Do we need to Groom our pets?

One benefit of regular pet grooming is that it encourages a stronger bond between owner and pet. In the wild, many animals only allow others of their kind to perform grooming tasks. If a domesticated animal allows his owner to brush out his coat or clean out his ears, this is a sign of complete trust. Pet grooming involves a significant amount of handling and petting, which also benefits the pet's emotional state.Pet grooming can also be a necessity for some pets' proper daily functions. For example, a dog with long toenails may not be able to walk comfortably, which in turn discourages her from exercising daily. A cat may develop more hairballs throughout the day if not brushed, leading to overnight distress depending on the coat it has. Guinea pigs with unchecked teeth can develop severe overbites, leading to an inability to eat and ultimately to starvation. By performing simple pet grooming tasks, an owner can prevent serious health complications down the road.Another important consideration is animal comfort. A dog with a thick coat of hair may become overheated during hot summer months. Some breeds of animals need regular grooming to remove excess hairs and spread healthy oils to the coat. A haircut may not only help the animal look more attractive, but it also allows more air to circulate and keep the animal cool. Cats may groom themselves more often than other pets, but they still need some human aid from time to time. Pet grooming efforts such as giving a cat a bath may seem to call for expert help, but they are necessary to remove excess saliva from the cat's coat. Some people with cat allergies may be more sensitive to a cat's dried saliva than to its dander.