Everyone is going green these days and our pets are no exception. If we take care to groom ourselves with natural products to avoid the use of unnecessary chemicals then we should also do the same for our animal friends.
Bathing
Dogs are relatively easy to bathe but most cats don't take kindly to water. They would rather clean themselves and they usually do a pretty good job. When giving your pet a bath, choose the most natural products you can find. Pet products, like those made for humans, often contain harsh chemicals and perfumes that can irritate skin.
Olive Oil and Vinegar for Skin and Coat
Olive oil and vinegar are two natural products that most people have in their homes. These two substances can be excellent for the care of your pet's skin and coat. Use an eyedropper to add a drop or two of pure virgin olive oil to a small amount of shampoo for soft, silky fur. You can also add it to the bath water. Just be careful not to add too much so your pet's fur doesn't look and feel oily. If your pet licks his fur after the bath the olive oil won't hurt him. In fact, most pets like the taste. Add a cap full of white vinegar to the rinse water for a shiny coat. A vinegar rinse also helps to remove any residue from the shampoo. The vinegar scent evaporates quickly so you don't have to worry about your pet smelling like a salad. Once again, if he licks it off, it won't hurt him.
Recycle and Brush
You don't have to run out and buy a special brush to groom your pet but if you already have one, that's great. If not, recycle your old hairbrushes. Use a brush with bristles suitable to your pet's fur type. For example, you don't want to use a brush with hard, stiff bristles on a chihuahua. Brushing is an excellent way to clean your pet's coat, remove dead skin cells and loose hair as well as prevent tangles in a long-haired animal's coat. Brushing your pet can also alert you to the presence of fleas so that you can take steps to rid your pet of the nasty creatures before they become an infestation.