As animals grow thicker winter coats heading into fall, pet owners should ramp up their grooming routines, according to Michigan Humane.
Ian Ouzts, with Michigan Humane, shared seasonal grooming advice during a segment that also introduced this week’s adoptable pet.
Ouzts said grooming needs vary depending on a pet’s coat. He recommended daily or every-other-day brushing for pets with longer or thicker fur, while shorter-haired pets can typically get by with once-a-week grooming. Regardless of coat length, Ouzts said every pet benefits from regular maintenance beyond brushing, including toothbrushing and ear checks.
With the seasonal transition, Ouzts also urged owners to pay closer attention to their pet’s skin, coat and eyes, since seasonal allergies can crop up this time of year.
“There are some seasonal allergy things. So, making sure to check their skin as well, make sure they’re not getting hot spots or hives or anything like that,” Ouzts said.
The conversation also touched on just how much pampering is too much, after hosts Tati Amare and Kim DeGiulio joked about giving pets heated towels and coconut oil rubdowns. Ouzts said coconut oil actually has some real benefits, just not the way Tati and Kim imagined.
“I certainly have not been rubbing coconut oil on my pets, but I do give them coconut oil. It is very helpful if they eat like a small amount of it. It does help them keep their coats nice and shiny,” Ouzts said.
The segment also featured Princess, a 12-year-old American pit bull mix looking for a home after having her front left limb amputated following an injury.
“She does not let that slow her down, however. She has lots of life and love left to give,” Ouzts said.
Ouzts said Princess is house-trained, does well in cars and reportedly gets along with kids. Her only real requirements are a few small accommodations for her mobility.
“The only thing that she would require in a home is maybe non-slip surfaces or less stairs, just because she understandably has a couple of struggles with mobility,” Ouzts said.
“She just needs a nice place to lay down and relax,” Ouzts added.
Anyone who adopts Princess will have their standard adoption fees covered by the Mike Morse Law Firm.