DOG CARE

GROOMING DIFFERENT DOG BREEDS

SMOOTH COATS
Even if your dog has a very short, smooth coat, he still needs some minimal, easy grooming. Check nails every two to three weeks and clip if necessary (See Nail Clipping). Check ears weekly and clean if necessary (See Ear Cleaning). Give your dog a thorough brushing with a bristle brush or hound glove once or twice weekly. Baths are necessary only occasionally.

DOUBLE COATS
Most double-coated dogs require diligent daily grooming to avoid mats and knots. Use a pin brush; brushing in the direction the fur grows, until the brush moves freely through all areas of the coat. Pay special attention to the inside of ears, arms and under the legs.

After a thorough brushing, carefully comb through each area using a medium-tooth comb. If hair in the inner corner of the eyes causes irritation, carefully clip the hair with a pair of scissors.

Always thoroughly brush and comb your dog before bathing. Bathe your dog when necessary. Some double-coated dogs have a water resistant, oily coating on their hair. To get through the oil, use a good quality dish detergent as a first shampoo and then rinse thoroughly. Follow with an all-purpose, conditioning or insecticide dog shampoo.

Be sure to rinse very carefully since thick coats can absorb amazing quantities of soap and moisture. Use several thick towels to absorb the excess moisture. When the dog is damp, but not dripping, dry him with a hand held dryer. Or, better still; use a freestanding canine blow dryer that leaves your hands free. Make sure the dog is not too close to the dryer and the temperature of the dryer is not too hot. Many double-coated dogs need professional scissoring and at least occasional visits to the groomer to keep the coat looking its best.

SILKY COATS
Long, silky coats need to be groomed every day or they will get hopelessly tangled. On small breed dogs, such as Yorkshire Terriers, use a soft bristle brush. A slicker brush will free tangles. Toy breeds often have their facial hair tied up in a topknot above the forehead. This will keep the hair out of eyes and food dishes.

On larger breed dogs with thick, silky fur, use a pin brush for daily use. A slicker brush will remove tangles when they occur. Make sure you can brush all the way down to the roots of the hair, but be careful not to scratch the sensitive skin.

Bathe these dogs when necessary. Light colored or white dogs may require frequent baths. Bathing large dogs, such as Afghans, is a lengthy ordeal. Make sure the coat is well brushed and free of mats before bathing. Take care to rinse very well. Check nails every two to three weeks and clip if necessary. Check ears weekly and clean if necessary.

CURLY COATS
Many curly coated dogs, such as Poodles or Bichon Frises, do best with professional grooming. For home care, brush the coat thoroughly with a slicker brush, and then comb it carefully. Check nails every two to three weeks and clip if necessary. Check ears weekly and clean if necessary. Ear hair of Poodles needs to be plucked regularly.

After a bath, dry the dog with a hand held dryer. Or, better still; use a freestanding canine dryer that leaves your hands free. Make sure the dryer is not too close to your dog and the dryer temperature is not too hot.