Basic Dog Grooming For Long Haired Dog Breeds
Long haired dog breeds do need more consistent dog grooming routines than their short haired counterparts. This is simply because longer hair is more likely to tangle and mat, making grooming a priority for owners. Mats and tangles in the hair are more than just a cosmetic issue, they can lead to skin irritations, lesions and infections, especially if they are on the underside, leg and belly areas. This is because the knots and tangles rub against the skin when the dog is sleeping or sitting, resulting in what would be the equivalent of bedsores on a person.
Basic Grooming Tools
Longer haired dogs often, but not always, tend to have double coats. This further increases the chances of matting and knotting, especially in the spring and fall months when the undercoat fully sheds out. Regular dog grooming is essential to keep dead hair and debris from causing mats, plus it will also help minimize the total amount of grooming time per session.
The basic tools you will need, regardless of the dog breeds you may have to groom, include:
- A dog grooming comb – metal, aluminum or heavy plastic
- A grooming rake
- A matt removal brush
- Pin brush
- Medium to stiff bristle brush or dandy brush
- Slicker brush – for some breeds
- Cotton facecloth
- Cotton balls or pads
- Scissors – blunt and sharp ended
- Tweezers
- Dog nail clippers
Look for brushes and combs that have well spaced and secure teeth and bristles. Pin brushes that have smooth metal rotating pins are a great idea to reduce pulling on the dog's coat and snarling in the hair.
Mat Removal and Dog Grooming
Grooming one of the long haired dog breeds is basically the same as grooming a short haired dog, start from the top and work down and backwards through the coat, always brushing in the direction of the hair growth. Don't brush opposite to hair growth, use your hand to push the dense, longer coat up and groom from the underside, resulting in the hair laying correctly when groomed down.
Mats can be removed using a rake or mat removal brush that has long, stiff pins or bristles. Start from the outer edges of the knot and support the hair by holding it close to the body to prevent pulling on the hairs and causing irritation. There are many great dog hair detanglers sold in pet stores, however a small amount of baby oil mixed with water and sprayed on with a spray bottle can do the trick if you are stuck.
Most professional dog grooming experts recommend, at least for most dog breeds, that all mats, tangles and knots be completely removed before bathing the dog. Grooming after bathing will be much more difficult as the hair will tangle even more during the process.
