Now that it is getting warmer, most dogs change outfits: just like us, they take off their winter coat and their summer coat. This can be accompanied by extra shedding. This is completely normal, and as an owner, you can make your pet extra comfortable. If you have proper care for your dog there is a possibility that your dog will become a model is some social media like Facebook or Instagram, If you’re a beginner you can use ‘buy Instagram likes’ to boost your likes. That’s why today 5 questions and answers about grooming your dog.
What does that mean, ‘molting’?
Most dogs shed all year round, with a peak in the spring and autumn. The dog will then develop a new undercoat and the old, dead hair will come off. You can remove the excess hair during that time by brushing if you and your dog like it. Most smooth-coated dogs shed hair this way, but dogs with a ‘plucked coat’ work differently. Breeds such as schnauzers and most terriers have such a wiry coat. They also change coats twice a year, but they need a helping hand, for example at the grooming salon. By plucking away the old, ‘mature’ coat, the trimmer makes room for the new winter or summer coat.
Do I have to brush my dog?
For dogs with long or curly coats, brushing is beneficial all year round. Tangles can form in the long coat and dirt can accumulate. Therefore, check your dog’s coat regularly, remove tangles and dirt and trim any excess hair from the soles of the feet, in the ears, and under his tail: because we know how annoying it is if something gets stuck in the coat. Brushing is not necessary for smooth-haired dogs. You can do it if the coat gets a bit dull, if the dog is dirty or if he has a lot of loose hair. But brushing too often and too hard actually causes more hair loss. Nature has taken care of it well and keeps the dog’s coat in top condition. So be a modest brushed.
How should I brush my dog?
That depends on the type of coat of your dog. For smooth-haired dogs, a soft or rubber brush is sufficient, but for long-haired or wire-haired dogs, it is better to use a sturdy comb or brush. The trimmer can tell you exactly which brush you need. If you are going to brush the dog, let him get used to it first. First, practice petting the dog behind its ears, over its back, and its paws. When the dog is comfortable you can brush it. Put it at ease and start with the easy spots like the neck and flanks. Is the dog completely calm? Then you can also gently brush the difficult areas such as the armpits, feet, and tail.
And should I actually wash my dog?
In principle, dogs do not need to be washed, unless of course, they are really dirty. After a mud bath or rolling in the fish, a fresh shower is no superfluous luxury. Always use dog shampoo, normal human shampoo is too aggressive for dog skin. Always rinse the dog thoroughly to get all the shampoo out, then dry the dog with a towel.
My dog has a coat problem. What now?
There are all kinds of different coat and skin problems in a dog such as bald spots, flakes, itching, excessive hair loss, and so on. You usually can’t fix this by combing or washing, in fact, it sometimes makes it worse. Skin problems usually have deeper causes such as a food allergy, an infection, a thyroid disease, fungi, parasites, or a flea allergy. So it is important to find out what exactly is going on before taking any action. Go to the vet for that. Another general tip: a beautiful coat is nourished from within. A happy, healthy, and fit dog generally also has a healthy coat. So also pay attention to nutrition: give him a balanced diet with sufficient animal proteins and fats and few unnecessary additives. Invest in the knowledge about your dog and what he needs to keep him healthy and happy. Then you can enjoy a dog with a beautiful coat and a beautiful appearance!