So what does preventative cat and dog care look like?
Through regular grooming, dental cleanings, vet check-ups, and attentive observation, we can help our four-legged friends live happy, healthy lives. Beyond practicing consistent pet care every day, we can protect our pets by monitoring them for warning signs and seeking veterinary guidance if anything seems off.
Our team of Certified Pet Lifestyle Experts are sharing tips to help bolster your pet’s well-being through the creation of 360° Pet Lifestyle Plans.
Proper cat and dog hygiene is all about consistency and maintenance. Rather than waiting for a problem to arise and then addressing it, you can follow these A-B-Cs of a solid grooming experience:
Always be aware of abnormalities
Brush and bathe regularly according to breed
Cut their claws once a month
Demonstrate daily dental care
Engage in an ear cleaning to avoid infection
Unfortunately, our pets can’t exactly tell us what’s wrong. However, they can usually show us. Consistently check for abnormalities around the eyes, ears, and mouth, and inspect your dog’s for fleas, ticks, rashes, and other irritants.
Remember these visible and behavioral warning signs and act accordingly:
Dental issues
Bad breath, sudden drooling, tartar build-up, or avoiding facial contact
Time for a bath
Dandruff, bad smell, and excessive itching or rubbing against the carpet (as well as obvious visible signs like muddy or matted hair and mites or fleas)
Ear infection
Head shaking or tilt, ear scratching or itching, red, swollen inner ear, dark discharge, and altered balance
Nails need a trim
Toenails clicking against hardwood floors
An underlying health problem
Obsessive or complete lack of self-grooming in cats, or sudden personality changes in dogs and cats
Each breed has vastly different needs, which is why you should always ask a veterinarian about your
Just like humans, your pet’s nails will grow indefinitely. If left unattended, that can cause some serious discomfort and even sharp pain—after all, they’re constantly putting pressure on them as they walk, run, and play.
To prevent overgrown nails, trim their nails regularly but only if you feel comfortable doing so; otherwise, recurring trips to the vet or groomers will be a much safer option.
Cutting their nails too short or clipping the quick can be extremely painful. Use proper equipment, such as specific cat or dog nail clippers or a rotary trimmer, and always keep a cauterizing powder on hand to stop bleeding.
Dental care is about more than clean teeth—it impacts your pet’s overall health and well-being! At minimum, dogs need a solid tooth brushing at least three times a week (daily is even better). Use dental treats and toys to stimulate chewing, which naturally cleans the mouth, strengthens their teeth, and
prevents plaque buildup.
For a full list of dental duties, brush up on healthy oral hygiene tips with us!
Infections require prompt professional veterinary care and should not be treated with at-home remedies. However, you can take an active role in preventing such infections with a regular ear cleaning:
At-home preventative care is a great start. When it comes to pet health and wellness, it’s comforting to have qualified, on-demand advice from your Certified Pet Lifestyle Experts and vets.
Receive that much-needed professional veterinary care from your friends at AskVet without making a special (not to mention expensive) trip to the clinic. Ask questions, get personalized recommendations, and inquire about your everyday concerns from the comfort of your home, for a fraction of the price.
24/7 veterinary advice is now right at your fingertips in a simple to use app. To ask a vet, just use AskVet.
At AskVet we take a lifestyle approach to pet wellness. We believe when you live a healthy lifestyle, so does your pet. That’s why our Certified Pet Lifestyle Experts create custom 360° Pet Lifestyle Plans to keep you and your pet on track. The hardest part can be finding that wellness balance—we’re here to make it easy.
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Work with your Certified Pet Lifestyle Expert to develop healthy grooming and skincare habits
Enjoy a personalized, guided experience as we anticipate your daily needs
Shop recommended pet grooming and wellness products to add into your healthy routines.