Ark encourages puppy pampering
CHARTWELL - Ark Animal Centre in Chartwell is urging pet-owners to remember to regularly groom their animals.
Candice Eilertsen of the centre said she recently had to take a new rescue dog, Blossom at the shelter to a Fourways grooming parlour because the dog had been adopted, so needed to look good. “While I was at the parlour I realised how often we do this at the shelter,” Eilertsen said.
She explained that the large majority of puppies and dogs that Ark received had little or no grooming their whole lives. “I started wondering if people know that their pets need to be washed and in some cases groomed, just like they would wash and cut their own hair,” Eilertsen said. “I often think people overlook or don’t understand the importance of grooming their pets.”
Eilertsen said especially with long-haired cats and dogs, if their fur became too matted it actually pulled on their skin, and caused pain and discomfort to the animal. She said not only would a weekly wash help with matting, but would also cut the danger of ticks and fleas. “I don’t think people intentionally neglect their animals, but they probably do not realise the discomfort their pet is in if they don’t groom them regularly,” Eilertsen said.
