When it comes to dog grooming, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for every breed. Pet care will largely depend on your dog’s fur type, just as people require different cleansing treatments depending on their hair type. To help take the guesswork out of your dog’s grooming routine, Clippet Pet Salon has provided a helpful guide to caring for your dog’s specific coat in between regular grooming sessions.

Dog Grooming 101: At-Home Care for Different Fur Types

Smooth Coats

Smooth-coated dogs such as Boxers, Labradors, Bull Terriers, and Dachshunds require the least amount of maintenance of all the fur types. These breeds have a short, single coat that sits close to their body and is generally easy to clean. Although they don’t need a lot of grooming, their hair should be tended to regularly with brushing. If you have a smooth-coated dog, be gentle with any grooming tools as their hair is soft and sensitive to harsh treatment. Bathing frequency typically varies between once a week and once every twelve weeks depending on activity level.

Long Coats

Long-coated dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Bearded Collies, and Havanese require more attention than other breeds. If your dog has a long coat, comb or brush it on a regular basis (preferably every day) to prevent it from tangling. This is especially critical during shedding season. In terms of bathing, once a month is usually a good amount to keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. Since cutting their fur can be a challenge, it’s advisable to have it done at your professional dog grooming facility.

Wiry Coats

Dogs are considered to have wiry coats when their fur exceeds four inches in length and shows thickness. Wiry-coated dogs such as Terriers and Schnauzers are the most susceptible to mats and tangles—they should be groomed consistently to prevent detangling. In addition to regular brushing, their fur should be clipped with hair clippers, and your furry friend should have a dog bath every three to four weeks.

Curly Coats

Curly-coated dogs such as Poodles and Bichon Frise have thick, soft curls that are close to the body. This type of coat requires a soft, slicker brush for advanced grooming and extra sensitivity. This type of coat requires more frequent bathing than others, as it tends to hold more dirt. Washing about every twenty days with a moisturizing shampoo is recommended.

If your four-legged family member needs some TLC, look no further than Clippet Pet Salon in Elizabethtown, KY. Backed by over 30 years of experience and a lifelong love of dogs, their professional dog grooming facility specializes in everything from pet care and flea treatment to dog boarding. To schedule an appointment for your special family member, call them at (270) 765-6894, or visit the website for more information about the services.