If you have a hypoallergenic dog, you also have a dog that requires routine grooming. That’s because most hypoallergenic dogs have hair rather than fur. It’s true. In fact, the coats of dogs like the Maltese and the Shih Tzu are acutally classified as hair rather than fur. Let’s go over the best tools for grooming your hypoallergenic dog.
Grooming Your Hypoallergenic Dog is Important
Unlike other breeds, most hypoallergenic dog breeds absolutely REQUIRE grooming. Breeds like labs, boxers, and shepherds only require basic bathing and nail trimming. However, because most hypoallergenic dog breeds have hair instead of fur, they require special grooming. Their coats never stop growing. If you don’t groom them regularly, you’re going to have a painfully matted pooch on your hands!
The Easiest Approach
A Good Groomer
One of the best tools for grooming your hypoallergenic dog is an experienced groomer. This is my preferred method. Groomers have the know-how to properly trim, brush, bathe, and dry your dog to limit tangles and mats. It’s been my experience that the best way to keep your little guy in tip top shape is just to get a puppy cut every month or two. The puppy cut is adorable, and you don’t have to worry about daily brushing, combing, and routine mat loosening.
The Do it Yourself Approach
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While I’m not a fan of this – mainly because my dogs are goofballs – it might be right for you. So here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need for grooming your guys.
A Good Pet Clipper
You need a good set of pet clippers. NEVER use scissors to groom your pet at home. They are so used to you, that you can never get them to sit still enough for scissors to be a safe option. It sounds terrible, but never underestimate the power of a little fear. Your pooch will have a certain level of fear at a groomer, and that’s okay. It keeps them still, which keeps them safe. They aren’t going to have that at home. So get yourself a good pet clipper, a blade guard, and basically buzz your pooch. I like to leave a little fluff on the tail and some cute eyebrows on my guys.
Nail Trimmers
Every dog needs its nails trimmed. Untrimmed nails are prone to breakage, and when they get very long they are painful for your dog when it walks. You’ll want to get a quality set of nail trimmers. Get the kind that look like miniature pruning shears. DON’T get the kind that have a blade that “pushes” against a stop. Those trimmers apply much more pressure to your dog’s nail. That can make it painful. Instead opt for the “pruning” trimmer. This type of trimmer has handles just like a pruning shear, and it has a blade on the top and bottom – each having a half-moon cutout. This cutout makes trimming easier for you and your pet.
A Good Brush
If you have a hypoallergenic dog like a Maltese or Shih Tzu, a good brush is a must. Even if you have them groomed or groom them yourself on a bi-monthly schedule, you’ll still want to brush them out, especially around the ears and the tail. The fine hair on the ears and the tail easily mat, and a good brush will keep those areas mat – and pain – free.
Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo
In my experience, hypoallergenic dogs tend to have more sensitive skin than other breeds, so you’ll want to get an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo for your weekly to bi-weekly bathing. This type of shampoo cleans well, conditions the coat, and moisturizes your dog’s skin. Remember, don’t skip the bathing. It’s good for their skin and for their hair. Bathing keeps them clean as well as keeping that tangly hair manageable. A routine bathing makes it easier for you to keep them brushed and mat free.
There you have it. The best tools for grooming your hypoallergenic dog. None of these are overly expensive, and they are all very important for keeping your dog clean, happy, and presentable.
