Lecture notes HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL WELFARE (AHC1501)

The document outlines the importance of grooming for dogs and cats, providing detailed procedures and equipment needed for effective grooming sessions. Here's a breakdown of its content: 1. **Importance of Grooming:** - Enhances appearance. - Improves skin health and circulation. - Removes dirt, dead hair, and irritants. - Strengthens the bond between humans and animals. - Facilitates health checks. 2. **Equipment Needed:** - Bristle brush or wire pin brush. - Slicker brush. - Metal comb. - Rake. - Blunt-ended curved scissors. - Electric clipper. - Additional items like cotton wool, earbuds, and disposable gloves. 3. **Grooming Procedure:** - Preparation before bathing, including brushing and removing excess hair. - Brushing techniques with different brushes for loosening dirt, stimulating skin, and removing mats. - Trimming hair around sensitive areas like eyes, anus, and feet. 4. **Ear Care:** - Weekly cleaning with ear cleaning solution and cotton wool. - Caution against pushing earbuds into the ear canal. - Special instructions for cats. 5. **Eye Care:** - Trimming hair around the eyes. - Regular cleaning to prevent periorbital dermatitis. - Cleaning and drying folds or wrinkles on the face. 6. **Anal Gland Care:** - Instructions for manually emptying anal glands if necessary. - Use of disposable gloves and cotton wool. - Cleaning the area after emptying glands. 7. **Bathing:** - Importance of brushing before bathing. - Using suitable shampoo and lukewarm water. - Securing the animal to prevent injury. - Plugging ears with cotton wool. - Techniques for shampooing and rinsing. 8. **Nail Care:** - Frequency of nail checks and trimming. - Caution against cutting into the quick. - Use of styptic powder to stop bleeding if the quick is cut. - Special considerations for cat nail care. Overall, the document provides a comprehensive guide for grooming dogs and cats, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques and equipment to maintain their health and appearance.