Whether it’s a Poodle or a Labrador, a Bobtail or a Dachshund, the fur of our dogs varies as much as day and night. However, it is a fact that every fur requires a certain level of care. But which brush is suitable for my dog? What matters during shedding? Do I need to bathe my dog regularly?
From short hair to wire hair to long hair: we’ll tell you what you need to consider when grooming your dog’s fur.
Combing, brushing, bathing: Coat Care
With regular coat care, you can achieve multiple benefits in one go. For example, by regularly combing and brushing your dog, you can detect (skin) diseases more quickly. Parasites such as mites, fleas, or ticks also won’t go unnoticed for long. And as the saying goes: a known danger is averted danger. Proper brushing and combing can also strengthen the bond with your dog. Did you know that many dogs actually enjoy being brushed? They often perceive it as a relief when loose hair is removed, and knots in the fur are untangled. A well-groomed coat not only looks good but also enhances the quality of life for both you and your dog.
How to brush dog fur effectively?
If you follow the following basic rules, your coat care routine will be on a solid foundation:
- Create a calm atmosphere. Haste and noise are out of place here—after all, you don’t want your dog to associate coat care with stress.
- Create a cozy spot—such as a dog blanket in the living room by the heater. Play some quiet, relaxing music for yourself. This way, both of you can enjoy the ceremony.
- Set fixed times. How about Sunday afternoons or after the evening walk? These are generally good times when both dog and human can unwind.
- Praise during coat care is always appreciated! Occasional treats can also contribute to good behavior.
- Take breaks when your dog demands them. Not all furry friends want to undergo a long brushing procedure.
Important:
How often you should brush your four-legged friend and the choice of the right brush depend on the individual dog. Just like choosing the appropriate brush, the frequency of brushing varies between short-haired and long-haired breeds. Nevertheless, there are some general principles to keep in mind.
Short-haired dogs:
Breeds such as Labrador, Beagle, or Pug typically have short, smooth fur. For these breeds, the following grooming tools are suitable:
- a soft rubber brush with nubs
- a special grooming/massage glove
- a comb with rounded tips for longer hair sections
- a natural bristle brush with soft bristles
The grooming glove has the advantage of providing your dog with gentle strokes while simultaneously removing loose hair, dander, and dirt from the fur. And as we all know, dogs love to be petted! If there are still remnants in the fur, you can remove them with a soft natural bristle brush. This will make the hair shine beautifully.
Please avoid using sharp-toothed combs or brushes with long and hard bristles for short-haired dogs. This is unnecessary for short fur and can harm your dog’s skin. Short-haired dogs, in particular, often have sensitive skin.
In general, it’s usually sufficient to brush your short-haired dog once or twice a week. Of course, grooming can be done more frequently if needed or desired. This will continuously strengthen your bond with the dog.
Rough-Haired Dogs:
The coat of wire-haired Dachshunds, Schnauzers, and Terriers should be regularly professionally trimmed. It is so wiry that dead hairs often get stuck, including the roots, and cannot be shed. This can be irritating for your dog. If your dog starts scratching excessively or rubbing against objects, it’s a sign that it’s time for a visit to the dog groomer, also known as a groomer. This typically occurs 2 to 6 times a year. In the meantime, you can support your dog by regular brushing.
For brushing your wire-haired dog, these tools are recommended:
- a special grooming/massage glove (after trimming)
- a natural bristle brush
- a comb with rounded tips for longer hair sections
Caution: You should not shave a wire-haired dog. This can negatively impact the fur structure and, subsequently, your pet’s health. Bald spots can appear, and the protective function for the skin is compromised. For example, the fur is no longer water-resistant.
Contrary to popular belief, trimming is not painful for healthy dogs. They often perceive the removal of many hairs as a relief. However, if your dog has already been shaved and now has softer fur that knots quickly, trimming may no longer be suitable for them.
Long-Haired Dogs:
Does your dog have long hair? Then, depending on the fur’s texture, you should ideally groom it daily. Unfortunately, there isn’t always time to brush your dog thoroughly for an hour each day. Since you usually can’t get rid of tangles or mats without pain later on, you should comb these areas daily:
- Head
- Muzzle
- Armpit area
- Genital area
The following tools are useful:
- Comb or slicker brush
- Natural or wire brush (brushes made of plastic are less favorable as they tend to build up static electricity, and neither you nor your dog probably want to get “shocked” during grooming.)
