Now that it’s almost time for back-to-school, make sure Fido doesn’t feel left out. Give him some extra attention and make him look sharp for the first day of school, even if he doesn’t get to attend.
- Ears: examine the inside of your pet’s ears frequently to catch symptoms of a problem such as pain, discharge, or redness early on. Your veterinarian can show you how to gently clean the insides of the ears and recommend a good cleanser.
- Eyes: gently cleaning the corners of the eyes with a damp cloth can prevent buildup. Products may be recommended for animals with tear-staining. Also, be sure long hair on the face is not irritating the eyes- if so it may be time for a professional trim.
- Teeth: many of our pets have dental problems. The best way to ward these off is by brushing their teeth regularly. Veterinary toothpaste and brushes are available- never use human toothpaste! Your vet can demonstrate how to take care of your pet’s pearly whites.
- Nails: too-long nails can cause un-natural stresses on the foot, break or snag, and even grow into the paw pads. Animals require frequent trimmings to keep their feet healthy. Trim with clippers made for animals and avoid cutting too much and cutting the blood vessel in the nail.
- Coat: depending on your pet’s hair, this may require minimal attention to daily care. Brushing helps to prevent mats and spreads out natural coat oils. It can even minimize hairballs. Most animals require brushing at least once a week, but longer haired critters may need to be brushed daily.
