The antiseptic Baby and the prophylactic pup

       Were playing in the garden when the Bunny gamboled up;

        They looked upon the Creature with loathing undisguised –

        It wasn’t Disinfected and it wasn’t Sterilized.

                                                            Strictly Germ proof

                                                          By Arthur Guiterman

           Although our pets are not disinfected and sterilized they can be kept clean by regular grooming. Begin brushing your pet when he first arrives. Make the sessions short - five minutes. Give a “good” treat when you are done. This will make it a fun session as well as making it easier to continue detailed grooming as his hair matures. If you follow a regular routine, problems such as matting and tangles will be minimized. With long-haired dogs, fifteen minutes a day; possibly while watching a favorite television show would be necessary to keep the coat shiny and tangle free. Short-haired dogs benefit from a vigorous daily rub down with a hound glove or rough cloth to keep hair shiny and flat.

         Dogs should be bathed only when excessively dirty. Too often a shampoo causes dry, flaky skin or minor irritations, and always use a pet product. Pet shampoos have a different ph and neutral scent. Regular brushing will remove dirt and keep the coat shiny and clean. There are dry shampoos that are sprinkled on and brushed out leaving hair smelling and looking fresh. Corn starch can also be sprinkled on and brushed out leaving white dogs in particular as pure as new snow.

        There are many books on grooming available, especially for poodles and long-haired dogs requiring extra trimming and detailed care. Sometimes a professional grooming every eight weeks is a wise investment for the non-shedding type of dogs.

        Cats should be groomed daily with a soft brush and they quickly learn to love the extra attention. Long-haired cats especially can become matted without the daily ritual. Even cage birds benefit from daily grooming either in a special bath or sprayed with a fine mist of warm water.

       We all feel better when we are clean and our furry friends are no exception. To look and feel their best depends on us to ensure a regular grooming routine. The shiny, healthy coat is reward enough.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.