Care and Hygiene for pets in Tunisia

An animal's hygiene depends more on regularity than on the products used. Brushing for short periods several times a week does more for a coat than occasional full grooming, and most importantly, it allows you to spot problems early: parasites, matting, redness, or small wounds.

Brushing depends on coat type, not size

A short coat is brushed with a glove or soft brush once a week, which is often sufficient. A long coat or dense undercoat requires a comb that can reach the roots; otherwise, mats form deep in the coat and end up pulling on the skin. During shedding season, the frequency should double.

Bathing less often than you think

A dog's and cat's skin is more fragile than human skin, and their pH is different: a shampoo designed for humans dries out and weakens the skin. Washing too frequently removes the natural protective barrier. Except in cases of soiling or specific veterinary advice, occasional bathing with a product suited to the species is sufficient. Cats, which groom themselves, generally don't need it at all.

Ears, eyes, teeth: the three frequently neglected areas

Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture and deserve regular checks. Eyes should be cleaned from the outer corner toward the inner corner with a clean pad, using a separate pad for each eye. Dental hygiene is the most overlooked: tartar builds up silently and becomes a source of pain and infection.

Nails

Nails that are too long change how the animal walks and cause discomfort. For cats, a properly placed scratching post does most of the work. For dogs that don't spend much time on hard surfaces, regular trimming is necessary, stopping well before the vascularized part.

Persistent redness, unusual scratching, unusual ear odor—these are reasons to consult a veterinarian, not problems to treat alone with a hygiene product.