy balance of cleanliness and mental health.  The dog whose hair is too long for the summer or a cat whose nails are too long and need to be clipped are animals that are in dire need of care.  Proper pet grooming can provide an emotional symbol that you care for your pet andthe pet will respect the owner more when the quality time at the grooming is applied.

The simple bonding that is demonstrated between an animal and their owner during grooming is the most important aspect of the mental health of your animal.  while grooming, you are constantly hands-on, stroking your animal and pulling out mats and snags in their hair that may have been a source of discomfort.  As you groom your animal, the animal becomes more placid and at ease.  Your pets grooming method may include using brushes, clippers or variety of other instruments.  Let your pet smell, the instrument before you start applying it to their hair or skin.  The more familiar they are with the tools that you use, the less they will feel stressed having an unknown object structure near and on their body.

If you are using clippers that make a noise, turn them on a good distance from your gut.  Turn them off again and woke toward your pet, turning them on and gently putting the vibration next to the body.  When they realize that the clippers will not hurt them, they will be more susceptible in allowing you to cut their hair.

Any pet grooming must start with gentle words and soothing sounds.  After awhile, when grooming becomes a daily routine, your pet will be more appreciative inletting you groom them, plus they will become interested in wanting daily attention.  With the dual purpose of both grooming and bonding, the grooming session will produce a animal that has sharper instincts and better mental-health.  They will feel more secure in their home and will have trust in their owner as they find out that this new experience will not hurt them.  If you happen to cut the cuticle of the nail to short or cause any other kind of discomfort to your animal, make a big deal over it by giving them extra hugs and more attention.

They will realize that it was only a mistake, and the love and trust will come back.  Pet grooming to your animal is like receiving that gentle hug from a loved one.  You feel better after it and you wish that it would stop and happen more often. As your confidence in the pet grooming process grows so will the confidence grow in your animal. They will know that you will protect them and keep them as healthy as possible.