Pet Grooming Tips from Experts!

Want the secrets of pet stylists?

Here are some tips from some of the top pet groomers to give you an idea of how you can get that "fresh from the salon" look for your pets.

* How often should I bathe my dog?

Almost everything we do with or to our pets should be carefully considered along with what breed it is, but commonly a pet should be bathed every 6 weeks, more than that and you can leave the dogs hair and skin dry.

* Is it OK to bathe the dog outside with the garden hose?

Would you like to get washed with a garden hose? Give them a nice luke warm wash in a tub. And always keep the water out of their ears, and don't spray them in the face. Always wipe down their face with a wet cloth, and do the rest of the body with a sprayer.

* Do I have to use a special shampoo for my pet, or can I just use my own shampoo?

DO NOT use human shampoo on a pet. Keep in mind that anything you put on a pet's coat goes in their mouth because they lick themselves. There's dog shampoo for a reason.

* Is it OK to dry my pet after a bath with my hair dryer?

Only if you keep is far away and at a very low level. Be very careful not to burn them.

* Can I just let the sun dry the dog without using a dryer?

If it's hot outside why not? A good rule of thumb is if you would be comfortable drying off in a wet t-shirt outside-don't make your dog do something you couldn't stand.

* Does my dog really need conditioners or finishing sprays?

If you're talking about a NEED and not a WANT, then no, finishing sprays are not a need, but conditioner is. Think of it as lotion, and how much damage can happen to skin when it's not moisturized for long periods of time.

* How often should I bathe my cat?

Lucky for all cat owners, cats clean themselves, so if your kitty is has a clean bill of health it should have no problem taking care of the hygiene issue. However, as they get older they're going to start needing more help.

Remember, cats are not dogs, so bathes aren't so important as brushing is. Brushing distributes the cat's natural oils evenly. Depending on whether you cat is a short hair or long hair, brush it once or a couple times of week.

* What's the best way to give a cat a bath?

Did you know that cats really aren't scared of water? It's the SOUND of the water that freaks them out. So try to gently cup the water over them until they're fully wet ( loud splashing note allowed).

Now that you know some of the tricks of the trade, prepare with a well-stocked home pet grooming kit: remember, depending on whether you have a dog or cat you may not need all the things listed here.

* Slicker brush: An all-purpose brush with wiry teeth that's ideal for brushing most dogs' coats between visits to a professional groomer.

* Nail clippers or nail grinder

* FURminator tool and de-shedding shampoo and solution: The FURminator de-shedding tool removes loose hair and undercoat. The shampoo and solution help loosen the undercoat for easier removal. (Note: The FURminator is not recommended for use with all dog breeds, including many terriers, or naturally curly-haired breeds such as poodles and bichons.)

* Shedding comb: A comb that penetrates into the undercoat to loosen mats and to collect loose top hairs.

* Bristle brush: For finishing; a soft brush that stimulates the skin and helps distribute oils evenly.

* Flea comb: Small comb with fine teeth to trap fleas.

* Toothbrush and toothpaste: Dogs will appreciate the beef- or chicken-flavor toothpaste made just for them.

* Dog shampoo and conditioner: Make sure to get products made just for dogs, with appropriate pH-levels for canine skin.

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