How Short Should You Cut A Golden Retrievers Hair
Trim the fur on your Golden Retrievers feet and legs.
- The fur on your dogs feet should be short, around a 1/2 inch long, and should lay down smooth against the surface of the foot.
- Also inspect the Golden Retrievers pads while you are focusing on their feet.
When How And How Often To Bathe Your Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers have natural oils that protect their skin and coats so bathing them too often can strip them of this oil and leave their skin prone to drying out or getting infections.
Most people bathe their golden retrievers every 1-2 months, although it would not hurt to wait even longer between baths.
And when bathing your golden retriever, make sure to:
If you dont rinse them off thoroughly, soap can get trapped in their fur and cause skin irritations.
The same goes for drying them off.
If you dont dry them off well, moisture can get caught in their fur and cause hot spots.
To see an example of how to give your golden a bath, watch the video below.
Bathing: Step By Step
Bathing your dog is less complicated than you think. If you want to give your Golden Retriever the perfect bath, follow these steps:
How Fast Does Golden Retriever Hair Grow Back
You can expect a Golden Retrievers hair to grow back to the full length within 8 to 10 weeks. Although its not recommended that you shave or cut your dogs hair to the pint that you are waiting for it to grow back again.
On the flip side, if youre just looking for more info on how long your dogs har will take to grow long again before needing another groom. Well, that would be 8 weeks which is why 6 weeks is a great time to get them back in for another groom.
So lets go through a few beautiful designs that you can do with a basic set of tools and a good guide .
How Often Do You Need To Make An Appointment
Unless you are completely committed to learning great skills yourself, dog grooming is a job for a professional. Considering that these services can be expensive, though, youre bound to wonder how often you should make an appointment.
The answer can depend on the health needs of family members. If people at home tend to be allergic to pet hair, thorough brushings twice a week and baths once a week can help keep shedding to a minimum.
How To Brush My Golden Retrievers Teeth
If you do this for the first time, I recommend first to let your dog taste the dog toothpaste. For my dog I use the which is vet recommended. Dogs like the taste most of the time! After that, let your dog get used to the toothbrush inside its mouth, so without putting the toothpaste on the brush, first, gently move the toothbrush inside your dogs mouth and rub it against the side of the teeth and the front teeth. Make this a positive experience for your pup by rewarding your dog with praise and a yummy treat.
Now the real brushing begins. Start by putting the dog toothpaste on the dog toothbrush. Have your dog sit or stand on a table or something high enough, so you dont have to bend over. Make sure your dog is safe and cant fall off the table. If you prefer your dog on the ground, then kneel in front of or beside your dog.
Gently move the toothbrush with the dog toothpaste on it inside your dogs mouth and brush it against the teeth. Make sure you clean the side, on top, and the back. Repeat this to brush on the other side and make sure you put new toothpaste on it before brushing the other side.
To brush the front upper teeth, apply some new toothpaste on the brush and gently pull up the front of your dogs upper lip to clean the front teeth. To brush the front lower teeth, gently pull down your dogs lower lip so you can brush the lower front teeth.
The Golden Retrievers Double Coat
Double coats consist of an inner layer known as an undercoat and an outer layer known as the outer coat. The undercoat is short and dense with a wooly-like texture.
The undercoat sheds twice a year extensively . The coat is long and made of so-called guard hairs. The outer coat sheds moderately all year round.
The undercoat and outer coat grow at different speed rates and various lengths from each other. The undercoat grows faster but shorter. The outer coat grows longer but slower.
Being much thinner during summer and denser during winter, the undercoat serves as an insulator. It keeps the dog warm in cold, wet weather and cools in hot, humid weather.
The outer coat repels water and catches dirt and debris. It also protects against potentially harmful UV lights.
Retrievers have dense, water-repellent, and medium to long double coat in a very pale cream color or light golden shade. They also have extensive feathering.
Feathering refers to the linger fur that grows on specific body areas such as the neck, underbody, tail, and back of legs.
How Long Should Golden Retriever Nails Be
Golden retriever nailsare no different from any other dog nails. If you hear a lot of clacking when your dog walks on hard floorsits time to trim. Your dogs nails shouldnt protrude past the paws of their feet, and they shouldnt touch the floor when your dog is standing. Clipping their nails every two to four weeks can often be a good schedule for your pup.
