Whether your pup has a big, crazy, curly coat, or is naturally more close-cropped, you’ll need to eventually invest some time and money into proper grooming.
Not only is a well-groomed dog cuter and cuddlier, but keeping that coat trimmed can be key to the health and happiness of your pup as well, not to mention it cuts down on the time you spend sweeping the floor and picking hairs off the couch.
Even if your dog is one of those short-haired or “hair-free” breeds, you’ll need to orchestrate a grooming session now and again. The question is: how often, and to what extent?
Today we’re exploring the topic of dog grooming from top to bottom, and we aim to give you the basics for dealing with the various types of coats and fur in the canine kingdom.
Coat Characteristics
Your approach to grooming will depend mainly on your dog’s coat, and every breed has a unique set of features for skin and fur.
According to Old Farm Vet, short-haired dogs need the least amount of maintenance, since they are less likely to collect dirt and their coats don’t become matted as easily.
The easiest way to categorize coat is by length, so here is the basic breakdown:
- Short hair is mostly self-regulating, meaning you won’t have to groom more than once every season or so. Investing in a strong doggie hairbrush is really all you need, and an occasional wash down with shampoo can help too.
- Medium hair needs…