Trimming Your Dogs Nails (Dark & Clear Nails) - Do-It-Yourself Dog Grooming

We are so accustomed to our house cats taking care of their own hygienic needs that we sometimes forget that they, just like dogs, need us to help with their grooming. It is the cat owners responsibility to make sure that the cat's nails are trimmed, that any particularly nasty mats and knots are removed from their coats, and that their teeth are kept clean and free of tarter and decay. 

If a hairball creates a blockage, your pet rabbit will have to go to the veterinarian where the resulting surgery could cost several hundred dollars. When you are brushing your rabbit bear in mind that the average rabbit sheds its old coat approximately every three months, during this period of time increase the frequency of your brushing, and prepare to vacuum your house twice as often, you'll be amazed at how much hair comes off the tiny body. 

Cats who are happy to spend the entire day being stroked by their human, turn into shrieking banshees when that same owner picks up a brush. The first thing a pet owner has to understand is that if they brush or bath their pet at home, there is absolutely no way a pet groomer is going to be able to. Professional groomers are people who know how to make a pet look good, they aren't animal trainers. 

If you happen to cut the cuticle of the nail to short or cause any other kind of discomfort to your animal, make a big deal over it by giving them extra hugs and more attention. They will realize that it was only a mistake, and the love and trust will come back. Pet grooming to your animal is like receiving that gentle hug from a loved one. 

The novice pet groomer may use home hair clipper systems, but they should experiment first in one unnoticeable area before continuing the entire job. When shaving the underbelly, beware the nipples. Even on a male pet this can a painful experience if they are cut or cut off. Home pet grooming is an inexpensive way to keep your pet healthy and happy, but it is also a way for your pet to be injured or messed up so bad that only professional pet grooming can fix the owners mistake. 

If your pet guinea pig has dark nails your probably wont be able to see the blood vessels, on dark nailed guinea pigs the rule of thumb is to trim approximately 1/4 of an inch of the guinea pigs nail. The biggest problem with guinea pigs is that they stink. The scent of an unclean guinea pig cage can quickly drive the entire family from the house.