Courtesy of Guest Blogger: Marcie Flores, of Heaven Scent Grooming

You wouldn’t go more than a couple days without brushing your hair, would you? Neither should your pet! Regular brushing is extremely important for both dogs and cats.  Not only will it keep their coats in nice condition, it also helps to prevent mats and tangles keeping their skin free from irritation and protecting against infection. This is because matted fur can become a breeding ground for bacteria, holding moisture close to the skin, especially in the case of dogs and cats exposed to the outdoor elements.  During brushing is also a great time to check for fleas and ticks, and warts that grow on the skin and hide under fur. Catching these problems early can prevent the spread of a serious problem, saving you and your pet unnecessary discomfort and expense.

Just like people, pets have different kinds of hair that require different kinds of brushes and maintenance.  Here are some of the different brushes and grooming schedules you should use depending on the type of fur your pet has.

To start, short-haired pets are typically low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. If your pet is short-haired, use a soft bristle brush on his or her coat once a week to keep it healthy and shiny.

For dogs with thick, short fur prone to matting, use a slicker brush or a comb to help loosen and remove tangles. And don’t forget! Always pay special attention to brushing under the arm pits, on the insides of the legs, behind the ears, and around the neck where the collar lies. These areas are often overlooked and can accumulate small knots and painful mats.  Don't forget to brush their tails either!

If your dog has a double coat it means he or she has an undercoat as well as a top layer of guard hairs. Most dogs that shed have a double coat; common dogs with a double coat include German Shepherds, Beagles, and Golden Retrievers. To help alleviate the mess of shedding, try using a Coat King or Furminator on this coat, and brush often! A double coated dog will typically shed the undercoat twice a year and the guard hairs once a year. Most double-coated dogs shed excessively but regular brushing can help reduce and control it.

Last but not least, long coated dogs and cats require daily brushing to avoid nasty snarls.   Use a slicker brush and comb to work through tangles and mats but go easy and remember to brush from tips to roots to avoid tugging on your pet’s skin.  And never attempt to cut matted hair off your pet.  It is not uncommon for well-meaning pet owners to accidently injure their animals by trying to cut through clumps of fur matted close to the skin.  If you or your pets are uncomfortable, you should stop and book an appointment with a professional groomer. When it comes time for a trim, best let the experts handle scissors around your furry friends!

Once the tangles and mats are out, use a nice bristle brush and go through the whole coat to make it shine.  Once they are on a schedule, most cats and dogs tend to really enjoy the attention they get from a thorough grooming. Not only will you keep your pet healthy and happy, it's a great way for you to bond and spend some quality time together.

We would like to extend a congratulatory paw to Marcie whose photo entry of Princess, the "Cowardly Lion" won First Place in our Howl-o-Ween Contest and the Grand Prize of an iPhone 4!  Her lifelong commitment to animals has led to a professional career in grooming and the recent opening of Heaven Scent Grooming in Gorham, Maine. 

 "I want to give each pet the individual attention and care he or she needs,” says Marcie, “It’s all about wagging tails when they arrive and wagging tails when they leave!”  Marcie is the proud pet parent of Princess and Boog.