Everything you need to know about dog care: How to brush and comb your dog? How does trimming and clipping work? Optimal care for claws and paws.

What Care does a Dog need?

The care of a dog can vary significantly from breed to breed. Those who want to minimize the time spent on this should gather detailed information before getting a dog. In general, it can be said that short-haired dogs without an undercoat require the least work. Curly-haired dogs are also pleasant, but they require trimming every few months. The most effort is needed for dogs with particularly lush fur, especially during the shedding season, when daily brushing is essential.

However, there are also some care measures that are very similar for all dogs. These include nail, eye, ear, and teeth care. It’s best to familiarize yourself with these procedures from the puppy stage and incorporate them regularly into the dog’s routine. Then, care becomes something entirely normal for the dog and is easier for you to handle.

How to Brush your Dog properly

The care of the coat depends on its texture. Dogs with short hair and only one layer, as is the case with Whippets, require almost no care. Occasionally using a soft natural brush, a curry comb, or a rubber grooming glove is sufficient. If a short-haired dog has an undercoat (e.g., Labrador), the effort is a bit greater but not comparable to a Collie or Eurasian, which shed large amounts of hair during the molting season. They need to be brushed daily to facilitate the process for the dog. It’s much easier with a Maltese, for example. Although they have long hair, it grows (without falling out) for a long time and does not undergo the usual shedding cycle. Regular brushing is still a must. The same applies, albeit less frequently, to dogs with curly hair. They also shed very little hair, as it gets trapped in their curls. Therefore, their coat should not only be brushed every few days but occasionally trimmed as well.

Can I Bathe my Dog?

In general, dogs should be bathed as rarely as possible but as often as necessary. For example, it is understandable to bathe a dog if it has rolled in carrion or feces and stinks. It is also common at the dog groomer’s, as they want to remove dirt and dust from the fur before cutting. However, dogs should not be bathed just for fun, as it can always lead to a slight impairment of the natural protective layer: The dog’s fur is coated with a thin film of fat, which can be affected by frequent washing or inappropriate shampoo. Therefore, if you want to bathe your dog, it’s best to know whether it has silky soft or rough fur. At the very least, human shampoo should never be used, as it has a different pH level.

Regular Nail Clipping is important

Dog claws continuously grow. Only if the dog is frequently on rough terrain can they naturally wear down. In normal cases, they need to be regularly trimmed. Otherwise, the dog will have poorer contact on smooth surfaces, can get caught more easily (e.g., on a carpet), or may experience pain due to pressure on the claw bed. The frequency of trimming varies significantly. A clear sign is a clicking sound when walking on a smooth surface. Then it’s time to use professional claw clippers and trim the claws. Under no circumstances should nail clippers or regular scissors be used. They would result in an uneven outcome and could be painful for the dog. This is not ruled out even if you don’t handle claw clippers properly.

Can I Clip my Dog?

Anyone with a long-haired or very furry dog may wonder on hot summer days whether they should clip their dog. While this might initially be a relief, under certain circumstances, it can damage the fur structure sustainably. It is, therefore, essential to check whether the respective breed is suitable for clipping. It’s best to ask the breeder, your veterinarian, or a dog groomer if clipping could harm the fur. It is not excluded that this may make the undercoat even denser, providing the dog with no relief. However, some may be delighted to have airier fur, especially for senior dogs or furry friends with circulatory problems.

Which Dogs need to be trimmed?

There are quite a few dogs whose fur should be trimmed. This involves a special technique where dead hair is pulled out of the coat using a blunt knife. Usually, the dog groomer takes care of this task, but with some guidance and skill, you can also trim your dog yourself. This method should be used for all dogs whose undercoat dies after a certain period but does not shed in the usual way. These breeds include wire-haired dogs like Airedales, Irish Terriers, Miniature and Giant Schnauzers, as well as dogs with silky smooth fur – including Gordon Setters, Cocker Spaniels, and Field Spaniels. Every few months, it’s time to get the coat back in shape. This is recognizable by a certain disorder and a slight grayish shimmer. After trimming, the dogs shine again and look neat.

Paw Care

Dog paws perform various functions. They are not only crucial for mobility but also act as shock absorbers, convey information to the dog (ground texture, temperature), and give them the ability to sweat. This is only possible for a dog at the paws and through panting. Accordingly, we should always pay attention to the paws. This is especially true in winter when ice, grit, and salt lead to increased stress. But even in summer, sharp stones, thorns, and hot surfaces can put a strain on or injure the paws. You can take precautions by adjusting walks to minimize risks. However, it’s impossible to completely avoid small cracks. To aid healing, a special paw cream is recommended.

Eyes, Ears & Teeth

Depending on a dog’s susceptibility, eyes, ears, and teeth should be regularly checked. For eyes, this is especially true for breeds like the Pug or the French Bulldog. Some Chihuahuas also have very exposed eyes. Ear infections can occur more frequently in dogs with floppy ears, as ventilation is poor, creating a moist and warm environment. Regarding teeth, very small dogs are more prone to problems due to crowded tooth positioning. With age, almost every dog is susceptible to tartar.