Learn the basics of grooming your shorthaired breed :)

Just because your dog has short fur doesn’t mean you don’t need to groom it.

Don’t neglect your responsibility to keep your dog’s coat healthy. If you do, it WILL lead to health issues down the road.

We all love to see those shiny, glossy coats of Dachshunds or Dalmatians as they move down the street in the sunlight after a fresh bath and brush. Your dog deserves to feel beautiful, too. And with these simple tips, you can keep him or her feeling and looking their freshest.

Have a look at three easy grooming rules you can follow to keep your short-furred dog looking (and feeling) above average.

We can’t even tell you the number of times we’ve seen pup parents miss the mark on this one. First of all, please DON’T USE A SLICKER BRUSH ON YOUR SHORTHAIR. Even the ones with rubber nodules on the tips. It can scrape your dog’s skin and open up a world of infections that might end up requiring expensive treatments to heal.

Plus, your poor baby will be in pain. :( Nobody wants that.

Instead, use a product designed for your dog’s coat such as a dual-ended bristle/silicon brush combo like the HOP Short-Haired Dog Brush, a blade-style like the SleekEZ Deshedding Tool, or grooming gloves with soft nubs, if your pup is sensitive to tools. These are specifically designed to grab dead skin cells, dirt, and that stubby, loose undercoat, as well as distribute your dog’s natural skin oils that are there to keep the fur conditioned.

Regular brushing is like a massage for your dog. It creates better blood circulation and actually helps eliminate that doggy-corn-chip odor, too, because it lets the skin breathe. Plus, your pooch will be grateful for a good scratch in places they may not be able to reach on their own.

Aim to brush your dog once or twice a week. It doesn’t have to be long. Five to ten minutes will do.

Baths. Dogs either love them or hate them, but the truth is every dog needs a bath at some point. Short-furred breeds need the least amount of suds. Maybe every four to six weeks, unless they roll in the mud or something stinky.

Ask your veterinarian for recommendations if you aren’t sure which shampoo to buy. Some brands are better than others. We like the Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo/Conditioner combo. It smells just like Pistachios!

Obviously, make sure you rinse thoroughly. Trapped soap under the coat can lead to itchy disaster, so over-rinse if you aren’t sure. Always squeeze as much water out as you can and use a clean, soft towel to finish drying. If you have access to a pet-friendly blow dryer, set it on a low setting to prevent burning your dog.

Never let your dog walk around the house soaking wet. We’re not just thinking of your furniture. You don’t want your beloved pooch catching cold or worse, slipping on the floor and breaking a bone.

Yep. There’s more to it than soap and water. Skin, paw pads and nails, ears, nose and fold (if a squishy-faced breed), and potty area are all a part of grooming.

The best advice is to simply pay attention. If you notice flees, bumps or lumps, open sores, bald spots. flakiness, or anything unusual, do some research and call your vet for advice. Don’t use what’s in your medicine cabinet. Dog skin has a different PH than humans, so treatment may look different depending on the situation. Since a short-furred coat offers less protection, be cautious about the amount of sun exposure and extreme temperatures.

It can be nerve-racking to cut nails on a squirming dog, but it has to be done. Long, unkempt nails can cause pressure on the toes that make walking painful for your pup, and if they snag, the nail may rip, sending you on an emergency vet visit. Most vet offices will cut your dog’s nails for you for a small fee. Sometimes it comes free with a checkup! Just ask.

NEVER use a cotton swab or anything that’s not designed for your dog’s ear canal. If you puncture a sensitive area, it’ll never be the same. Try using a warm, wet cloth to clean the part you can see. If there’s a foul smell or your dog is shaking its head in irritation, call the vet.

Since your short-haired pooch doesn't have the level of fluff longer-haired breeds do, you'll need to pay attention to their skin during the colder, dry months. If their skin or pads become cracked or excessively dry, your pup could get SUPER PAINFUL infections and obviously it's not ok to let your dog walk around on sores all day long.

Wipe any salt from their paws after coming inside from a winter walk. This will also eliminate the chance they have of cleaning it themselves (which could mean a trip to the poison center, since sidewalk salt is toxic).

Elbows can also be an area to keep an eye on as a lot of pressure is put on them during the night. Make sure your pup has a soft clean bed to sleep on, and keep a pot of bag balm on hand to apply to any wounds...just in case. If you do these things and you shouldn’t need to worry to much.

Make sure they’re clear and clean and if you have a squishy- face pooch like a Pug, make sure you wipe out the fold above the nose with a clean cotton ball or cloth. Do not (WE REPEAT DO NOT) use a cotton swab. Dogs jerk and the last thing you need is an eye injury (for either of you).

(Extra tip: Some pet owners use vinegar to keep things clear and natural.)

Most short-furred pups won't need too much in the area of fur removal, but if you notice scooting, biting or excessive itching down there, or a REALLY STINKY SMELL, there's a good chance your dog hasn't been able to release their anal sacs.

What are anal sacs?

They're two small pouches inside and to either side of your dogs butt hole. They contain your dog's scent for marking territory, but naturally release when your dog goes number two. However, sometimes they get stuck and need help releasing.

If you think this could be the issue with your dog, book a visit to your vet. Do not mess around with this one. It can be a very sensitive area for your pup and if done wrong, can lead to infection.

Always have your dog’s back and make sure they see the vet when needed.

Phew! That was a lot, huh?

But now you know why grooming your short-haired doggo is important. There’s a reason dog grooming is a profession. It’s WAY more than soap and water. Our puppies need special care to keep up their hygiene just like we do, and one of the most wonderful things about being a pup parent is getting to hug your clean, fresh-smelling ball of fur right after a groom!

Follow these tips and you can be sure your short-furred dog will be the happiest, healthiest, most comfortable version of themselves.

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