Part of being a responsible pet owner is keeping them clean. Different pets have different needs, though. Some pets are pretty self-sufficient, while others need a more thorough groom, perhaps even by a professional.
Dogs
At minimum, you should regularly brush and bathe your dog to keep them clean and free of parasites. Trimming their nails is also important; nails that are too long can make it difficult to walk and even lead to skeletal problems.
Rover recommends bathing short-haired dogs every 4-12 weeks depending on how oily their skin is. Dogs with oily skin may need more frequent washes. Long-haired, double-coated and silky-coated dogs should be bathed every 4-6 weeks. Wiry-coated dogs can wait 6-8 weeks. Dogs with curly or wavy coats should be bathed monthly.
Some dogs may need regular coat trims and some need regular ear cleanings. Floppy eared dogs, in particular, are vulnerable to ear infections and may need more regular cleaning.
Cats
Cats are famously fastidious and do a great job of cleaning themselves, but they may need a hand from time to time. If your cat is very dirty or gets into something sticky or stinky, they may need a bath. You should also regularly brush your cat to remove dirt and dead hair and to improve the condition of their skin.
Check your cat’s ears once a week for wax and dirt, the ASPCA advises, to keep infections at bay. Regularly check their paws and nails to make sure they’re in good condition. Get your cat used to nail trimmings at an early age and wrap them in a towel to minimize damage on both sides.
Birds
Birds are also pretty good at keeping themselves clean. However, you’ll still need to help them out to keep them healthy. Their nails, evolved to help them grip a variety of surfaces in the wild, don’t wear down as much in captivity.
Choose perches to help keep them in check, but also be prepared to trim their nails yourself. For the first trim, take them to the avian vet and have them show you how to trim your birds nails yourself.