No matter what type of dog you have, regular grooming is essential to its health and well-being. Even short-coated dogs benefit from regular brushing, and choosing the right equipment will make grooming easier.
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Grooming Essentials
All dogs benefit from regular grooming, so make sure to leave time for it. As well as removing dead hair, grooming is good for the skin, and reduces the likelihood of your dog getting parasites such as fleas and ticks. The process is also a good opportunity to check your dog for any new lumps, bumps, or injuries that might need veterinary attention. Grooming is relaxing for dogs, and helps to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
Longer-coat dogs naturally require a lot of grooming – some breeds even need daily brushing. Other short-haired breeds can be groomed as little as once a week. Whatever the length and texture of your dog’s coat, it is advisable to groom him regularly. Knots and tangles that form in long coat are painful to remove once they have set in. Similarly, a build-up of dirt should be avoided, because it can quickly cause skin irritation.
Grooming a dog requires a ton of patience.
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When grooming a dog, special attention needs to be paid to the groin, ears, legs, and chest, where body parts rub across one another. These areas are prone to knots and tangles, particularly in breeds with long hair, such as Spaniels. You will also need to focus closely on the underside of your dog’s feet and tail, where dirt can easily build up.
While grooming is essential, it is important not to get too carried away. Be careful when using any tool with metal teeth – being heavy-handed or staying in one place too long can cause cuts called brush burns. Brushing is finished when all the loose hair has been removed – typically when it becomes difficult to remove more than half a brush-full of hair. Always approach grooming in a calm, relaxed fashion and without any force. If your dog is uncomfortable for any reason, for instance when you are removing a knot, take your time and use treats to help him through the experience. Using force may get the job done quickly, but future grooming sessions will become much more difficult because your dog will find them uncomfortable and try to avoid them.
Tools of the Trade
There are many grooming tools available, and each boasts features to make grooming more effective. It’s important to select a brush appropriate for your dog’s coat type. For instance, combs are available in a variety of lengths, with and without handles. Brush heads also come in a range of shapes and sizes, Take some time to select equipment that you are comfortable handling and that is appropriate for the size of your dog.
There are a range of various tools available, but some suit certain coat types better than others. Speak to a professional groomer before investing to ensure you select the right tools for your dog. Clean your tools after each use to reduce the risk of contamination.
Coat Types
There are a variety of different coat types, and each requires a different level of attention to maintain. Dogs with short, smooth, and wiry hair generally need less grooming than those with long, curly, or corded coats.
- Curly coat
- Short coat
- Long-haired coat
- Smooth coat
- Long silky coat
- Wiry coat
- Corded coat
Show Coats
Owners who show their dogs take grooming very seriously in order to win. Several dog breeds are expected to have amazingly elaborate coat styles for the show ring. These often require a great deal of work by the owners to keep the coat looking perfect. The Yorkshire Terrier and the Afghan Hound look beautiful, but their coats can get tangled very quickly and they require constant attention to maintain their appearance. Away from shows, most pet owners prefer to be more practical, and clip their dog’s coat into shorter and more functional designs.
