Pet Grooming

Every dog and cat, regardless of size, breed, age or coat type, needs to be groomed on a regular basis. The caring professionals at American Kennels are available seven days a week to ensure your pet is happy, healthy and looks great.

Regular grooming can prevent problems such as excessive shedding, skin and paw disorders, painful mats (tangles), and bad breath, as well as help you identify other problems that might go unnoticed without the extra attention.

Nail Trimming

Dogs and cats need to have their nails trimmed regularly, just like people do. It's not just a beauty treatment. Overgrown nails can:

• Cause a dog's foot to splay which can lead to gait and posture problems or even lameness.
• Grow into a dog's tender pad and become infected.
• Split, break or be torn off all together.
• Cause damage to a person's clothing and skin as well as furniture, etc.

Shampoo and Conditioning

Regular bathing keeps your pet's skin healthy and his coat clean and shiny. It also helps to remove loose hair and foul odors from developing. Pets should be brushed thoroughly before bathing, and you should use shampoos that are specially designed for dogs and cats. Human shampoos have a pH level that can be harmful to your pet.

Haircut

Frequent hair cuts are even more important for dogs than for humans. Long hair requires regular brushing and is more prone to matting (thick tangles) that can cause discomfort or even skin problems for dogs. Some breeds require little to no hair clipping or shaving, but others will require it on a monthly basis. We’ll help you figure out what’s appropriate for your dog.

Hand Brushing/Loose Hair Removal (Handstripping)

Brushing your dog or cat's fur helps to reduce shedding, stimulates circulation and prevents parasites such as fleas and ticks from making your pet their home. Regular grooming can also prevent painful matting (thick tangles). If you encounter a clump of matted fur, use a mat comb or rake to gently loosen the fur. Please note that different coat types require different tools, all of which are available at American Kennels.

Ear Cleaning/Plucking

The ears of a dog are very sensitive and susceptible to infection, excessive wax buildup and parasite infestation. A gentle cleaning with the proper products will eliminate most problems. But if constant itching, scratching or odor persists, you should see a veterinarian.