The poodle, Bichon Frisé, Pumi, and Lagotto Romagnolo are just some examples of dog breeds that are best known for their gorgeous curls. These dogs’ curly coats give them charming and alluring qualities that continue to captivate dog lovers all over the world.
But as beautiful as curly coats are, managing them is a different story. As an owner of a dog with a curly coat will soon discover for themselves, curly coats are prone to a lot of tangling and knotting. When debris or loose hair gets caught in any of the curls, the dog’s hair twists around them and makes its coat more compacted.
If these go ignored, the dog’s coat can quickly get too matted and thick, which places the dog at a higher risk of overheating. Getting rid of the tangles and knots will also be more difficult the more they pile up, and the constant pulling and combing is sure to be a frustrating experience for the pooch in question.
As the proud parent of a curly-coated fur baby, it’s your responsibility to maintain your dog’s glorious curls. Here are several tips from PrideBites to help you take better care of your canine buddy’s coat to ensure its health and good condition:
1) Detangle as Much as Possible
When taking care of your dog’s curly coat, brushing it regularly won’t be enough. Since your canine’s coat is quite dense, reaching its undercoat can be a challenge if you’re only using ordinary dog combs and brushes.
To ensure that you’re properly taking care of every curl on your fur baby’s body, you have to make time to detangle its coat regularly. Although this task is a bit more time-consuming than brushing, it’s one that’s necessary for your curly-coated dog’s comfort and health.
Leaving tangles and mats untreated can make it easier to pull on your dog’s skin, which can cause discomfort and lead to skin irritations. Severe matting also traps moisture close to the skin, creating an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial growth. Regular detangling sessions prevent these issues and ultimately keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Successful detangling also allows your canine buddy to wear dog collars, dog harnesses, custom dog bandanas, and other accessories in complete comfort.
Detangling your dog’s curly coat requires you to use the right tools. This way, you can handle tangles and mats with ease without the risk of causing pain or discomfort to your dog. Here are three tools that every owner of a curly-coated dog needs:
- Detangling spray. A high-quality detangling spray can work wonders for stubborn knots. It helps loosen tangles, making them easier to comb out without causing your dog stress or discomfort.
- Double-sided rake. A double-sided rake is an excellent tool for tackling deep tangles and mats. It typically features one side with widely spaced, long teeth for initial detangling and another side with finer, shorter teeth for further smoothing and detangling.
- Metal comb. A metal comb with both wide and narrow teeth is a versatile tool that ensures thorough detangling. Use the side with wide teeth to gently work through tangles. Afterwards, switch to using the narrow ones as the hair becomes more manageable.
2) Brush Your Dog Regularly
Regularly brushing your dog’s curls will promote skin health and keep its coat neat. It will stimulate blood circulation in the skin, distributing natural oils that help keep the coat shiny and healthy. Take the opportunity during regular brushing sessions to check for skin irritations or unusual lumps, which will allow you to catch potential problems early.
Due to the nature of your dog’s coat, you’ll need different combs and brushes to maintain it properly. Two must-haves for dogs with curly coats include the following:
- Pin brush. This type of brush is perfect for daily brushing. Its gentle, rounded-tipped pins effectively remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout your dog’s coat.
- Wide-tooth comb. A wide-tooth comb is the ideal choice for general maintenance between grooming sessions. It contributes significantly towards preventing matting and will keep your dog’s coat looking neat.
3) Feed Your Curly-Coated Dog a Balanced Diet
A dog's coat is a reflection of their overall health, and what they eat plays a significant role in the quality and condition of their coat. You’ll want to feed them a balanced diet with essential nutrients to keep their skin and curls in good condition.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, biotin, and zinc are crucial for maintaining a shiny and less-shedding coat. With the right nutrients, your dog’s coat will be more resistant to dryness, dullness, and excessive shedding.
If you aren’t sure what food to give your fur baby, consult your vet. They will assess your dog’s specific needs and recommend a diet that supports a healthy curly coat.
4) Bathe Your Dog Sparingly
Frequent bathing is not suitable for dogs with curly coats. This is because they’re prone to dry, itchy skin, and frequent bathing can exacerbate this issue by stripping away the natural oils that keep their skin and coat in the best condition.
It’s ideal to bathe your curly-coated dog only once every six to eight weeks. You’ll also want to use shampoo and conditioner that are specially formulated for curly-coated canines. These products are designed to clean and moisturize the curls without stripping away their natural oils, which will allow you to maintain your dog’s curls and ensure that its coat looks its best.
5) Have Your Dog Professionally Groomed
If you want to be extra sure that your dog’s curly coat is well taken care of, have them professionally groomed. Professional groomers, after all, will have the expertise and tools to maintain your dog's curls and keep their coat in top condition. They’re skilled at providing specialized cuts, trims, and styling that will enhance your dog's everyday comfort as well as its appearance. Plus, grooming sessions typically involve thorough brushing and detangling, which means that your dog groomer can lend you a big hand towards controlling and preventing matting.
It’s true that a dog’s curly coat takes a lot of hard work to maintain. However, it’s a small price to pay to see your dog happy, healthy, and comfortable in their own skin (and luscious curls). Use the tips above to have a less strenuous time maintaining your dog’s coat and letting their natural curls shine.