What Happens With Too Many Baths
One of the most common concerns when you start bathing your Golden two or three times a week is the loss of natural oils in the dogs coat. These oils are necessary for healthy hair growth.
In addition to stripping your dogs coat of the necessary oils, you can also create dry skin or other skin conditions that will irritate your dog.
During the colder months, you can actually make your dog sick if you bath her too often. Getting your dog completely dry is very difficult. It is not a big deal in the summer for obvious reasons.
In the winter, however, dogs that stay even a little bit wet are at a higher risk for getting sick.
Bathing Tips For Your Golden Retriever
Its a good idea to introduce baths to your Golden as soon as possible. If you have a new puppy, you should start baths at six weeks of age. Early on, these baths can even be fake baths so to speak. Just run some water on them, so they grow accustomed to the process and learn to enjoy their bath time routine.
Its also important to note that you should praise and reward your dog during and after a bath. So, I say after a successful and well-behaved bath time routine, that your pup be rewarded with a treat or two!
I also highly recommend giving them lots of snuggles and play time after their bath as this will help them relieve the stress they had before or during this event.In time, your Golden Retriever may even come to look forward to bath time!
Preparing Your Golden Retriever’s Coat For Grooming
What Our Expert Does: It’s important to make sure a dog is as comfortable as possible before grooming. For instance, you might spend a few minutes petting the dog and letting them explore their surroundings before you begin to brush or wash them.
This Groom Can Be The Perfect Answer For Golden Retriever Owners Who Want A Cut That Will Keep Their Dogs Cool In Hot Summer Weather
- Anne Francis
There has long been debate about cutting Golden Retrievers coats, and wetry to educate our clients as much as possible about all sides of the argument.Still, many owners have made up their mind and wanttheir dogs shaved down. In these cases, we compromise and use a snap-on comb and shears to do what we at our shop call the Golden Teddy Cut.
This months subject, Rory, has been groomed at our shop for eight years. During colder times of the year, he is kept in a traditional Golden trim, but Rory is a big swimmer and enjoys a short do during warmer months. When we catch up with Kata longtime coworker of mine who is performing this groomRory has already been washed, dried with a high-velocity dryer and set under a room-temperature blower.
Step 1: Finish Drying
Use a high velocity dryer to blow out excess hair and damp spots.
Step 2: Remove Dead Coat & Detangle
Using a slicker brush and undercoat rake, move through the coat to make sure the coat is dry and tangle-free and all dead coat is removed.
Step 3: Trim Nails
Clip the nails and file smooth.
Step 4: Trim Pads of Feet
Clip the pads of the feet with a #30 blade.
Step 5: Sanitary Trim
Clip sanitary areas.
Step 6: Clip Body
Using a size O snap-on comb, clip the entire body of the dog, leaving the back of the front and rear legs, which will be scissored.
Step 7: Blend Clipper Lines
Use a carding knife to help blend any clipper lines.
Step 8: Trim Tail
Step 9: Trim Rear Legs
Step 10: Trim Hocks
How To Groom A Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever grooming is required regularly as they have double coats with very heavy feathering, which means.MORE GROOMING! The adult Goldens coat can grow from 1 3 inches long, with an average rate of 0.5 1.5 inches monthly. Their hair should be trimmed at least 0.5 1 inch every month. Learning how to groom a Golden Retriever should start as soon as your puppy is born, to socialize them to being touched and brushed. Its a great time to bond with puppies!
It is highly recommended to brush their coat at least 3 to 5 times a week to assist with keeping the coat clean and preventing tangling and matting, it can be problematic if unwanted bacteria lodge in and cause infection.
Daily Golden Retriever grooming should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. The constant brushing will also lessen hair shedding although it is unavoidable. The adult Golden Retriever dog sheds heavily twice a year and can be a real problem for pet parents. There are however steps you can take to reduce excessiveGolden retriever shedding.
Golden Retriever Grooming What Tasks Need Doing
I could do with a scrub up!
To keep yourgolden retriever healthy and happy, you need to stay on top of grooming.
Just like humans, dogs must be regularly groomed to stay clean and because of a Goldens long fur, it is essential for preventing matting, which can be painful for your dog and even cause skin trouble.
But grooming your Golden Retriever isnt simply coat care alone, it consists of multiple different tasks, from bathing and trimming their nails, to cleaning their ears and teeth.
