Dog Trimming for a Heavy Coat

Certain kinds of dogs ̵1; particularly those that were bred to live in cold climates ̵1; have thick, heavy fur. These breeds include huskies, Samoyeds and Malamutes. Sporting dogs like springer spaniels and German Shepards also have longer, dense coats. While it̵7;s important to groom your dog regularly no matter what the breed, dogs with heavy coats have particular grooming requirements that present special challenges.

  1. Preparation

    • Before trimming your dog, spend some time letting him get used to being touched, particularly in places where you wouldn̵7;t normally pet him, under the legs for example. This will increase the dog̵7;s trust in you and allow him to be more comfortable with trimmers. Brush your dog regularly, and brush him prior to grooming. This is both a bonding activity for you and your dog, and a way of easily removing excess hair and mats. Regular brushing will make grooming easier, particularly if your dog has a heavy coat.

    Tools

    • When your dog has a heavy coat, use grooming tools that are sturdy and strong. Select a thick hairbrush with substantial wire bristles. Whether you choose to use manual or electric trimmers for the dog, remember the texture of the coat when you decide. A larger dog with a difficult coat will require larger, stronger trimmers.

    Things to Watch For

    • Trimming your dog is the opportune time to check for health issues. The coat itself should be soft and pleasant smelling, with no split ends. Use grooming time to check for fleas and ticks that might be plaguing your pet. Dogs with thick coats are especially susceptible to ̶0;hot spots.̶1; This is a bacterial infection that will feel warm to the touch. Avoid hot spots by keeping your dog closely shaved in summer months. See the vet if your dog shows signs of hot spots.

    Schedule

    • Dogs with thick coats should be brushed regularly, especially in the summer to facilitate shedding. Brush your dog as many as three times a day in warmer months. While brushing is encouraged, dogs with thick coats should only be washed three or four times a year, to preserve the natural oils in the fur. Trim your dog whenever its coat becomes unruly or matted, and ideally before this happens. Dogs bred for cooler climates will be more comfortable if you cut their coat shorter, and more frequently, during the summer months.