How to Groom a Long Haired Dog

 Curious how to groom a Long Haired dog? Just as you brush your hair every day, long-haired pups need their hair brushed regularly too. Regular brushing will prevent any tangles from forming into unmanageable knots, and will also help prevent the fur from becoming matted.

Cocker spaniel dog being groomed

 

You don’t want to wait to brush your pup’s hair until it’s too unruly though, otherwise you might not be able to detangle the mess. If this happens, it’ll be painful for your pup and you may even have to grab a pair of clippers to remove the problem area. You don’t want your pup to end up with uneven hair or patchy spots, so remember to brush your pup daily.

You should also be brushing your long haired dog right after a bath. A lot of hair comes loose during a bath so a thorough brushing afterward will collect all of the loose hair and leave your pup’s coat feeling smooth. Your pup will also appreciate the removal of loose hair because it’ll create better airflow and leave room for new hair growth.

Keep the Hair Clean:

Daily brushing helps keep your pup’s hair clean on a regular basis, but a bath is needed on occasion as well. For most long-haired dogs, a bath every four to six weeks will do the trick. Any type of odor, however, is a good indicator that your dog needs another bath.

When bathing your long-haired dog, work from the head down and make sure you get a good, even lather over the coat. Rinse the shampoo out from head down, as well. Once the soap is out of your pup’s hair, use a towel to dry off your pup. You should also let your dog shake to remove excess moisture. This may potentially make a mess, so either close the shower curtain or wash your pup outside. Allowing your dog to shake helps your pup dry more naturally. Air drying is a helpful option for drying your pup’s fur, but it's important that if you use a blow dryer, make sure it’s not too hot.

Get Hair Cut Regularly for Long Haired Dogs:

Regular haircuts are also needed for your long-haired dog. Have a regular appointment set with a dog groomer to make sure your pup can get its hair evenly clipped and styled every month and a half or so. In between these regular hair cuts, you can do a little trimming to keep your pup’s hair looking healthy and to keep it from getting too long. Use a comb to pull up your pup’s hair and snip off some of the ends. Clip off small amounts at a time so you don’t end up with any super uneven spots.

Clean Long Haired Dog Tear Stains:

Certain breeds of long-haired dogs are prone to excessive tearing. Shih-Tzu, Poodles, and Maltese, in particular, tend to have tear problems because of their shallow eye sockets as well as a lot of hair near their eyes that wick the tears onto their face. Excessive tearing combined with bacteria results in unsightly tear stains on your pup’s beautiful hair. Products such as the Squishface Wrinkle Wipes and Tear Stain Paste (intended for long-haired breeds) can help keep your dog’s face hair clean on a daily basis. The Wrinkle Wipes are helpful in ridding dirt and debris around the eye area, while the Tear Stain Paste works to form a moisture-repellent barrier that keeps bacteria from irritating your dog’s skin and eyes. The Paste is made with an alcohol-free formulation, containing natural and limited ingredients - it’s perfect for your pup’s sensitive skin!

Daily Ear-Cleaning Sessions:

Keeping your furry friend's ears clean and healthy is essential for their overall well-being. With Squishface Ear Wipes, ear cleaning becomes a breeze. Infused with ketoconazole and chlorhexidine, these wipes effectively combat bacteria, yeast, and fungus, ensuring optimal ear hygiene. By using these wipes regularly, you can prevent ear infections and keep your dog's ears free from wax and dirt, promoting their comfort and happiness. Say goodbye to messy ear cleaning routines and hello to convenience and effectiveness with Squishface Ear Wipes!

Nose Hydration:

If your pup suffers from dry or cracked noses, Squishface Nose Balm offers a helpful solution. Formulated with calming and soothing ingredients like shea butter and berry seed oils, this balm provides relief and nourishment to your furry friend's nose. Whether it's from exposure to harsh weather or simply genetic predisposition, dry noses can be uncomfortable for dogs. With Squishface Nose Balm, you can restore moisture and comfort to your pet's nose, keeping it healthy and happy. Don't let dry noses bother your furry companion any longer – try Squishface Nose Balm today for noticeable results and a happier pup!

Squishface Nose Balm Before & After pictures

The Bottom Line:

Long-haired dogs come with unique grooming challenges, but their flowing locks and happy faces are worth it. As long as you follow the dog grooming tips above, you shouldn’t have too much trouble taming your fur baby’s long hair. If you want to make the grooming process even easier, then make sure you train your dog well to understand sit and stay. A pup that sits still during brushing and a bath is a lot easier to manage than a dog who is constantly nipping at your hands and fidgeting while you work. Luckily, with a little practice, you can have a well-behaved pup who is content to sit still while you do its hair.

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