Regularity is of utmost importance when grooming fluffy coated dogs, such as German Shepherds, Rough Collies, poodles, Newfoundland dogs, Chow Chows and other spitzes. Therefore, you should accustom these dogs to bathing and combing while they are still puppies.
Fluffy coated dogs should be regularly washed and combed. Without proper care, their fur tangles and its condition declines; this causes the pet to look unappealing.
Dogs of these breeds have long, straight, spiky topcoat and dense, soft undercoat. The fur on their neck is particularly dense, while the coat on the chest and shoulder blades forms into a spiky mane. On the head and the front part of the front legs, the fur is short. At the back of the legs, a fringe of hair grows, and on the thighs and hips, there forms a petticoat. The hair on the tail is long, straight, rough and spiky.
Choosing the right products
- Remember to use cosmetics designed for fluffy fur only.
- In the case of shampoos, look for products that contain cashmere proteins. They will ensure that the fur stays fluffy and has an appealing gloss.
How to properly bath a fluffy coated dog?
Preparing for the bath
- The first step is to prepare the place of the bath. All the bathing and drying equipment needs to be arranged so that it is easy to reach. You need to have handy a shampoo, a conditioner, a towel, a hair dryer and a comb.
- Consider putting an anti-slip mat or a towel into the bath, so that your dog does not slip.
- Afterwards, the pet should be thoroughly combed. In order to facilitate the combing, you should use an untangling product.
Bathing
- You are starting the bath. First dampen the dog’s fur with warm water. You should start from the back of the body and move towards the front, not omitting the arms and paws. Do not wet the dog’s head. The temperature of water should be about 37-39 degrees.
- Afterwards, distribute some wiry coat shampoo on the fur so that foam appears. Champ-Richer (Champion) shampoo is very concentrated and needs to be dissolved in water. During the bath you should make sure that the shampoo does not enter the dog’s eyes, ears or mouth, by covering those areas.
- Next, carefully rinse.
- The first application of shampoo only washes out dirt; therefore, in order to enrich the skin and fur, you should repeat the process.
- When you finish the second wash, apply a protein conditioner in order to rebuild the protective layer on the fur. Apply it carefully and while you are on it, you can gently massage your pet so that it forms pleasant connotations with the process.
- At the end, thoroughly rinse the dog, paying attention to the less accessible areas, such as the belly and groins.
Drying
- After the bath you should dry the dog with a towel. Instead of rubbing, try to gently squeeze out excess water.
- Next, the dog should be brushed. During this process you can use a specialist untangling product, which will protect the dog’s fur from mechanical injuries connected to combing.
- Finally, spray a light revitalising conditioner onto the fur. It will help you to properly style the hair, prevent it from picking up static and getting frizzy. As a result, the coat will have a more appealing look.
- If your dog is not afraid of hair dryers, it is advisable to use one.