Basic Grooming For Short Haired Dog Breeds
Short haired dog breeds may not look like they shed as much and may not require as much grooming as longer haired breeds, but this is a true misconception. Often the dog grooming requirements of short haired breeds are just as demanding as longer haired breeds, especially those that have a double coat and "blow" each spring and fall. Blowing the coat refers to those breeds that shed out the inner coat over the hot summer months.
Basic Dog Grooming Tools
Depending on how short your short haired dog's coat is, you will need a variety of basic tools. Dog grooming is much easier if you have the basics, plus you can really do a professional looking job right from your own home. The grooming tools you will need include:
- A slicker brush – for finishing
- A dandy brush or a soft to medium brush – to remove dander and dead hair
- A dog comb – for any fringe or heavier areas around the neck, legs or tail
- Cotton face cloth – to clean the eyes and face
- Cotton pads or balls – to clean the outer portions of the ear
- Nail clippers – for toenails
- Dog Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Scissors – for trimming long hairs
- Dry shampoo
- Wet shampoo and conditioner
Buying good quality dog grooming products will actually save you money in the long run as they will never need to be replaced. Taking good care of your grooming products will also ensure they last.
Getting Started With Dog Grooming
If you have a grooming table use it, as it will make the job much easier for both you and the dog. If you don't, either get the dog up to your level by having them stand on a countertop with a rubber non-skid mat or get down to their level.
Start at the top of the dog, the back of the neck, and groom in the direction of hair growth with the soft or medium bristle brush. Groom down the back and along the body, continuing in the downward and slightly backward direction of the growth of the hair. Gently begin grooming the legs and the tail, using the comb if necessary on the leggings or breaches as well as the longer hairs on the tail. If there are any knots use the comb to gently remove the knots before brushing. Finish up with the slicker brush if the coat is to lay flat against the body.
The face can be cleaned using the cotton cloth either slightly damp or dry. Look at the eyes and use the cloth to remove any debris. Check the ears for any signs of infection, irritation or wax buildup and remove with the cotton balls if present. If there are long hairs in the ears that need plucking, remove them with the tweezers if the dog is calm or with your fingers if the dog is moving about.
Check the teeth and give them a good brushing, then finish up by checking the feet. Look between the pads and ensure there are no irritations, cuts or wounds, and also cut the toenails if necessary.
Start your grooming routine as early as possible with your dog, ideally while they are puppies. This can be a great bonding time for you and your dog, plus they will really start to look forward to the attention. Dog grooming is relatively simple for most short haired dog breeds and once you do it a few times grooming will only take a few minutes.
