If you have a pet, you likely see that pet as part of your family. And, as with all family members, you want to take the best care of your pet that you possibly can. This includes playing with them, feeding them, making sure they get enough exercise . . . and making sure that they are living a hygienic life. This last part is often the hardest, because it varies so much depending on the type of pet you have, what breed they are, and then the pet themselves. For example, some pets may be entirely content with going to the groomers, while other pets won’t be, and will therefore need to be groomed entirely at home. We’ll be going over the four major things you can do to improve your pet’s hygiene.

Get rid of ticks

Most pets with fur can fall prey to ticks. Some ticks are harmless, while others can cause serious harm to you or your beloved pet. Either way, no one wants their four-legged friend to suffer the uncomfortable experience of having ticks. The methods for tick prevention for dogs and cats are pretty similar, although the actual products may differ.

Baths

Now, this is where things get tricky depending on what type of pet you have. Dogs often need to bathe, but how often will depend on the individual dog. Cats, however, clean themselves. Pet bunnies also shouldn’t be bathed. However, if you do have a dog, it’s a good idea to give them a bath on a regular basis. Once a month is a good starting point, but of course you can increase this if you have a dog that gets very dirty, very quickly. If your dog isn’t the biggest fan of baths, try to make it a fun experience!

Teeth

Pet’s teeth don’t need as much attention as ours, but they still need attention if you want your pet’s oral hygiene to be up to standard. Whether you decide to take your pet to an animal dentist is your choice, but you should be maintaining their dental health at home. You can gently brush their teeth with a soft, specially made toothbrush. If your pet suffers from bad breath, you can buy food and treats specifically formulated to combat that. Dogs tend to often eat things they shouldn’t, and chew on hard things, so you definitely need to be aware of how to properly clean your dog’s teeth.

Deworming

Another important factor when it comes to your pet’s hygiene is deworming. Most people think that if they have an indoor pet, deworming is unnecessary. However, your pet can still contract worms, even if they spend most of their time indoors. It’s also not advisable to wait until you notice your pet has worms before you deworm them – prevention is better than cure. Most pets need to be dewormed more or less every three months. Keep in mind that deworming your pet is also beneficial for you, as you can contract worms or diseases via your pets.