Dog coat care is not only a matter of appearance. It is part of a pet’s health and overall well-being, and it affects how comfortably the dog lives in everyday life.
In this guide, we go through the basics of coat care: brushing, washing, drying, and the right products. We also go through how care changes according to the season and the dog’s age.
What coat care includes
The core of coat care consists of four things: regular brushing, washing at appropriate intervals, proper drying, and the right products. When these are in order, the coat stays glossy and the skin healthy.
The coat type affects everything. Short coats need brushing once a week, long coats daily, and curly coats regular trimming. However, the general principles apply to all: regular contact with the coat reveals the condition of the skin, loosens dead hair, and stimulates circulation.
Brushing keeps the coat healthy
Brushing is the simplest and most important care routine. It removes dead hair and tangles, spreads the skin’s natural oils through the coat, and provides an opportunity to check the skin.
Brush calmly in the direction of the tail, and use a brush suitable for the coat type. For long-haired dogs, a pin brush; for curly-haired dogs, a slicker brush; for double-coated dogs, a metal comb; for short-haired dogs, a rubber glove.
Consistency is more important than one long session. Ten minutes a day is better than one hour once a month.
Washing, but not too often
A common mistake is washing the dog too often. Washing too frequently dries out the coat and skin, and the dog’s natural oils do not have time to replenish.
For most dogs, once a month is enough. Long-haired and curly-haired dogs may need it more often, while short-haired dogs need it less often. The frequency of washing also depends on activity: a dog that spends a lot of time outdoors needs washing more often than an indoor dog.
Use a shampoo designed for dogs. Human shampoo is too harsh for a dog’s skin and may cause irritation, since the pH of a dog’s skin differs from that of human skin. The Muotitassun shampoo selection includes paraben-free and sulfate-free options for different coat types.
Drying after washing
Drying is as important as washing, especially during cold weather. A wet coat causes chills, tangles, and exposes the skin to irritation.
For most dogs, thorough drying with an absorbent towel is sufficient. For long- and thick-coated dogs, it is also advisable to use a dog-specific hair dryer on a low heat setting. Do not use the hot setting on a human hair dryer; it is too hot for a dog’s skin.
Make sure that especially the ears, folds, and paws are dry before going outside.
Care products and their significance
Shampoo is a basic product. Choose according to coat type: moisturizing for long-haired and dry-skinned dogs, and for curly/wavy coats, moisturizing + detangling. For allergic dogs, hypoallergenic shampoo.
Conditioner or grooming spray is needed when the coat is long, curly, or prone to tangling. Conditioner after washing, grooming spray between washes. NoCat Studio’s Refresh Detangle is a Finnish favorite for home use.
Paw balm in winter protects paws from the irritation caused by ice and road salt. In summer, it can help when walking on hot asphalt.
Ear-cleaning products are especially necessary for breeds with drooping ears, whose ear canals do not naturally ventilate.
Coat care by season
Summer brings shedding and a risk of skin problems. Brushing should be increased, and tick checks should be done daily. In sunlight, the coat protects the skin, so a short coat should not be trimmed even shorter. Keep clean water and a shaded place available.
Autumn is the other shedding season, especially for double-coated coats. Rain and mud make washing more necessary. Dry the coat carefully.
Winter dries the skin both indoors because of heating and outdoors because of frost. Use moisturizing products, protect the paws, and check the ears. Short-haired breeds and older dogs benefit from clothing in severe frost.
Spring is the time for removing the winter undercoat. A Furminator-type undercoat brush greatly improves the work.
Coat care for puppies and older dogs
For a puppy, brushing and washing should be a natural part of life from the very beginning. Gentle handling, short sessions, and rewards make the routine pleasant rather than frightening. A puppy’s coat is often softer than an adult dog’s.
In an older dog, the coat’s structure and condition may change. The skin becomes more sensitive, and the coat thins or dries out. Use mild, moisturizing products. Brushing is done more gently, and regular inspection reveals tumors and skin changes early.
Special situations
An allergic dog needs hypoallergenic shampoo and silicone-free conditioners. Recognize the symptoms, itching, redness, rash, and discuss with a veterinarian whether allergy testing is needed.
Pregnancy and nursing change hormones and, along with them, the coat. The coat may thin or tangle. Regular but gentle care helps.
Questions and answers
How often should a dog’s coat be washed?
For most dogs, once a month is enough. Long-haired dogs and dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors need more frequent washing, while short-haired dogs need it less often.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
It is not recommended. Human shampoo is too harsh for a dog’s skin, which has a different pH than human skin. Always use a product designed for dogs.
How often should brushing be done?
For short-haired dogs, once a week; for long-haired dogs, daily; for curly-haired dogs, a few times a week; for double-coated coats, more often during shedding season.
What if the coat is tangled?
Use a coat-detangling spray or conditioner, and brush carefully with a pin brush. Tight tangles are better dealt with by a groomer.
How do I protect my dog’s coat in winter?
Use moisturizing products, ensure that the coat dries properly after washing, and protect the paws with paw balm or paw protectors. For short-haired dogs and older dogs, use clothing in severe frost.
How do I recognize a coat health problem?
Redness, flaking, itching, localized hair loss, an unbearable odor, or a clear change in coat quality are signs. If these occur, take the dog to a veterinarian.
Summary
Regular, proper coat care is one of the small but important things in a pet’s life. Brushing, appropriate washing, good drying, and the right products keep the dog healthy and looking good, and give you the opportunity to notice possible problems before they grow.
Explore Muotitassun coat care products and also see the guide to identifying coat types.
