Grooming helps keep your cat’s coat and skin healthy. It also gives you an opportunity to bond with your cat. Start grooming your cat while she is young so she becomes accustomed to being handled. Check for lumps or injuries while handling your cat. Brush your cat regularly to help prevent hairballs and excessive shedding. Use a brush or comb made for pets. Choose the proper tool that matches your cat’s coat type and length. Restrain your cat lightly with one hand while brushing her with the other hand. Use a pet nail clipper to trim your cat’s nails weekly. Avoid the quick, which can hurt and bleed if you cut it. Clean your cat’s ears with a cat-safe ear rinse and cotton balls as needed. Talk to your cat softly and with affection while grooming her so she associates these task ... Read more »

Some breeds of dogs are more susceptible to earaches than others. And the warm, moist environment within your dog’s is especially troubling. Check your dog’s ears for signs of infection often. Examine the ears for redness and swelling, dark wax or other debris and an unpleasant odor. Your dog may shake his head or rub his ears on the carpet if they are uncomfortable. An earache needs prompt medical attention. Your vet will examine your dog. A culture may be needed to determine what is causing your dog’s ear infection. Thus your dog will receive the proper treatment needed to cure the infection. You will most likely need to clean the ears with a dog-safe rinse and apply antibiotic or steroidal drops into the ears as instructed. You may also need to return to the vet to ensure that the infe ... Read more »