If you have a curly haired dog, grooming is a challenge by default. However, during springtime, this task becomes even more difficult due to a combination of shedding and mud. Not caring well for your pet’s coat will result in matted dirty fur that will cause a lot of discomfort to both yourself and your pawed friend.
Curly Haired Dog Grooming: Understand the Dog’s Needs
Not all dogs with the curly coat are the same, and you must understand the exact needs of your pet in order to choose the right grooming routine and supplies. First of all, find out if your dog is a shedding or low-shedding. Please be aware that in some mixed breeds this will be determined by the individual genetics of dog’s parents.
For example, a Hungarian Puli is a peculiar curly haired dog that doesn’t shed much but requires extensive grooming as it fur naturally grows into tiny tight curls that develop into dreadlocks. Another interesting non-to-low shedding breed is Labradoodle. These dogs might shed if they have a hair and fleece coat types, while wool types won’t.
Overall, before you start looking into grooming practices, you need to research your specific dog breed or consult a wet or a grooming expert. This will allow you to learn if your pet needs some specific care atop the general recommendations.
General Curly Haired Dog Grooming Tips
Brush regularly
Dogs with curly coats require regular brushing but they’ll need an extra round during the season of rains. Brush your pet twice a day after walks, and before washing. This will prevent those tiny curls from tangling and will remove dirt and debris from the fur more effectively.
If your dog has long coat or some places especially prone to matting, give those double the attention. Remember to comb gently and use a specific type of tool best-suited to the dog’s coat type and size.
Do not bathe often
With the pampering of pets by celebrities being front-page news in yellow press and doggie spa salons opening all around one might be tempted to give their beloved miniature poodle a bubble bath after every walk. This is an especially popular idea during the sp0ring and autumn when your dog gets home all muddy.
However, washing the animal too often will remove essential oil coating from its skin and fur, which will affect the health of your dog. This will literally make it more vulnerable and might cause skin irritation, allergies, and excessive shedding.
Wash your dog not more often than once every 6-8 weeks. You can rinse the paws and bellies after every walk if it’s necessary, but do not use shampoos and other products. Instead, rely on your brush.
Detangle right away
The most important thing about effective curly haired dog grooming is to deal with any issues as soon as they appear. By brushing regularly and keeping the coat clean, you will reduce the risk of problematic tangles.
However, if your dog’s coat does get them, for example, if grass seeds get caught up in it during the walk, you’ll need to remove the issue immediately. The longer you ignore a tangled knot, the harder will it be to remove it afterward. In many cases, you might have no choice but to cut it out later.
Work on the tangles very gently and always starts from the outer edge, slowly working towards the center of the knot. If your dog’s curls get tangled after a bath, use a specialized conditioner or detangler when brushing after drying the fur.
Trim at your discretion
Giving your pet a stylish coat trim isn’t a mandatory part of curly haired dog grooming. However, keeping those curls cut short will make caring for them much easier. Decide based on how much time you can dedicate to grooming and whether you can afford to keep the fur trimmed regularly.