The Golden retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. They are energetic, fun-loving dogs with gentle, long, silky coats in shades ranging from dark reddish-brown to light yellow. However, the gorgeous pelt that makes these pups so attractive also needs special attention. If you are thinking about adding a golden retriever to your family any time soon, you must be prepared for a lot of dog grooming in Houston.
Golden retrievers have a double coat. The undercoat provides protection from the cold and the topcoat repels water. Together, they help to keep the dog warm and dry in all types of weather. The undercoat is also why the golden has a well-earned reputation as a champion shedder, especially as the weather turns warmer while the medium-length topcoat is prone to matting.
However, don’t feel intimidated by the prospect of grooming your golden retriever. While the coat requires some special attention, grooming doesn’t have to be difficult. Getting an early start and establishing a pattern helps make this process easier.
Coat Care
When it comes to coat care for your golden retriever, a significant portion of it consists of brushing. It is important to brush your dog regularly to avoid matting. Matted fur is uncomfortable for your dog, can contribute to skin problems, and just looks terrible. Regular brushing can help prevent mats from forming.
How often does your golden need to be brushed? The answer can vary, but once a week is an absolute minimum. Some golden retrievers may need to be brushed every day, but you should plan on once every few days at first and evaluate your dog’s needs from there.
You may want to keep a slicker brush with fine wire bristles on hand to smooth out tangles before they can turn into mats. For routine grooming, bristle brushes have different-sized gaps between bristles and work on all coats. As an alternative to a soft-to-medium bristle brush, you can opt for a wire-pin brush with long, widely spaced bristles.
As previously mentioned, the golden retriever’s coat is not only beautiful, but also serves a protective purpose. Therefore, professional groomers advise against shaving them. However, your golden does have “feathering” of the tail, ears, and belly where the hair tends to grow longer. It’s ok to trim these areas so that they don’t become matted. You can also use thinning shears to remove some of the bulkiest areas of fur.
Ears and Teeth
A golden retriever, especially one that spends time in the water, may be prone to ear infections. You can help prevent these by cleaning your dog’s ears regularly with a dry cotton ball to prevent bacterial growth and excess earwax buildup. However, be careful that you do not clean them too often or the ears can become irritated.
When it comes to oral health, dogs can experience cavities, tartar, and gum disease, just like people. The main difference is that most people don’t need to be anesthetized for a dental cleaning, but dogs do. However, you can avoid the number of vet visits by cleaning your retriever’s teeth a couple of times a week.
When cleaning the ears and teeth, keep in mind that these are sensitive areas. Dog training Houston can help your golden adapt to it and with patience and time, it will become a routine.
Bathing
Golden retrievers need to be bathed regularly, but less often than you might think. Your golden retriever only needs to be bathed every two to three months. Their coats contain natural oils that help to protect their skin and their fur healthy. If you bathe your dog too often, it can strip away these natural oils. When you bathe your pooch, use a dog shampoo and be sure to dry your retriever’s coat thoroughly to avoid irritation from water trapped next to the skin.
Nails
If your dog’s nails click across the floor when walking, they are too long. It is uncomfortable for a dog to walk like that because pressure on the nails can cause the toes to splay, potentially resulting in foot deformities. However, frequent walking on hard surfaces can wear the nails down naturally, so it may not always be necessary to trim them. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian or a dog groomer.
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Paws for Thought: Golden Retriever Dog Grooming in Houston | The Dog House Pet Salon