How to Take Care of My Dog's Coat?

Materials You’ll Need for Dog Coat Care

Before you start with brushing and combing your dog, it's important to have the right tools on hand. The correct materials will not only make the process easier, but also help your dog be maintained better than ever! Here's a list of the most important grooming tools you'll want to have by hand:

Comb

A good quality comb is one of the best options for detangling and removing loose hair from your dog's coat. We recommend choosing a comb with both wide and narrow teeth (also called a multi-comb) to take care of different areas effectively. Here's our favourite

Rubber Brush

A rubber brush (or "massage brush") is perfect for dogs with short coats. It helps to remove loose fur and stimulates the skin - both of which promote healthy hair growth.

Slicker Brush

A slicker brush is designed to remove tangles, mats, and loose hair from your dog's coat. It's especially useful for dogs with longer coats or those prone to matting.

Scissors

Scissors are necessary for trimming areas around your dog's face, paws, and other sensitive parts. Choose a pair of grooming scissors with rounded tips for safety.

Pin Brush

A pin brush is excellent for dogs with longer hair. It helps to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it shiny and healthy.

Having these tools on hand will make the grooming process smoother and more effective, ensuring that your dog's coat is always in top condition. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into how to use these tools correctly and provide specific tips for different coat types.

How to keep my dog's coat healthy?

Regularly brushing and combing your dog's coat is crucial for their grooming. However, there are other techniques to it too, which keep their coat looking good, prevents matting, and reduces shedding. Here’s some inspiration:

Plucking

Plucking is a grooming technique for wire-haired breeds, involving manually removing dead hair to let new hair grow. Though you can do this at home, it's best to get help from a professional groomer if you're not familiar with the process.

Shaving & Cutting

Shaving and cutting are sometimes needed for dogs with very matted fur or specific grooming needs. Use clippers for shaving and grooming scissors for cutting. Be gentle and careful, especially around sensitive areas. If you're unsure, consult a professional groomer to avoid injury.

Washing

Regular washing is a requirement for a healthy coat. Not only does this keep your dog's fur smelling and looking awesome , it also helps with healthy hair growth and cleanliness. Use dog-specific shampoo to prevent skin irritation. Wet your dog thoroughly, apply shampoo, lather well, and rinse completely to avoid any residue that can cause itching and dryness. After washing, towel-dry your dog and use a blow dryer on low heat if needed.

Caretaking of Different Coat Types

Different coat types require specific care to keep them healthy and looking their best. We tried setting up a short but detailed guide to help you along the way. The best approaches per coat type are:

Long Coat

Dogs with long coats, like Afghan Hounds or Shih Tzus, need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair and a comb for knots. Trim regularly around the face, paws, and sanitary areas to keep them clean. Bathe them often with a moisturizing shampoo to keep their coat shiny and healthy.

Short Coat

Short-coated breeds like Beagles and Boxers need less grooming but still benefit from regular brushing. Use a rubber brush or grooming mitt to remove loose fur and stimulate the skin. Brushing once or twice a week is usually enough. Bathe them about once a month, or more often if they get very dirty.

Smooth Coat

Smooth-coated dogs, like Dachshunds and Greyhounds, have short, sleek fur. A quick weekly brush with a rubber brush or grooming mitt removes loose hair and spreads natural oils. These coats are low-maintenance but still need occasional baths to keep their skin healthy.

Rough Coat

Rough-coated breeds like Border Terriers and Schnauzers need hand-stripping to remove dead hair and help new hair grow. You can learn to do this or get a professional groomer. Regular brushing with a slicker brush keeps their coat tangle-free and clean. Bathe them when needed with shampoo to keep their fur fresh and smelling good.

Caretaking of Special Coat Parts

Besides regular brushing and grooming, some parts of your dog need extra care to keep them healthy and clean. Here’s how to look after your dog's eyes, ears, paws, and private areas:

Eyes & Ears

Eyes: Keep your dog's eyes clean to prevent tear stains and infections. Use a damp cloth or pet eye wipes to gently clean around the eyes. Regularly check for redness, discharge, or excessive tearing. If you see any issues, consult your vet.

Ears: Clean your dog's ears regularly, especially if they have floppy or hairy ears. Use a vet-approved ear cleaning solution and a cotton ball or pad. Avoid cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal. Gently wipe the outer ear and just inside the ear flap, but don't go too deep. Look for signs of infection, like redness, bad odor, or excessive scratching.

Paws

Sexual Body Parts

Keeping your dog's private areas clean is important for their health. For male dogs, use a damp cloth to wipe the area as needed. For female dogs, especially those in heat, clean regularly to prevent infections. Look for swelling, discharge, or irritation, and see your vet if anything looks wrong.

Taking care of these sensitive areas helps stop infections and other health problems. Cleanliness is an essential part of your dog’s grooming. Next, we'll talk about how often to brush your dog's coat to keep it looking great.

How often should I brush my dog's coat?

How often should you brush your dog's coat? It depends on their coat type and lifestyle. Regular brushing keeps their coat healthy and prevents issues like matting and shedding. Here's a recommended rule of thumb:

Long Coat:

Daily brushing is needed to prevent tangles and mats. Breeds like Maltese or Lhasa Apsos need this routine to keep their coat shiny and healthy.

Short Coat:

Brushing once or twice a week is enough. Use a rubber brush or grooming mitt to remove loose fur and keep the coat in good condition. This works for breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Boston Terriers.

Soft Coat:

Brush a few times a week to maintain their fluffy texture and prevent mats. Breeds like Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels are perfect to benefit from this routine as they have a fluffy coat.

Smooth Coat:

For breeds like Whippets and Italian Greyhounds: a quick brush once a week with a rubber brush or grooming mitt will do. This minimal grooming keeps your pup sleek and reduces shedding.

Rough Coat:

These breeds often need more intensive grooming. Hand-stripping a few times a year and regular brushing with a slicker brush a couple of times a week are essential. This is important for breeds like Airedale Terriers, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, and Scottish Terriers.

Seasonal Shedding:

During spring and fall, many dogs shed more. Brush them more frequently during these times, regardless of coat type, to manage the extra loose hair.