Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Benefits of Brushing

Grooming: Nothing you do on the outside improves an animal's coat like regular brushing. Brushing stimulates the lymph system, which involves both the immune system and waste removal. It also stimulates the skin, improves circulation, prevents tangling, distributing natural oils through the coat and removes fleas, flea eggs and roaming ticks.
Brush and comb your pet at least weekly. A great way to brush your pet is with a dry loofah or body brush, which can be purchased from a pharmacy, bath shop or health food store. The body brush is a stiff brush with natural bristles. It usually is sold with a long handle. The brush itself can be removed and fits comfortably in your hand with a strap for clutching.
This type of skin stimulation encourages the body's natural oils to surface and opens the pores. Massage your dog or cat using short, horizontal strokes starting at the head and neck and moving down the back to the belly and legs. This technique gently massages many key acupressure points, making this treatment much more than cosmetic.

One of the most common skin irritations is an allergic reaction to flea bites. Go over your pet with a flea comb once a month during winter months and once a week in the summer or whenever your pet has been around other pets that might have fleas.