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Grooming Short-haired Dogs

By Janice A. Jones     Updated: 02-03-2020

Grooming Short-haired Dogs is not difficult, but it does require a little knowledge about the correct tools of the trade.  A little time grooming will go a long way towards improving the bond between you and your dog. 

It will also give you a chance to do an all-over check for bumps, parasites, skin infections, or lesions, that you might miss if you never brushed, combed or bathed your dog. 

We will assume that you would never fall into that category, so here are a few tips for keeping your dog looking and feeling his best. Your tasks for grooming short-haired dogs includes:

• Brushing
• Bathing
• Clipping Nails
• Checking & Cleaning Ears if needed
• Brushing Teeth
• Checking Anal Glands
  

Grooming Short-haired Dogs:  Brushing

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Brushing once a week will stimulate natural oils in the skin and help reduce the amount of hair you will find on your sofa and carpets.  Brushing also removes any surface dust or dirt leaving your dog looking clean and shiny.  Regular brushing also reduces the number of times you will need to bathe him.  Brushing also, helps keep the skin healthy and shiny so you will not experience dry flaky skin that tends to irritate the dog.

Make a note of any abnormalities that you find while grooming:  Fleas or ticks, skin infections, bumps or small growths/tumors, lesions that need treating.  Plan to make an appointment with your vet soon if you notice anything abnormal.

Grooming Short-haired Dogs:  Bathing

Bathing the short-haired dog is a breeze.  A bath about once per month is usually enough to keep your dog clean.  Some short-haired dogs have a doggie odor and for these, you may want to bathe no more often than once per week.  Some dogs can go up to 3 months without a bath.  

Many people choose to take their short-haired dog to the groomers for a bath rather than doing at home.  Professional groomers will give the dog a thorough bath, clip their nails, check and clean the ears if needed and check/express anal glands if required. 

Other people will do all the grooming tasks at home for their dog.  If the dog is brushed regularly a good bath once a month is all you will need.  You can also get into the habit of checking ears and clipping nails all at the same time. 

To bathe, use a high quality dog shampoo and cream rinse if desired.  Human shampoos should never be used on dogs because human shampoo differs from dog shampoo in two important ways.  Human hair is slightly more acidic than dog hair and we have sweat glands where dogs do not.   Dogs only have sweat glands on their paw pads. 

Gather Your Supplies

• Towel(s)
• Cotton Balls for Ears
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Rubber Curry Brush, Slicker or Bristle Brush
  
• Sink/Bathtub Mat
• Wash Cloth

Procedure

1. Brush dog to remove any loose hairs using a slicker, bristle brush or a rubber curry brush.
   
   
2. Place a small cotton ball in each ear so water will not enter the ear canal.
   
   
3. Some people prefer to add water to the sink/tub first.  This is optional, but no more than an inch or so of water is needed.
   
   
4. Wet dog down. Lather entire body with shampoo, taking special care around the face.  If your dog hate water around their face, save this part until later.  Check anal glands and express if needed.
   
   
5. Rinse.  Apply a small amount of conditioner that has been diluted with warm water.  Drizzle it over the body, all but the head. Rinse with warm water.
   
   
6. Finish by washing the face and around the eyes with the washcloth.
   
   
7. Towel Dry, using more than one towel if needed.  Keep the dog in a warm room until completely dry.  Most owners of short-haired dogs do not blow-dry the hair, but this is optional.
   
   
8. When the dog is completely dry, brush once more.  Apply a little doggie cologne if desired.  This is also a good time to check and clean ears and clip nails.

That’s all there is to it!  You are now an Expert on Grooming Short-Haired Dogs!