Brush, Bathe, Repeat: Grooming Basics for All Coat Types

PHOTO BY NISHIZUKA ON PEXELS

When it comes to grooming, every pet owner wants the best for their furry friends. Understanding the specific grooming needs of different coat types is key to keeping pets healthy and looking great.

This guide simplifies the grooming process, making it easier for pet owners to keep their companions clean and comfortable.

Understanding Your Dog’s Coat Type

Understanding your dog’s coat type is key to proper grooming. While coat texture—like curly, wavy, or straight—may influence maintenance, it doesn’t determine how much a dog will shed.

As shared in the following Instagram post, many believe curlier coats shed less. But shedding is actually controlled by two genes: the furnishing gene and the shedding gene. This is why some F1b doodles shed less than F1s—they may inherit two furnishing genes, not just one:

Coat type still affects grooming needs, but genetics play a bigger role in shedding.

Essential Grooming Tools For Every Pup

Every dog needs regular grooming, and the right tools make a big difference. Whether your pup has a short or long coat, a few basics will keep them looking and feeling their best.

Use a brush suited to your dog’s coat type. Add a wide-tooth comb for tangles. Dog-specific shampoo, absorbent towels, and nail clippers are also essential.

Grooming gloves help with shedding, and vet-approved ear cleaner keeps ears healthy. With these tools, grooming becomes easier, more effective, and more comfortable for your dog.

Check out this post about tools for long-haired pups:

How Often Should You Groom? Timing Is Everything

Grooming needs depend on your dog’s coat type and lifestyle. Short-haired dogs need brushing every 1–2 weeks. It helps remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy with minimal effort.

Medium-haired dogs benefit from weekly brushing, especially during shedding seasons. Long-haired breeds require brushing several times a week, if not daily, to prevent mats and tangles.

Active dogs may need more frequent grooming due to dirt and debris. Watch for signs like irritation or shedding. Adjust the schedule as needed for a healthy, happy pup.

Here’s a guide you can follow: