March is a cold or rainy month in most parts of the country, causing pets to spend more time indoors. That makes this an excellent time of year to establish a regular grooming routine. Weekly maintenance will keep your pets' skin and coat healthy and insect-free, and make pet companions more pleasant to be near. In addition grooming time is quality time that strengthens the bond between you and your pet. A good grooming routine should include the following:

• Brush and comb at least weekly, more often for pets with long hair. For your pet's comfort, use a conditioning and untangling spray before brushing. After systematically brushing though the coat, use a professional steel-pinned comb to make sure that all the knots and shedding hair have been removed.
• Look for signs of irritation due to parasites. In many areas of the country, fleas and ticks have become a year-round problem. If you stopped your parasite prevention program when your pet came in from the cold this winter, it's time to get started again! Your Best Friends groomer can advise you on the latest, safest in year-round protection.
• Keep allergies - yours and your pet's - under control with regular shampooing. Pets are four-legged dust mops that pick up anything floating around in the environment. Shampooing removes spores, dust, dirt and dander. Select a medicated pet shampoo if you suspect skin problems or parasites. Follow with a conditioning rinse. Towel dry thoroughly, then separate the hair by brushing and combing. The professional groomer uses specially designed pet dryers with high air flow. If you use a standard home hair dryer, be aware that it is very easy to burn your pet. Hold it well away from the skin and use a cool setting.
• Check ears for problems. Weekly cleaning, with a solution made for ear care is a good year-round preventative measure. Massaging the solution into the ear softens wax and dirt, floating it to the exterior ear, where you can wipe it gently away with cotton.
• Nails often require more frequent clipping when bad weather keeps pets indoors. Use only a proper nail clipping tool specifically made for your pet, and take off a small amount at a time. Stay well away from the "quick", the point at which there is blood flow. Be prepared with a styptic product in case you do clip into the blood vessel. If your pet has dark nails, the quick is difficult to see and you may want a professional to do this chore for you.

Regular grooming is important to your pet's good health. If there are tasks you can not or do not want to undertake yourself on a regular basis, seek the help of a professional groomer. Think of it as part of your Pet Wellness program.

Grooming supplies mentioned in this article are available at all Best Friends Pet Resorts and Salons. For the Best Friend nearest you, see Our Centers.