Welcome to installment number 3 of the grooming essentials blog! Last week, we delved into grooming tips and tools for medium-haired dogs. If you missed the first post, you can catch up on my grooming background and experience here.
This week, we’re focusing on long haired dogs—those with fur longer than a Golden but shorter than Cher’s flowing mane from the 70s. Breeds in this category include Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Afghan Hounds, Shih-Tzus, and similar breeds.
Understanding Long-Haired Dogs
Long-haired dogs often have flowing, single coats that require almost daily brushing. If you’ve watched the Westminster Dog Show, you’ve seen these breeds grace the arena with their flowing locks, reminiscent of a shampoo commercial. Keeping these coats smooth and mat-free takes a great deal of work. This is why many owners of these breeds opt for a shorter, more manageable style.
Due to their coat length and fur structure, long-haired dogs require specific tools for proper grooming. This is one instance where I recommend using a coat spray to help manage your dog’s longer coat.
The Right Tools for the Job
Steel Comb
A steel comb is amazing for untangling knots and grabbing undercoat that your mat removal tool and pin brush miss. I recommend getting a smaller sized comb for the face and making topknots.
Did you ever run your fingers through your hair and think, yes, no tangles…until you grabbed your plastic comb and then the truth came out? That is why I love the comb; it does not lie!
Pin Brush
I’ve been told several times that a pin brush is a useless piece of equipment. I beg to differ. The soft ends help to stimulate the skin, distribute oils and Benji thinks it’s a great massage. I have a double sided pin brush. One side is a pin brush, the other a bristle brush. Both sides work great for grooming your dog.
Mat Removal Tool
Mat happens. When it does, having the right tool is extremely helpful. The mat remover has finger-like blades that will ‘cut’ through the matted fur. With this tool, you must be careful as it has fingerlike blades. Use caution in sensitive areas and hold the mat as you brush. It’s important to remember, if the mat or tangle is against the skin, be extra careful. Tight mats close to the skin can be irritating especially if the skin under the mat is inflamed. A tight mat may take a few days to loosen or require a certified groomer to shave it out.
Work slowly and never use scissors to cut the mat as you can accidentally cut the skin. I have had many clients come in with scissor cuts on their dogs.
Coat Spray
When I was a groomer, I found a product that took hours off brushing matted dogs. I was introduced to ShowSheen towards the end of my grooming career. It worked wonders when brushing out matted dogs. It left their coat silky smooth and in better condition for their next groom. A word of caution. Be careful getting the product on smooth floors, they will become quite slippery. With ShowSheen a little goes a long way.
Bathing and Shampoo
I’ll review this here because it is a very important part of keeping your dog clean and smelling fresh.
The frequency of bathing depends on your dog. Some dogs with allergies and itchy skin may need more frequent baths with special shampoos. Others might only need a bath every other month. Here’s a general guideline:
- Dogs with skin issues may need monthly baths.
- Most short-haired dogs do well with baths every two months.
Avoid using human-grade shampoo on dogs as it can dry out and irritate their skin. I recommend Skout’s Honor shampoo. It’s all-natural, smells great, and supports healthy skin and coat.
Grooming is an essential part of your dog’s health and well-being. Using the right tools and techniques ensures your dog remains comfortable and their coat stays healthy. If you have any questions about grooming tools or techniques, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help!
In squeaky cleanness,
Joan
Stay updated with the latest trips and insights on pet care! Sign up for our emails and join our community of pet lovers today.