The guidelines for each of these grooming acts are slightly different and will depend on the activities you do with your pooch on a regular basis and even where you live. Here are some of the tools you will need to groom your dog.
When How And How Often To Brush Your Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers need to be brushed 3-7 times per week with a .
My golden, Oliver, doesnt have that much or that long of fur , so we brush him 3-4 times per week.
Other goldens with lots of fluff may need to be brushed more often.
Brushing them will help prevent matting and get rid of the dead fur, as well as prevent all over your house.
And heres a bonus tip: to help keep your house clean, make sure to brush your golden outside.
After youve brushed them, rub your hands down their back, chest, tail and legs to get any extra fur sticking to their coat.
Before I go out on a walk with Oliver, I take the brush out and leave it on the doorstep.
This ensures I do it when I get back, while also helping me remember to do it while hes already outside.
Now a lot of people ask about deshedding their golden retriever with a tool such as the Furminator.
Its not recommended to do this as their undercoats are incredibly important, and it can also strip their outer coats.
And finally, one more tip about brushing your golden is to take this opportunity of brushing and rubbing them all over to check for lumps, cuts, or any other abnormal spots.
Learn more about the best brushes for golden retrievers here.
Where Is The Best Place To Bath Your Golden Retriever
Where to should you bath your Golden? It is an important question because if you do it in the house or apartment, you could end up with wet paw prints racing through the house and on the furniture.
Maybe you already have your Golden accustomed to baths and you are not worried about her bolting for another location.
If that is the case, then great job. Keep it up.
On the other hand, I know that if my dog gets out and runs through the house leaving behind her a trail of soap suds and dirty paw prints, I know how much trouble I will be in.
I would rather not risk it. So, I simply set up somewhere that, if my dog does break loose, I dont have to worry about what my wife is thinking.
There are two places that I like to go.
The first one is an actual doggy wash near my home. This one might be the best because there are leashes that keep her where I need her in order to vacuum out her hair.
If you cant get to an official doggy wash, then try your backyard with a hose, or, better yet, a swimming pool
This will keep your dog cool in the summer months. Additionally, when she gets used to the pool, she will be easier to bath.
How To Take Care Of Your Golden Retrievers Nails
If your dogs nails get too long, they can easily break or tear off or become so long that they interfere with how they walk.
To make sure neither of these things happens, clip your dogs nails about once or twice a month.
How often they need to be clipped can depend on their environment and activity levels.
For example, a dog that runs or walks on concreate will naturally grind their nails down more than one that only walks on grass, dirt, or carpet.
When you clip their nails, cut the nail above the quick, but be sure to have on hand to quickly stop the bleeding in case an accident happens.
We accidentally cut the very end of the quick once and were very thankful we had styptic powder on hand .
Ears Eyes And Skin Care
The Goldens coated and floppy ears are susceptible to ear infections, says Talbott. Check the ears once a week for debris and infection and clean if necessary.
Goldens who like to swim will need more frequent ear checks, as the water gets deep inside the ear and makes them more prone to infections. After swimming, thoroughly dry the inside of the ears with cotton balls.
According to Talbott, Goldens are not susceptible to dry skin, but fleas will quickly produce allergies and hot spots. Keeping your Golden flea-free is crucial, she says.
Does Shaving A Golden Retriever Ruin Their Coat
Does Shaving a Golden Retriever Ruin Their Coat? Shaving a Golden Retriever can permanently damage their coat. The double coat of a Golden Retriever protects their skin from weather conditions, parasites, and sunspots that can cause cancer. There is no guarantee that the coat would grow in naturally if shaved.
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Bathing Frequency How Often Should A Golden Retriever Be Bathed
A golden retriever has a warm and double coat. It is a common feature of breeds considered to be water dogs. The natural oils of your Golden retrievers fur help keep the coat water and dirt repellent. Regular grooming and brushing will spread oils through the body and mitigate mats and tangles.
However, your Golden still requires a bath from time to time. The frequency will depend on factors, including the following:
- Number of swimming outings
- The time they spend outdoors.
- Rural versus urban setting
- Parasite infestation in your locality
Tooth Brushing: Step By Step
You can introduce tooth brushing to your dog by first making the dog used to feeling your finger in his or her mouth. Once theyre comfortable with that, it will be easier to open the dogs mouth and introduce a toothbrush.
