5 myths about grooming dogs and cats

Believe it or not, there are a lot of misconceptions about pet grooming! To help clear up some of the confusion, we’ve debunked five of the most common myths.

Myth #1: Short-haired dogs don’t need regular grooming

While dogs with short hair don’t get mats and knots in their fur, they still need to be brushed on a regular basis! Grooming removes the dead hair and skin that can build up and cause poor skin and coat health. Grooming also helps to reduce shedding, and keeps his fur looking and feeling soft and shiny. Last but not least, proper grooming is like a soothing massage, so not only is it good for his physical health – it’ll improve his mental and emotional well-being as well! Using a gentle tool that’s created specifically for short-haired dogs is essential to get the most benefit out of your grooming sessions.

Myth #2: No dog or cat loves to be groomed

Grooming can be a stressful and frightening for any animal that isn’t familiar with the process. But with patience and avoiding grooming tools that might cause discomfort, dogs and cats can grow to love being brushed, bathed and pampered! If you’re starting out with a puppy or kitten, or a new rescue pet, introduce him to grooming slowly and with a gentle touch. Focus on his torso, avoiding sensitive areas like the face and legs until he’s comfortable. If you keep his grooming sessions positive with plenty of praise and cuddles, he’ll be begging for more in no time!

Myth #3: Cats don’t need to be groomed

Many people assume that cats groom themselves. This is true to an extent, but just like with dogs, it’s important to brush your cat’s coat to remove dead hair, dirt and debris. Regular grooming becomes more important as your cat ages, as she might not be able to groom as methodically on her own.

Myth #4: Grooming is just about removing fur

As we’ve seen, grooming offers many benefits beyond removing loose hair. Brushing can help to improve circulation for senior pets or those that are less mobile, reduce anxiety, and distribute natural oils throughout your pet’s coat, keeping his fur and skin healthy. Grooming is also a great opportunity to perform simple health checks, such as looking inside your pet’s mouth and ears, checking his body for skin conditions, parasites, bumps, scratches or sores, examining his paws, toes and nails, and assessing his weight.

Myth #5: It doesn’t matter what tool you use, as long as it gets the job done

Not all grooming tools are created equally, so using the right one is critical! Tools that rely on wire bristles or a blade can scratch the skin and pull on the coat of some animals, doing more harm than good. Designed specifically to prevent these common issues, the StripHair Gentle Groomer is a safe, effective, and comfortable alternative to traditional grooming tools, especially for pets with short to medium coats.

Grooming is an important part of your pet’s health regimen, so it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right. Trust us… your pet will thank you!