Regular grooming is important to your pet's good health at all times of year, but especially so in the early fall. While Buddy and Fluffy probably enjoyed long summer days in the backyard, they may also have developed problems that require extra attention now: a tangled coat (especially if hair is long), skin irritation from parasites, and even ear problems.

"It's time to undo the damage from all that summer fun," says Val Penstone, director of grooming for Best Friends Pet Resorts.

Brush and comb regularly

The centerpiece of a grooming routine at any time of year should be weekly brushing and combing. If your pet has long hair, brushing needs to done even more frequently. A matted coat will trap heat and moisture, causing skin problems and discomfort. On the other hand, the hair on a well-brushed dog can provide insulation against the heat and cold, and protection from parasites.

For your pet's comfort, groomers recommend a conditioning and untangling spray before brushing. After systematically brushing though the coat, use a professional steel pinned comb to make sure all the knots and shedding hair have been removed.

If your pet is badly matted, take your pet to a qualified groomer, who can save you time and reduce your pet's discomfort. A professional grooming at Best Friends will also make regular maintenance easier and more pleasant for you and your pet

Dog Grooming for health

Following are some other steps to keep your pet comfortable and his skin and coat healthy as summer draws to a close:

• Check for parasites. While you are doing your brushing and combing, inspect your pet's skin for signs of irritation due to parasites. Parasites are at their peak now, so don't skip your pet's preventative treatments!
• Check your pet's ears for problems that may be triggered by summer swims. 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, where you can wipe it gently away with cotton. Ear cleaners also control the growth of organisms that thrive in the moist conditions of the ear.
• Trim your pet's nails. As the days get shorter and pets spend more time indoors, their nails will need to be trimmed more frequently because they aren't being worn down by activity on hard outdoor surfaces.
• Shampoo and condition. Periodic shampoos will help remove dust, dirt, mold spores and parasites that can cause skin irritation and allergy symptoms in you and your pet. Be sure to follow the shampoo with a conditioning rinse. Towel, and separate the hair by brushing and combing to speed drying down to the skin. If you use a hair dryer, put it on the coolest setting and use caution to avoid burning your pet's skin.

If there are tasks that you can not or do not want to undertake yourself, seek the help of a professional groomer. To find a qualified groomer, contact the Best Friends nearest you or go to the Our Centers section of the website.