Your dog’s coat has three different types of hair. But how do you keep it healthy? Dogs are beautiful creatures, and their coats are one of the most distinguishing features that draw owners to them. Your dog’s coat’s primary function is to protect them from heat, cold, and the sun and to keep dirt and water away. It tells their genetic story and is a meaningful indicator of overall health. As a premier dog grooming service in Cumming, GA, we explain how to keep your dog’s coat healthy.

Each hair is made entirely of keratin and has three layers – the medulla, the cortex, which contains the pigment that gives the hair color, and the cuticle. Their hair can be silky smooth, curly, or scruffy. However, the functions of keeping your dog cool or warm while it repels dirt and moisture remain the same. 

Is it hair or fur? Yes, there really isn’t any distinction between the two because it’s all made from keratin. Most dog breeds have three different types of hair on their bodies:

  • Guard hair (aka primary hair or topcoat).
  • Undercoat (secondary coat).
  • Whiskers (which have special powers).

Their coat is a great way to give you clues about their overall health. It can exhibit specific symptoms, such as patchiness, oiliness, balding, itching, or thinning, that signify further investigation with your vet. 

The undercoat is the part of a dog’s coat that grows closest to its skin. It’s a softer, downy texture suitable to its primary function—providing insulation. Owners with dogs with a lot of undercoat tend to want to shave them down during the summer. But we advise against doing that as the insulation it provides keeps the dog cool. Double-coated breeds, like German Shepherds, Huskies, Bernese Mountain dogs, Collies, Corgis, and many others, have an undercoat. Dogs without that undercoat, or single-coat dogs, are the ones known as having hair coats. These breeds, including the Afghan Hound, the Poodle, Maltese, Whippet, some Chihuahuas, and others, have a longer hair growth cycle, making it seem like they do not shed or shed lightly. 

Whisker Wonders 

And then there are whiskers, the long, coarse hairs that serve the critical function of helping a dog sense the space, and the world, around them. Whiskers, or vibrissae, grow near the dog’s eyelids and muzzle from deep-rooted follicles full of nerve endings. These nerves send important messages to the dog’s brain, so you may notice a dog reacting immediately to whatever touches its whiskers. Whiskers on the dog’s muzzle typically grow to a length equal to the width of the dog’s head or body, which helps with spatial awareness. These amazing hairs can detect changes in air currents, which help dogs, naturally far-sighted, “see” objects nearby and move around in the dark. Whiskers are essential to your dog’s sensory toolset, so you should avoid cutting or removing them during grooming. 

Grooming a Dog’s Coat 

Nutrition can either positively or negatively affect a dog’s coat, as can external sources such as mites, fleas, and allergies. Still, grooming is essential to take appropriate care of your dog’s coat. Whether or not they have allergies, correct bathing is crucial to maintaining the health of your dog’s coat.

Bathing Your Dog 

The first step in bathing your dog is taking whatever steps necessary to ensure they don’t despise the whole experience! If you have access to a DIY washing facility with elevated tubs, that can be a good option, especially for a big dog. If you’re using a tub, place a towel in it to reduce the scary slippery feeling, and start by just putting your dog in the tub and giving a treat or toy to form a positive association. As you begin bathing, ensure that bath time is always associated with good things—if possible, have two people in the room so one can dispense pets and treats while the other does the washing. 

Many veterinarians recommend placing cotton balls in your dog’s ears, if they’ll allow it, to prevent water from getting in, which can contribute to secondary ear infections. If you don’t have a hose attachment, have a container on hand to use for rinsing. Use warm water and get your dog thoroughly soaked before applying a gentle, natural shampoo made for dogs. Human shampoos have the wrong Ph for dogs, so make sure you choose shampoo products made for dogs. Use a washcloth to clean their face, as the soap may irritate their eyes or create an unpleasant experience for your dog. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. If possible, towel dry instead of blow dry. 

There’s no hard and fast rule about how often to bathe your dog—it can depend on breed, lifestyle, and other factors—but you can aim for once a month or even less often unless they’re filthy or exposed to other irritants. Too-frequent bathing can dry the skin and coat. Here at Canine Couture, we have the right equipment to do this with the least stress to your pet. 

Brushing Your Dog 

Brushing your dog keeps them looking great but also serves other important functions. Regular brushing helps to distribute the coat’s natural oils, keeping your dog’s coat shiny. If your dog has an undercoat, regular brushing can help keep them cooler—it prevents this downy hair from getting impacted against the skin to promote airflow. While doing this, look for anything unusual, like ticks, fleas, abrasions, or rashes. Brushing a few times a week is a great time to reinforce your bond with positivity and praise. Brushing before bathing will help remove tangles which will only get worse if wet. 

Canine Couture is here to help establish healthy grooming routines for your pet. Talk to us about your specific dogs’ breed and activity levels to determine a routine grooming schedule. Our experienced staff will bathe and groom your dog to match breed standards or your standards, so they feel like a happy and healthy family member. To learn more about how to keep your dog’s coat healthy, contact Canine Couture. Please submit an inquiry or schedule an appointment online. You can also reach us by phone at 404-301-8344 or by Email.