The Responsibilities Of Caring For A Long-Haired Pet

I have been blessed with the good fortune of growing up around many, many animals. I loved each of my cats and dogs (and hamsters and gerbils and finches and so on), but some of them certainly required more responsibility than others. That was especially true of my long-haired companions.

Many people mistakenly believe that a little extra brushing is the only requirement for a healthy, happy animal. There are, however, a few more things that you should be aware of if you have a long-haired pet or intend to adopt one in the future. Let me fill you in.

Daily grooming is, indeed, very important. Make it a priority to brush your critter for about 20 minutes each day. I know better than most what a stink your dogs and cats might make, but it will be easier if you keep this regimen up. Imagine what it would be like if you have to combat tangles and mats. Many animals will grow to enjoy your little routine, making it easier on everyone involved, though you may want to recruit some help until you know how s/he will react.

When you go on vacation, make sure your pet's routine doesn't get interrupted. It doesn't take much for mats to begin developing, so be sure to select a dog boarding facility that will offer bathing, brushing and/or grooming of your furry friend while you're away.

Critters with a longer coat are also more prone to developing issues with fleas and ticks that go undetected. As you already know, parasites frequently transmit diseases, but more commonly, they are a severe irritation that can make life miserable for pets and people alike. That is why it is vital to keep all of your animals on preventative medicines.

If you start seeing signs of fleas or ticks in your home, contact your vet right away. You will probably want to have an exterminator treat your home to help prevent re-infestation. Even if you are taking preventative measures, it would be wise to do a regular inspection of your pet's coat once a week.

Animals with long fur that spend a great deal of time outside are definitely prone to getting foreign objects stuck in their coats. Usually this involves no more than burrs or small sticks, but if are buried deep enough, they can scratch or otherwise aggravate the skin, so don't forget to do a brief checkup after outdoor romps.

Fur of this sort can mask wounds from other sources, too, so it's important to always be aware of your pet's behavior. They will show it when they've been injured, even if the visual isn't obvious.