How to Keep Your Dog’s Fur Clean

Most breeds of dogs require grooming on a monthly basis in order to maintain a coat of a health length. It is important to take your dog to visit a professional groomer, as they can also clean places where you may not think to reach, or express your dog's glands in order to keep them healthy.

There are some breeds such as poodle breeds, that require shaving during the hotter months so that they are able to keep cool. However, breeds such as huskies have undercoats that are designed to repel heat. So a simple bathe and trim will suffice for such breeds.

Many groomers will also come to your home to cut your dog's fur, so that they will feel comfortable in their own environment.

Especially if your dog is outdoors for much of the day, you should be regularly inspecting their fur for bugs that could become an infestation. Fleas are the most common pest that reproduce rapidly on your dog's fur. They feed on your dog's blood and have small, raised, round bumps that can become itchy.

The tick is less painful, so be sure to look at your dog's coat for ticks during the summer months, even if they are not exhibiting signs of itchiness or uncomfortableness. Tick bites usually are not painful or itchy, so most people and animals do not notice when they have been bitten.

You can use a flea medicine on your dog every month as well as flea shampoo to keep pests at bay and prevent them from causing damage to your dog.

When you brush your dog, you are removing hairs that are clogging and tangling other parts of their coat, as well as getting rid of some dirt and debris that they dog cannot reach when they are cleaning themselves.

Depending on the size and type of coat your dog has, you will need to get a brush that suits their hair length. You should brush in even strokes down the length of your body, and if you encounter mats, try to soak them in conditioner before trying to untangle them. If your dog has many mats, it may be a better idea to consult a professional groomer.

If your dog is not getting the proper nutrition, then it can affect the health and vitality of their coat. Be sure that your dog is getting fatty acids, which can be found in premium dog food brands that contain only whole ingredients.

Specifically, omega six fatty acids are essential for keeping the skin hydrated and therefore, producing a shiny coat. If you wash your dog too frequently, then it could cause their skin to dry out and keep those oils from getting into their fur to make sure that it is hydrated and soft.

Although bathing your canine too much can result in dry skin, it is still important that you keep them clean and smelling good. If your dog is outside for long periods of time or enjoys rolling in dirt, you may need to bathe them more frequently than if they are mostly indoors.

If you have questions about how often to wash your pet, it is best to talk to a professional groomer or your veterinarian. They can evaluate your dog's skin health, their fur type, and how often they are outdoors to estimate how often is best for bathing them.