How to Take Care for a Long-Haired Dog

Obviously, long-haired dogs need some extra attention in the grooming department. Just like your own hair, your dog’s fur needs to be washed, dried and brushed in order to stay healthy, strong and beautiful. All that fluff often hides many mats and houses dirt, dust and dander that can cause skin irritation, discomfort and odor. So, ensuring your pup’s mane is clean and nicely trimmed is your responsibility and you should take it seriously! Here are a few tips that can make that process easier and your pooch’s coat clean, silky and smooth.

Start with a quality diet

Taking care for your long-haired dog starts with a good diet—it’s the basis for a healthy coat and skin. Make sure you give your dog a balanced diet that fits their age, breed and activity levels. There are even some supplements you can give your dog for extra shiny and healthy fur. For instance, omega-3 fish oils and coconut oil both have the ability to reduce shedding and alleviate skin flaking and dryness. Another great addition to your pup’s diet is egg yolk. It’s full of healthy fats and vitamins that feed the coat and make it look especially shiny. However, many dogs are allergic to eggs, so before you introduce it to their diet, check with your vet and introduce the new ingredients very slowly so you can act quickly in case of an allergic reaction.

Book regular grooming appointments

The best way to care for your dog’s lush fur is to take it to the groomers. A professional has all the equipment needed to keep your pup’s coat clean and free of tangles. They also have the biggest amount of experience and knowledge of how to handle not only your dog’s long coat but also your dog’s personality and keep it calm during the long process of grooming.

Find a good professional

Not all groomers are the same, so be careful when choosing a professional. Some groomers even specialize in certain breeds which should be your first choice. If you’re a proud owner of a Yorkshire Terrier, an Afghan or a Komondor, your safest bet is to find a pro with plenty of experience with these breeds in order to ensure that your pup gets the best grooming. For instance, an expert will know not to brush and wash your Komondor in a traditional way.

Schedule bathing sessions

Trips to the groomers are not necessary every week (twice or three times a year is enough), but in between these visits, you have to give your dog a proper cleaning treatment. Dirt will not only make your dog smell less than perfect, but it can also weigh down the coat and create tangles. So, make sure to bathe your dog regularly. However, when buying dog supplies online make sure to choose a proper dog shampoo that’s appropriate for your pup’s breed and skin. Luckily, today you have a huge variety of products to choose from and you’re bound to find what you need. You can follow the shampoo with a dog conditioner and give everything a good rinse. If need be, apply a detangler before drying to ensure the process is easier and less painful.  

Clean the ears

When giving your pup a bath, make sure not to neglect the ears. Long-coat pups are often prone to ear infections and mites, so use a cotton ball steeped with a mixture of vinegar and water to clean those ears.

Dry properly

Many people fear drying, but it’s not that hard. Start by wrapping your pup into a good micro-fiber towel to get rid of the moisture. This step will significantly reduce the drying time and reduce the damage to the coat. Next, you can use a blow dryer or even leave the coat to air-dry. Finish the process with brushing the coat (brush backwards then forwards to create the best-looking fluffy do).

Practice regular fur maintenance

Many long-haired dogs need daily brushing if you want to keep them in top shape. Make sure to invest in a quality brush that fits their coat and you’ll need only a few minutes of brushing to keep the fur mat-free and smooth. If you locate any mats, make sure to remove them with a specialized mat brush. Practice this daily and it will become a beautiful little ritual for you two, as well as a nice bonding experience.

Don’t neglect the paws

Long-haired dogs often develop lumpy hair between paw pads which can impair their movements, comfort and the ability to cool down properly. So, make sure to examine the paws regularly when bathing or brushing and trim between the pads regularly!

As you can see, taking care of your long-haired dog requires some work, but with a good schedule and groomer, it will not take too much time out of your day. Plus, all that healthy fluff will be ready to cuddle and pet for ages!