- Scissors or clippers for regular hair trimming, e.g., around the genitals
- Possibly an undercoat rake or dematting rake (for heavy undercoat)
Once all tools are ready, you can get started:
First, comb out loose hair with a comb or slicker brush. Carefully cut out tangles that cannot be brushed out with scissors or clippers. Always remember: if a tangle cannot be removed safely, consult a professional groomer. This might be the case, for example, if the tangle is near the eyes. If an inflammation has already formed due to a mat on the skin, please consult a veterinarian promptly. Then, thoroughly brush the entire coat with a firm brush (natural or wire brush) in the direction of hair growth. Trim hair at specific areas as needed with the scissors (eyes, genitals).
Dog Coat Shedding
In spring and autumn, your support is particularly needed: the dog’s coat shedding occurs. Depending on the breed, your four-legged friend will shed more hair during this time. For many dog breeds, the thin summer coat is replaced by a thicker winter coat and undercoat in the fall. In the spring, it’s the opposite. Then, the dog’s body signals, “It’s getting warm, shed the winter coat.” Since the winter coat is denser, your dog will shed even more intensely in spring than in fall. By the way, if the winter is particularly mild, your dog may start shedding a lot of fur as early as December.
Brush, brush, brush – during shedding season
Although shedding happens automatically, it often causes stress for many dogs, and they suffer from increased itching. The falling hairs often get caught in the coat, making it quickly tangle and mat. So, allocate enough time for your pet and brush them even more frequently than usual during the shedding season. Brushing increases blood circulation in the skin, and loose hairs are removed. This makes shedding easier for the dog, as the fur can come off more smoothly.
Also, make sure your dog is not constantly scratching. Frequent scratching can lead to eczema. Observe your pet’s skin, especially in bald spots. Shedding is exhausting for your dog, and they need a lot of energy. It can be helpful to add more protein than usual to their diet, such as lean meat or low-fat quark.
How to Bathe Your Dog Properly
First and foremost, shampoos or soaps for humans are harmful to your dog’s skin! Your dog always needs a specific dog shampoo. Additionally, do not bathe your dog without a reason. In general, the rule is: as often as necessary but as seldom as possible! 2-3 bathing sessions per year should generally be sufficient. However, if your dog loves rolling in foul-smelling things, you may not be able to avoid a bath. Dogs with a coat that requires intensive care may need grooming baths more frequently to prevent severe matting.
Bathing is necessary – what should I consider?
Sometimes, your dog cannot escape a bath, especially if it has rolled in carrion or feces. The truth comes out when your dog is a real “sea dog” and loves all forms of water. In that case, you’ll probably have little trouble convincing them to take a bath. However, if your dog doesn’t find the procedure positive, you need one thing above all: patience. Take your time and prepare accordingly. The following guide should help you bathe your dog more relaxed:
Have all the necessary items, such as dog shampoo, towels, and treats, ready in advance. Searching for things while your wet dog is unattended in the water and wants to move around is certainly not a good idea.
- Place a non-slip mat in the tub, as you don’t want your four-legged friend to slip on the smooth surface.
- Wear clothing that can get wet and dirty because it will undoubtedly happen.
- Place a towel over the edge of the tub to catch splashing water.
- Fill the tub with lukewarm water before placing the dog in it. Check the temperature carefully. If the water is too warm, it can hurt your dog, damage its skin, or cause circulation problems.
- If your dog is afraid of running water (e.g., from the showerhead), use a cup or a small bucket for pouring. Again, please use lukewarm water to rinse the dog shampoo from the fur!
- Once the fur washing is done, it’s time to dry. Cover the dog with the remaining towels and rub it dry. For long-haired dogs, avoid rubbing too vigorously, as it can create knots in the fur. And don’t forget: a wet dog shakes itself. Every time!
Caution:
You should only bathe short-haired dogs in emergencies. Their skin is often very sensitive and can dry out and be damaged by a bath in the tub. If you cannot avoid a bath, use only lukewarm water initially. Use dog shampoo only if absolutely necessary.
A conclusion on coat care
To avoid unnecessarily irritating your pet’s hair structure and skin, always use a brush that is suitable for your dog’s coat. If you are unsure which brush suits your dog’s coat, seek advice at a pet store. Also, observe your dog’s reaction. If the procedure seems fundamentally uncomfortable for them, consider switching to a different brush model. How often you comb, brush, or bathe your dog is entirely at your discretion. Every dog and every coat is different. However, during certain phases, such as shedding, your dog relies more on your support. Therefore, always remember that coat care is not only about the appearance of your dog but also about its well-being and health.
