The Health Benefits of Grooming

Whilst writing about the topic of grooming I have touched upon how important it can be for an animal’s health. In this hub I will be looking at what can happen to a cat or dog’s health if they are not groomed properly. I will also be looking at how grooming a pet can help a human’s health.

Cats are fastidious animals and so like to lick themselves a lot in order to keep themselves clean. By doing so they unknowingly catch dead hair on their tongues and ingest it which builds-up overtime and is then regurgitated as a fur-ball; sometimes these fur-balls can grow to a very large size in the cat’s stomach and so cannot be regurgitated causing serious health issues. By grooming a cat regularly, an owner will be reducing the chance of the cat ingesting dead hair when licking itself and thus help to keep it a bit healthier.

Grooming dogs helps to keep them healthy in a many number of ways. If a dog’s teeth and gums are not kept clean then it can lead to a plaque build-up which can go on to create all sorts of dental hygiene problems. If a dog is suffering from anything painful in its mouth then it will be unlikely to eat its food. Signs to look out for are loose or missing teeth, excessively bad breath, bleeding, swollen or bright red gums, tartar build-up and a reluctance to chew. Whilst dental diseases may seem trivial compared to other potential health risks that a dog can suffer from, it is vital to note that many diseases that start in a dog’s mouth can quickly spread from the mouth down to the kidneys and heart. Therefore it can be vital for an owner to keep an eye on the cleanliness of their dog’s mouth just to make sure that all is well.

It is also wise to ensure that a dog’s coat is kept at an appropriate level depending on the season and temperature as if it is too long in the summer then there is a risk that the dog may overheat and if a dog’s coat is too short in winter then it will increase the chance of the dog catching hypothermia. This may seem like a very basic point to make but it is one that must be made; the grooming of a pet’s coat is imperative to its health.

The up-keep of pet hygiene is not only beneficial to the animal itself but also the owner. Combing or brushing a pet is often relaxing and so can be a source of relief for someone who is feeling stressed or is recovering from an operation or illness. In this way grooming can be good for a person that isn’t as mobile as others, such as someone that is disabled or very old, as it is a good way for them to interact and it benefits their health in a mental capacity. Keeping cats and dogs free of dead hair can also help people that suffer from allergies as it can remove the build-up of dust that comes with the malting process.

For people that suffer from social or emotional problems, having a pet can help them to feel at ease and grooming the pet is a big part of this, creating a bond and helping the person to feel that they have someone who understands them. If done correctly, then both owner and pet will look forward to the grooming sessions, treating it as a healthy and rewarding experience as opposed to something that is a hassle or chore.

In addition to writing on HubPages I also write for Animal Friends Insurance where you can insure your cat or dog for a great price.