More than a pretty coat: How grooming supports overall health and why we make it a priority!
As with humans, proper care of the skin, hair, and nails promotes our pets’ overall health and well-being. So, at Orange Park Animal Hospital, we take our grooming services very seriously.
Why do I need to prioritize grooming for my pet?
There are several reasons. For one, our professionals in Jacksonville, Florida, may spot potentially serious—even life-threatening—conditions on the skin. These include pre-cancers and cancerous lesions or bumps that might have been missed if not for regular, professional, thorough bathing, brushing, trimming, drying, and other services.
Sometimes, serious anomalies may be overlooked due to a dog’s loose skin or a cat’s thick fur. Additionally, we strive for your pet to be happy first and foremost! Problems with the skin, hair, and nails can all be incredibly uncomfortable and negatively affect your pup’s or feline friend’s well-being and quality of life.
Why is professional hair/fur care so important when I do it at home?
You really cannot have one without the other for a healthy pet. Good home care is not a substitute for professional care, and consistent professional grooming is not a replacement for inconsistent or inadequate home grooming. Our groomers can advise the best, healthiest schedule for your pet, depending on factors such as hair type and length. We can also advise on techniques and products for more effective pet grooming at home.
Additionally, as professionals, we are trained and experienced in caring for the needs of even the most anxious pets. Appropriate, well-informed techniques support a more comfortable experience for your pet while also being safer for you, as grappling with a fearful or high-strung dog can increase the risk of bites and other accidents.
What other areas do you check and clean?
Notably, we want to ensure no “nasties” like bacteria and fungi are building up in the folds of the skin and the ears. Improper or inconsistent cleaning can lead to infections. You can trust that we know how to properly and thoroughly clean these hard-to-reach and easy-to-miss areas. So your dog or cat won’t suffer from itch and pain caused by yeast infections. It also helps avoid further complications.
Why is trimming my pet’s nails so important?
This aspect of the grooming process is essential beyond the obvious – trimmed nails are a lot more comfortable for pet parents and other members of your household and present fewer threats to your furniture, delicate fabrics, and belongings! By not regularly keeping up with trimming and clipping, overly long nails can actually alter your dog’s or cat’s gait. After all, their nails are an essential part of the paw structure. When you neglect nail care, it can result in arthritis, hip issues, and various other conditions associated with pain and a diminished quality of life.
Why should I choose Orange Park Animal Hospital?
In addition to the skills of our professional grooming team, you benefit from our complete and comprehensive array of services. Notably, our hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, is led by Dr. James Gillen, who has developed considerable expertise in dermatology and skin-related conditions and challenges. Dr. Gillen works hand in hand with other members of our grooming and care teams to ensure no problems that require immediate attention are overlooked and to keep your pets their happiest and healthiest.
Call (904) 560 8006 to schedule your pet’s appointment today. Be sure to ask about our money-saving in-house wellness plans, too, which provide generous discounts on the likes of bathing, “pawdicure,” and anal gland expression.
