DOG GROOMING GUIDE: DOUBLE COATS

Brushing

Overview

Your dog will benefit from brushing as it will help regulate body temperature and reduce itching as you remove dead hair and distribute natural oils. Regular brushing will help you bond with your pet as well as getting to know their skin better, which means you’ll find any parasites and skin conditions sooner rather than later.

Tips:

• You can work from the tail to head or the head to tail, as long as you ensure you brush all the hair, not just the top coat.
• One popular technique is to brush backward against the lay of the fur, then brush it back into place. This loosens and removes dead hair and stimulates the skin.
• Take care when brushing over joints or sensitive areas and reduce any downward pressure.
• When brushing areas without much coat use a soft brush to avoid injury.

Why Brush Double Coats?

Double coated dogs require a lot of grooming, especially when they are shedding their coat, which happens twice a year. The thick, fluffy fur is released and appears to spread everywhere.

Recommended For Double Coats:

• With your hand, or a comb, part the fur creating a vertical line and use a Slicker Brush to brush through the soft undercoat. This will remove any loose hair reducing the opportunity for mats and tangles to develop. Many people find it easier to start at the lower part of the of the dog and work upwards until the main body and back is completely brushed.
• Move through the entire coat using this technique and ensure the tummy area and between the legs is not missed. These areas are prone to tangles which if left unresolved, will become difficult to remove.
• Many people use an undercoat Rake to remove any hairs that are about to be shed. This is an excellent tool which will glide through the upper coat and remove loose undercoat hairs.
• For heavy coats, the use of a Shedding Blade can increase the hairs removed and improve the overall finish.
• Once brushed through, use a Grooming Comb to comb the coat and remove any remaining loose hair. This will also identify any remaining knots or mats in the coat.
• It is essential to remove these knots on a regular basis to reduce the chances of large mats forming and causing increased problems.
• If you encounter knots that will not brush out without causing discomfort to the dog, it may be necessary to comb the coat through with a Dematter Comb.
• Finally use a Bristle Brush or Grooming Glove to go over the coat and lay it flat in the direction of growth. This will encourage the natural oils in the coat and improve the overall condition.

Nail Care

Overview

Regardless of breed, all dogs have claws which grow constantly and may, at times need some attention to prevent discomfort or injury. If your dog has an active lifestyle their claws will usually naturally wear down as he walks on hard surfaces. Problem claws therefore tend to be an issue more in older dogs that exercise less, or dogs which spend more time on soft surfaces.

It is possible to clip your dog’s nails at home. If you are unsure or need help it is worth speaking with your local veterinary nurse or groomer, who will be able to offer simple advice and guidance.