Grooming your dog: How much hygiene is necessary?

Long-haired dachshunds, bobtails, Dalmatians or Jack Russell terriers - our dogs' fur is as varied as their characters. The amount of effort required to groom their fur is just as varied. While long-haired breeds need to be combed more often and, depending on the undercoat, also sheared, short-haired breeds almost shed their fur automatically due to the constant shedding of their hair. But the fact is that every coat, whether short or long, rough or curly, requires a certain amount of care.

What should you pay attention to when grooming your dog?

How often you  How often you have to brush your four-legged friend depends on the breed. The choice of the right dog brush also depends on the coat condition of your  animal. 

For short-haired breeds (Labrador, Bulldog, etc.), brushing once or twice a week is sufficient. A soft brush with nubs, a curry-comb glove or a natural hair brush with soft bristles is ideal for combing out loose dog hair without damaging the skin. This also removes dirt or dander and your  At the same time, your four-legged friend also gets a lot of petting, which makes his fur shine. 

For long-haired dog breeds, daily grooming is recommended to avoid tangles or even matting. Regular brushing is particularly necessary on the head, muzzle and in the armpit and genital area. It is best to use a dog comb or curry comb. Wire brushes or firm natural brushes are also ideal for dogs with thick, long fur and a lot of undercoat. Unlike short-haired breeds, you do not need  Additionally, you will also need a pair of scissors or clippers to trim the fur.

If you  If you don't feel comfortable trimming the eye area, feet or genital area yourself, there are now very good dog hairdressers, also called groomers. They know the needs of every dog's coat.

First of all, an important note: Shampoos for humans are not suitable for animals! Dogs need a special dog shampoo due to their skin and coat structure. You should  Don't bathe your four-legged friend without a reason. The guiding principle here is: as often as necessary, as rarely as possible.

However, some dog owners cannot avoid frequent bathing. If your dog likes to roll around in smelly things or has long, matted fur, he simply needs a bath more often. Use  However, always consider the needs of your  Dog shampoo developed for dogs.

To your  To ensure that your dog has the most pleasant bathing experience possible, you should consider a few things in advance:

• A non-slip mat in the bathtub  gives your dog stability and security
• carrier  Clothes that can get wet and possibly dirty 
• Lege  You  Have a towel and dog shampoo ready beforehand
• Check  the temperature before you  dog lets water run over its body
• Attention: A wet dog shakes itself – always!

My dog's coat is losing strength and shine

Dogs change their coat twice a year, so in spring and autumn they can often experience problems with their coat and skin.  Itchy or red skin, dull or flaky fur  According to our animal experts, can be an indicator of this phase. But incorrect or inadequate nutrition can also be responsible.

The coat is a reflection of the nutrition and health of your  Dog. Not only malnutrition, but also illnesses or allergies can often show up in dull or falling fur. If you notice any noticeable changes, you should always consult a veterinarian to determine the exact cause and find a quick solution.