4 Summer Lovin’ Pet Tips: Keeping Your Outdoor Pet Clean

When I’m not writing articles for PetsWelcome.com I work for an online retailer. It’s a small business that is run out of his house and one perk to that is that I’m greeted everyday by his two cats. They lounge in the office, meow for attention, and sometimes sit on my desk or chair while I’m working. It’s very nice to have them around as it makes the day a little less stressful.

Now that spring is here and summer is around the corner, his cats have been spending more time outside in the yard. I’ve noticed my desk is a little dirtier and my chair sometimes has grit on it. The cats are tracking in some dirt, grime, and they, themselves, have also been a little dirtier.

With any pet that spends time outside, the increased time outdoors can mean more dirt indoors. If your dog or cat is spending more time outside, make sure to keep them clean and make the grooming time fun!

4 Tips For Your Summer Lovin’ Pet

1. Regular grooming with a brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean. You’ll also find out if there are little unwelcome parasites trying to make a home on your pet
2. When bathing your dog, always use a mild shampoo that’s safe to use on dogs. If you bathe your cat, make sure the shampoo is safe for them too. Avoid getting shampoo in their eyes and ears, although depending on the pet that can be tough.
3. Keep their nails trim to prevent them from snagging their paws on fabrics and breaking them on the ground. Broken claws can be painful. If your pet isn’t used to nail trimming, start slow and get them used to having their paws touched with a lot of positive praise. Reward them after each session and be patient.
4. Remove wax and dirt from your pet’s ears with a cotton ball moistened with water or a little mineral oil. Dirt and debris can end up in your pet’s ears as they roll around in the first, splash in the water, and play outside.

^{Image from Ken Caryl Pet Spa}