How to Maintain Your Pet's Coat

Learn how to comb out and bath your curly or drop coated coated dog. Techniques that will prevent matting of coat and save you money at the groomer. This article is intended for the at home pet and is not show grooming.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker Brush
• Greyhound Comb
• Mat breaker
• Quality Shampoo
• Light Conditioner

1. 
    
   Tools Needed for just about any type coat.

   Prepping the coat is the most important step with any breed. It is imperative that the entire coat be mat free before applying water.
   It is best to place the dog on a table or off the ground. This gives you leverage and your pet knows that this is not play time.
   Next use your slicker brush to brush the coat AGAINST THE GRAIN OF THE HAIR. Start with a leg and work your way up; continue around the entire body of the dog working with the inside of the legs, the head and don't forget the ears front and back.
   Once brushed use your comb to comb with the lay of the coat. If there is any matting you will find out here. The comb will hang or catch on the matted coat. Try to pick through the mat if not successful use the mat breaker to loosen the mat.

2. 
    
   Completely combed out head and ears of a Poodle

   Once mat free and combed out you are ready to bathe your pet. The type of shampoo depends on the nature of the coat for most a good protein shampoo is adequate. Use luke warm water to wet the coat and apply the shampoo. It may be best to dilute the shampoo in order to work it into the coat easily. It is sometimes difficult to rinse such a heavy coat at home so, in order to get all the soap out you may want to use a baking soda rinse. I use 1/4 cup of baking soda to 2 quarts of water. This process will neutralize any lingering shampoo.

3. Finally, dilute and use a good conditioner. On a curly coat I like to use a product that is not to be diluted and dilute it anyway. This takes the heaviness out of the conditioner and gives it just enough to cut any static in the coat. It also is easier to rinse. You may towel and air dry or use a blow dryer. Remember to re-comb the dog here. You now have a clean, mat free coat that is ready to be styled and clipped.

Tips & Warnings

• Do Not immerse you pet in water or fill the tub up.
• Always offer a treat or reward when finished.
• Be sure to stay away from the eyes with any shampoo
• Use cotton balls in the ears to protect them from water.
• NEVER USE BABY SHAMPOO! The ph of your pet's skin is very different.