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| Things to Avoid When Grooming Your Newfoundland’s Coat |
Things to Avoid When Grooming Your Newfoundland’s Coat
Newfoundlands are known for their majestic appearance, gentle temperament, and luxurious double coats. While their thick fur is one of their most endearing traits, it also requires regular grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. However, grooming a Newfoundland isn’t as simple as grabbing a brush and going to town. There are several mistakes you can make that might harm your dog’s coat or skin. In this post, we’ll explore the key things to avoid when grooming your Newfoundland’s coat so you can ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.
Skipping Regular Brushing
One of the biggest mistakes Newfoundland owners can make is neglecting regular brushing. Newfoundlands have a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs, which means their fur can quickly become matted if not brushed frequently.
Why It’s a Problem
Mats and tangles can pull on your dog’s skin, causing discomfort and even pain. They can also trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria, leading to skin infections. If mats are left untreated for too long, they may require professional grooming or even shaving, which can be stressful for your dog.
What to Do Instead
Brush your Newfoundland at least 2-3 times a week, and more frequently during shedding seasons (spring and fall). Use a slicker brush or an undercoat rake to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Be gentle, especially around sensitive areas like the ears, belly, and legs.
Using the Wrong Tools
Not all grooming tools are created equal, and using the wrong ones can damage your Newfoundland’s coat or irritate their skin.
Why It’s a Problem
Tools like metal combs with sharp teeth or brushes with stiff bristles can scratch your dog’s skin, leading to irritation or even infection. Similarly, tools designed for short-haired breeds won’t effectively remove loose hair from a Newfoundland’s thick double coat.
What to Do Instead
Invest in high-quality grooming tools specifically designed for long-haired, double-coated breeds. A slicker brush, undercoat rake, and de-shedding tool are essential for maintaining your Newfoundland’s coat. Always check the condition of your tools and replace them if they become worn or damaged.
Bathing Too Frequently
While it might seem like frequent baths are the key to keeping your Newfoundland clean, over-bathing can actually do more harm than good.
Why It’s a Problem
Bathing too often strips your dog’s coat of its natural oils, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. Without these oils, your Newfoundland’s skin can become dry and itchy, and their fur may lose its luster.
What to Do Instead
Bathe your Newfoundland every 6-8 weeks, or as needed if they get particularly dirty. Use a shampoo formulated for dogs with sensitive skin or double coats. Always rinse thoroughly to prevent soap residue from irritating their skin.
Neglecting the Ears and Feet
When grooming your Newfoundland, it’s easy to focus solely on their coat and forget about other important areas like their ears and feet.
Why It’s a Problem
Newfoundlands’ floppy ears can trap moisture, making them prone to ear infections. Their large paws can also collect dirt, debris, and even snowballs in colder weather, which can cause discomfort or injury.
What to Do Instead
Check your Newfoundland’s ears regularly for signs of redness, odor, or excessive wax buildup. Clean them gently with a vet-recommended ear cleaner. For their paws, trim the hair between their pads to prevent matting and reduce the risk of foreign objects getting stuck.
Rushing the Process
Grooming a Newfoundland takes time and patience, but rushing through it can lead to mistakes or stress for both you and your dog.
Why It’s a Problem
If you’re in a hurry, you might miss mats or tangles or accidentally hurt your dog by pulling too hard on their fur. This can create negative associations with grooming, making future sessions more difficult.
What to Do Instead
Set aside plenty of time for grooming sessions, and make them a positive experience for your dog. Offer treats, praise, and breaks as needed to keep them calm and cooperative. Remember, grooming is not just about maintenance—it’s also an opportunity to bond with your pet.
Ignoring Seasonal Shedding
Newfoundlands are notorious shedders, especially during the spring and fall when they “blow” their coats. Ignoring this seasonal shedding can lead to excessive hair around your home and potential matting on your dog.
Why It’s a Problem
If you don’t address seasonal shedding, your Newfoundland’s undercoat can become compacted, leading to overheating in warmer months and discomfort year-round.
What to Do Instead
During shedding seasons, increase the frequency of brushing to daily if possible. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose undercoat hair efficiently. Vacuum your home regularly to manage the inevitable fur explosion.
Overlooking Professional Help
While regular at-home grooming is essential, there are times when professional help is necessary.
Why It’s a Problem
Attempting to tackle severe matting or grooming tasks like nail trimming without proper knowledge can result in injury to your dog. Additionally, some grooming tasks, like bathing and drying, are much easier with professional equipment.
What to Do Instead
Schedule regular appointments with a professional groomer, especially if you’re unsure about certain aspects of grooming. A groomer can also provide tips and advice tailored to your Newfoundland’s specific needs.
Conclusion
Grooming your Newfoundland’s coat is a labor of love that requires time, effort, and the right approach. By avoiding common mistakes like skipping regular brushing, using the wrong tools, or bathing too frequently, you can keep your dog’s coat healthy and beautiful. Remember to pay attention to details like their ears and feet, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. With proper care, your Newfoundland will not only look stunning but also feel comfortable and happy.
