A healthy coat is a sign of good health! Regular grooming has a real impact on your dog’s coat—and their overall well-being. Care routines vary by breed and coat type: long, short, wiry, silky…
Brushing
The primary purpose of brushing is to detangle your dog’s coat, which is especially important for long-haired breeds. Detangling prevents mats from forming, which could restrict your dog’s movement. It’s essential to choose the right brush for your dog’s coat to avoid causing discomfort. For example, brushing a sensitive area with the wrong brush can lead to skin irritation. To make brushing easier and more pleasant for your pet, you can use a detangling spray. This will make the process much smoother and faster. Brushing also helps aerate the skin by removing dead hair, promoting new growth, and preventing certain skin conditions.
Shedding is heavier during spring and autumn molting seasons. To learn more about molting, feel free to check out our article.
Shampoo
Giving your dog a shampoo is also a great way to care for their coat. It’s excellent for maintaining their fur and essential for their hygiene. A dog’s skin pH is very different from a human’s (see the dedicated article in this e-Mag: "why use a suitable shampoo"). Just like brushing, it’s important to use products tailored to their coat—and their skin. Shampoo ranges are extensive, offering solutions for all skin types. There are moisturizing shampoos, gentler shampoos for sensitive skin, and even soothing shampoos. Even with the right shampoo, baths shouldn’t be too frequent, as this could damage and dry out their skin. Frequency may vary by breed—a dog with longer fur may need more regular washing.
The Groomer
You can also take your dog to the groomer. For frequency, it all depends on you and especially on how quickly their coat grows back. For dogs that need a haircut, you can take them every 2 months or so. The groomer will adjust the cut according to the season.
Did You Know?
Some breeds, like the Poodle or Shih Tzu, have continuously growing coats and shed very little. Regular grooming is therefore essential.
Nutrition
Finally, it’s important to note that diet plays a key role in coat quality. If the diet isn’t rich enough and/or poorly adapted, it can lead to more significant hair loss and coat deterioration—drying out and losing its shine. To avoid these issues, opt for high-quality nutrition. Foods rich in omega-3 and 6, high in protein, and balanced in vitamins are recommended.
