There are many queries that come to our Instagram and Facebook profiles of Las Almenas about the care of the coat of dogs, so we wanted to answer and explain in our blog 5 fundamental tips for the grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs. Many people mistakenly believe that it is not necessary to dedicate time to the grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs.
In fact, some people believe that these are dogs that do not shed hair. It may be easier to groom short-haired dogs than those with long coats. However, even if it is easier, it is also necessary that you learn to take care of all aspects, not only for aesthetic reasons, but above all for their health.
Why is it necessary to take care of the grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs?
Unlike woolly dogs, the skin of short-haired dogs is more exposed to all kinds of aggressions, whether from temperatures, sun, bruises… and, therefore, they need extra care. That is why it is essential that you dedicate time to the grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs. Keep in mind that the coat is one of the main characteristics of dogs and their respective breeds.
There are short-haired and wire-haired dogs, medium short-haired dogs, there are also breeds of small short-haired dogs that do not shed hair, … in short, the variety is very extensive, but we will try to summarize the general care so that you know how to carry out the functions of grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs.
Tips for grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs
Within the grooming and hygiene care of short-haired dogs, you should keep in mind:
1-Frequency of brushing
One of the best cares you can offer your dog is to brush his coat daily. In order for this moment to be pleasant for both of you and for the brushing to become a kind of massage, you should make sure that the brushing is careful so as not to hurt him. In this regard, it is essential that you use a suitable brush.
Do you have any doubts about what type of brush to use? Then you can read our article Brush or dogs, which one is the most suitable?. What we can tell you is that rubber gloves or mittens are usually a perfect choice. With regular brushing, you will not only avoid having hair all over the house, but you will also be removing dust and dirt accumulated on the fur.
As we have already said, the grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs is essential, since their skin is more unprotected than in the case of woolly dogs.
Brushing removes dead hair and other elements that can irritate the skin or even unbalance the bacterial flora. In addition, by taking care of the grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs you will prevent and detect other external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Ideally, you should start this practice when your dog is a puppy and arrives home for the first time. This way, he will assimilate it as a routine and it will be easier to brush his coat at home and also at the groomer’s when you have to go.
2-Grooming techniques for short-haired dogs
You have no excuses! Brushing a short-haired dog will take very little time. Just 5 minutes a day will give your dog a shiny, glossy coat. However, as not all short coats are the same, from Las Almenas we want to provide you with different techniques to do it correctly:
-Brushing dog with short and straight coat.
If your dog not only has a short coat, but also a smooth coat, it is very easy. You only need to brush against the grain with the mitten and then brush in the direction of the coat. And if you want it to be very shiny, you can wipe it with a damp cloth which will also help to remove loose hairs.
-Brushing dogs with short and double coats
If you notice, this type of coat has a soft and fine undercoat that is constantly shedding, which is why grooming and hygiene care for short-haired dogs should be more frequent. The outer coat is usually smooth and rough, so you should separate the two parts when brushing. First, you should comb the inner coat from the inside out and then comb the outer coat following the direction of the coat.
-Brushing a dog with short, harsh coat
Does your dog look like it has spikes instead of hair? Then you will need a different brushing technique and other combs, not just a rubber glove. With a bristle brush you should comb the coat in layers, again from the inside out. You can then comb or rake the coat to remove loose hairs. Sometimes you may have to backcomb the hair a little to get rid of all the loose hair that is falling out.
3-Bathing, what do short-haired dogs need?
Another grooming and hygiene care for short-haired dogs is bathing. The frequency of your dog’s baths is very variable. If you have any doubts, you can ask your veterinarian or the breeder where you bought your pet. Normally, short-haired dogs get dirty less than long-haired dogs, but this also depends on the environment in which they live because it is not the same for a dog in the countryside than in urban environments.
What you should be clear about is that after the vaccinations you should not bathe him until a week has passed. If it gets dirty during that time, it is better to clean it with a damp cloth. What kind of shampoo do you use for your dog? This is another question you have to take into account. You should use a specific shampoo for dogs that are usually formulated with acid pH. Choose a quality shampoo, as they allow more frequent baths without damaging the skin and coat.
If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian, since there are many options of shampoos for short-haired dogs. There are those that have conditioner, those that regulate the production of fat or even those shampoos that eliminate allergens.
Finally, don’t forget to dry your dog’s coat very well! If possible, do it with a hair dryer, but if it bothers him, dry thoroughly with a towel and leave him in a warm room with no current until there is no more moisture left in his coat.
4- Other grooming and grooming care for short-haired dogs
There are other grooming and hygiene cares for short-haired dogs. Thus, if your dog has droopy ears, you must periodically clean its ears. Your veterinarian can recommend a specific product for this purpose.
The mouth is another area whose hygiene you should take care of. The daily accumulation of tartar in the dog’s mouth causes periodontal diseases to appear in the long run due to bacteria. For this, the use of a toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs is another indispensable daily routine. You can also use dental toys to which you can add toothpaste so that the dog can play chewing them and, at the same time, clean between the teeth.
Dental snacks after meals are also a very practical option to maintain the oral hygiene of dogs. However, if despite dental care, your dog develops plaque or periodontal disease, you veterinarian will be able to help you.
We don’t want to end our grooming and hygiene tips for short-haired dogs without talking about nail care. If your dog doesn’t wear them down, you will have to trim them or take him to the groomer to have them done.
When you cut your dog’s nails, it is not only for aesthetic reasons, it also affects his health. Very long nails can hinder his walking and lead to more serious problems related to bones and joints. As you can see, trimming your dog’s nails is more important than you thought, so go ahead!
5- Diet and its effect on your dog’s coat
Does food influence your dog’s coat? Yes, it does. Following a correct and complete diet is the basis for your dog’s coat to grow healthy and strong and look like no other. The fat that coats the coat and gives it shine and protection can only be obtained if your dog gets an adequate supply of essential and very beneficial fatty acids, the so-called omega 3, from its food.
If, on the other hand, your dog does not eat well or is not healthy enough, it will not be able to produce a healthy coat, since the nutrients will be used for more essential functions of the organism.
What did you think of these 5 fundamental tips for grooming and hygiene of short-haired dogs? Leave us your comments and share with us what are your tricks for the hygiene and care you offer to your dog. We also invite you to visit our YouTube channel, here you will find more tips on responsible parenting that we give to our toy dog breeds in Las Almenas.
See you next time!
