When it comes to dog grooming, there are different strokes for different coats. By this, I mean that the method you use to groom your dog is dependent on the type of coat your furry friend has.

However, first things first, let’s delve into why grooming is an essential part of your pooch’s care routine.

Why it’s essential to groom your dog

Aside from making your yapper look dapper, grooming helps to get rid of matted and loose hairs, keeping your dog’s coat healthy and strong. Plus, the more hair your capture in your brush, it’s likely the less hair you’ll find on your sofa. Now, that’s definitely a bonus!

Regularly brushing your pooch can also get rid of dead skin and disperses the buildup of natural oils in the coat; both of which help protect your dog’s skin from irritation. What’s more, as long as you are using the correct tools, most of our barking buddies love being brushed. In fact, it can be a great way to bond with your BFF (Best Furry Friend)!

The best time to start grooming your dog is when he or she is a puppy. This will help them get used to being brushed. However, grooming shouldn’t be tedious for your four-legged friend. So, the trick is to start off slow. Praise your pup as your groom him or her and keep your grooming sessions to just a few minutes.

Of course, when it comes to the question of ‘how often you should groom your dog — there’s no easy answer. It really depends on the size of your dog and the type of coat they have.

Understanding your dog’s coat

Essentially, there are six types of dog coats. However, some breeds cross over between different types of coats. For example, an Afghan Hound puppy can have a soft, curly coat that eventually grows into a magnificent, mostly straight-haired, mane.

Knowing what type of coat your dog has can help you recognise how best to groom your dog, as well as which tools are best for the job. Here’s a guide to assist you in your grooming efforts.

Smooth/short coat

For example: Boxer, Great Dane, Staffy, French Bull Dog, Greyhound and Beagle.

Smooth, short coats require the least amount of grooming. All that’s really required is a quick grooming session with a soft bristle brush a few times a week. This helps get rid of any dirt trapped in the hair, distributes the natural oils in the coat and keeps it healthy. Easy peasy!

Curly coat

For example: Bichon Frise, Poodle, Labradoodle and Cockapoodle.

The great news is curly-haired dogs tend not to shed, making them ideal for people with allergies. However, this doesn’t mean you never need to groom your dog!

Curly coats still require grooming to help prevent matting and tangling. Also, you may opt to get your dog’s hair regularly trimmed. Keeping it short can also assist with preventing matting.

When brushing curly hair, use a slicker brush and brush in the opposite direction of the hair growth. A detangling comb may also come in useful!

Wiry/coarse coat

For example: Border Terrier, Jack Russell, West Highland Terrier, Airedale Terrier and Schnauzer.

Wire coats have a coarse (wiry) outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. Unfortunately, wiry hair doesn’t shed on its own accord, so it’s recommended to hand strip or pluck the coat twice yearly. This allows the new coat to grow.

To groom your dog in between stripping, simply brush twice a week with a slicker brush.

Long-haired coat

For example: Cocker Spaniel, Afghan Hound, Old English Sheepdog and Shin Tzu.

Long hair looks luxurious but the downside is that it can easily become matted. Without a doubt, it’s best to groom your dog daily to avoid having to deal with a matted mess!

For long-haired dogs your go-to tool is a pin brush or slicker dog brush. This will help untangle knots and brush out matted hair. Once you’ve completed this first step, you can use a soft bristle brush to finish off the entire coat.

Double coated

For example: Collie, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Australian Cattle Dog, Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese.

A double coat contains two types of hair. Firstly, there’s the outer coat, which consists of long, tick (highly protective) hairs. Secondly, there’s the soft, fluffy-haired undercoat. A double coat offers protection. It safeguards the dog’s skin from the harsh sun in summer and keeps the pooch warm in winter. As such, it advisable not to shave a double-coated breed dog.

When it comes to grooming, double-coat dogs require frequent grooming (two to three times a week) to get rid of the loose hairs and prevent matting.

Because of the various different types of hair you’re dealing with, you may require a few different grooming tools. A slicker dog brush can be used to tease out loose hairs from the undercoat. Brush from the skin outwards. For longer-haired dogs, a wide-tooth comb may be useful to help detangle matted hair. Last up, a bristle brush in the direction the hair grows can help add shine and a sleek finish.

Hairless

For example: Chinese Crested, American Hairless Terrier and Mexican Hairless dog.

Rather than frequent brushing, hairless dogs require regular bathing to help keep their skin in tip-top condition. Given they have no hair to protect their skin, it’s best to use a sensitive dog shampoo. Plus, don’t forget to safeguard their skin with sunscreen that’s suitable for pets.

So, there you have it—different strokes are required for different coats. Learning about your canine chum’s coat can help you to groom your dog appropriately and keep him happy and healthy!

 

What top dog grooming tips do you have?

 

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