Follow these four steps to brush your Goldens teeth:
- Place a small amount of pet-safe toothpaste on a toothbrush designed for use with dogs.
- Lift the Goldens lip to expose the gums and teeth.
- Use gentle motions to brush the teeth and gum, just as you would with an infant.
- Ensure you reach the molars and premolars because they are most prone to cavities.
As long as you use toothpaste made specifically for dogs, your Golden can ingest it without running any risks. And if your dog is anything like mine, hell try to eat the toothpaste.
For most dogs, its not going to be easy in the beginning. So, dont forget to reward your Golden after the brushing. Rewarding them with a treat or a good girl/boy message will make brushing easier next time. Positive reinforcement is key!
Bathing A Golden Retriever
Do you need a bathing schedule for your Golden Retriever? You really do not need a bathing schedule for your golden retriever, and even if you have one, you probably wont stick to it.
Why? Because Goldens are, and I say this with love, messy animals. My Golden retriever will go willingly into a mud puddle which means I now have to clean my schedule and give them a bath once we get home.
This means I never, not even for a month, was able to stick to the bathing schedule, and believe me I have tried. I have found that keeping things simple is the best solution; just bathe them when they need it.
If you have the golden retriever that doesnt get themselves suddenly dirty by jumping in the mud, first off congratulations, and secondly, giving them baths every 6 weeks should be more than enough.
What Type Of Shampoo Should I Use To Wash My Golden Retriever
According to many canine experts, its not recommended to wash your dog using dish soap or human shampoo. This will most definitely strip your dog of its natural oils. Plus, shampoo made for humans is too acidic for regular use on a Golden Retrievers hair and skin.
The best shampoo to use is one thats specially formulated for dogs. Its recommended that you use a highly-rated oatmeal shampoo like at amazon.com to help in the nourishment of their coats. Its organic, soap-free, and contains vitamin E and Aloe Vera to naturally soothe and moisturize sensitive or dry skin.
While using this shampoo, you should wash your pup from front to back, gently scrubbing your dogs fur to get the dirt thats attached to the undercoat.
When drying your Golden Retriever you can choose to use an old dog towel, but many people choose to use a blow dryer on their dog in order to make sure that all their fur is dry. A double-coated dog, like a Golden Retriever, can stay wet for hours, even after being towel dried so a hair dryer can really speed up this process.
A pet-friendly hair dryer like this on amazon.com, can also help with regular grooming. Its temperature controlled so it wont get too hot for your pooch.
Applying Tick & Flea Powder
At least once every month, you should apply tick and flea powder on the entire coat of your Golden Retriever. This will keep those bloodsuckers away.
Ill admit, this isnt as essential in some areas. These annoying little pests are much more prevalent in warmer regions, especially during spring and summer. However, they can be in your home year round.
If these parasites are already present, a warm bath with special flea dog shampoo will kill them. with combing using a tick and flea comb to remove the dead vermin from the coat.
But because bathing your dog will not permanently keep the bloodsuckers from attacking again, the tick and flea preventative powder should be applied. Again, itll depend on the area which you and your dog live in.
How To Bathe Your Golden Retriever
Goldens are energetic dogs, and to have a peaceful time giving them a bath, you need to know what youre doing.
To spare you the troubles of the first couple of baths with your dog, here is what Ive gained through experience over the years by giving my dog baths:
- Always Gather supplies first
Get together everything you will need in the bath in the bathroom first. Thats for two main reasons; the first is that you never want to open the bathroom door and get out while youre in there to grab something you forgot you will need.
Trust me; your dog will become Bolt and will run out of there in lightning speed.
The second is that you dont want to make the baths take longer time than needed. You want to make sure your baths are as efficient as possible.
- Check the water temperature
The water should be lukewarm so its not too hot or too cold. If its cold outside, your dog must take the bath indoors, but if its warm and your dog is well trained, you can give them the bath outside.
Lukewarm water temperature ranges between 100 and 110 F
- Start with a shampoo rinsefrom the neck down
Start by rinsing your dog with the shampoo. You should start from the neck and go down. Lather everything except for the dogs head and face. Never let shampoo get on their head, so be sure if your dog is too excited and keeps moving around.
- Rinse really well
Leaving shampoo or soap on the dogs skin will get them really irritated and may cause issues if left for long.
- Dry really well