Basics of Border Collie’s coat grooming
You should be aware that grooming your dog’s coat is a more difficult task than you might think. Not all dog owners know how often their dog should be groomed or what exactly should be used. The frequency of bathing your pet and feeding is also very important. So what should dog owners bear in mind?
How often should a Border collie dog be combed?
You should be aware that for some dogs, brushing is a pleasure, while for others it is a real pain. However, you should be aware that systematic brushing is the real key to not only a shiny but also a healthy coat for your pet.
It is important to know that the rules for grooming your dog’s coat will depend primarily on the type of coat, as well as individual needs. For it is noteworthy that both pets with hair and all other long-haired dogs will require practically daily grooming from their owners. Animals with shorter hair, on the other hand, can safely be combed two to three times a week.
Combing helps to maintain proper skin hygiene. You can get rid of dust, dirt or even a blade of grass brought from a walk. It is also necessary to point out that properly combing your dog allows you to improve the blood supply to the skin, as well as the smell of your pet.
Not to forget that brushing will facilitate the observation of the coat for the presence of various parasites or skin lesions. In addition, while brushing, the dog’s owner will have the opportunity to comb out the dead hair that has not yet had time to fall out. It is worth being aware that this is very important in the case of pets with abundant undercoats, as well as breeds that lose their hair excessively.
Of course, regular combing ensures that the hair will not settle. It is important to know that if your dog loses a lot of hair, despite combing, it is recommended that you go to the vet. In this way, it will be possible to determine the causes of the problem. In addition, the vet will certainly suggest the right course of action. It is also worth noting that combing your pet before bathing will make the shampoo work much more effectively. It should also not be forgotten that combed hair will have a much lower tendency to possibly get tangled during washing.
As mentioned earlier, dogs with undercoats can be combed up to 1-2 times a week. However, it is important to remember to comb out the dead hair much more frequently (even daily) during the moulting period. Dogs of this type have a dense undercoat as well as thick outer hair. It is important to know that the undercoat forms a kind of layer that isolates the dog’s skin from the environment. It is important to note that the undercoat is embedded between the outer hairs and therefore removal of the dead undercoat will require the use of suitable tools. We recommend combing the coat with a comb characterised by sparsely spaced teeth. The next step is to check whether there are any tangles. Only then can a comb or furminator be used to effectively remove a dead undercoat.
What should I use to groom my Border collie?
First of all, it is advisable to familiarise your dog with the brush during his first days in his new home. It is worth knowing that puppies do not shed much hair, which means that they will hardly need brushing. This is therefore the best possible moment to get your pet used to this activity. Of course, the first tool used to brush your pet should be a brush with soft bristles. The dog should get to know its scent to become accustomed not only to the instrument but also to the whole grooming procedure.
A great solution is to give the puppy the brush to sniff. The next step should be to stroke the pet while using it. In this simple way, the pet will become accustomed to being stroked by its owner not only with his hand but also with a special tool designed for combing. At some point, it is recommended to gently comb the dog. This cannot be done by force, of course. This is because it is necessary to give the pet time. It is best to comb your dog when it is relaxed. In addition, every time the dog remains calm and allows itself to be combed, it is recommended to reward it with a dog treat.
It is imperative to be aware that the brushing technique depends not only on the type but also on the length of the pet’s hair. It is therefore recommended to make very gentle and also gentle movements with the appropriate combing tool. At the same time, the other hand should be used to stroke the dog in case the animal feels insecure.
