|
How to groom an Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds have a strikingly beautiful double coat that needs regular grooming. Complete guide to Australian Shepherd grooming that includes coat care, bathing an Aussie, clipping the dog's coat and dental care. Whether you are grooming a Miniature Australian Shepherd or a Standard size Australian Shepherd, the procedure is very similar with the only difference being the dog's size. Of course, grooming a Mini Australian Shepherd may take you slightly less time than the larger type. Also the smaller Toy Australian Shepherds or Miniature Australian Shepherds are easier to groom indoors because the more convenient size allows to easily bathe the dog indoors. A larger Australian Shepherd is easier to groom outdoors if you have access to warm water that you can use to bathe the dog.
Australian Shepherd grooming
Australian Shepherd shedding
Australian Shepherd pros and cons
Grooming an Australian Shepherd
Regardless of the type of the Australian Shepherd you own, grooming needs of Standard Australian Shepherd are similar to those of Miniature and Toy Aussie varieties. Grooming the dog's coat frequently helps to keep the coat beautiful and to minimize the amount of shedded pet hair around your home that can accumulate on the floors and on furniture. Video tutorial with detailed information on how to groom an Australian Shepherd from a professional Australian Shepherd groomer.
Grooming an Australian Shepherd requires regular maintenance to keep their distinctive double coat healthy and looking its best. Here's a step-by-step guide to grooming an Australian Shepherd:
Brushing
Brush your Australian Shepherd's coat at least a few times a week to prevent matting and remove loose hair. Use a slicker brush or a grooming rake to thoroughly brush through both the topcoat and the dense undercoat. Focus on one section at a time, working from the roots to the tips of the fur.
Bathing
Bathe your Australian Shepherd as needed, typically every 6 to 8 weeks or when they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo that is gentle on their skin and coat. Ensure you rinse thoroughly to avoid any leftover shampoo residue. After bathing, gently towel dry your dog and use a hair dryer on a low setting if your dog is comfortable with it.
Coat Care
Trim the hair between your Australian Shepherd's paw pads to prevent matting and debris buildup. Also, check their ears regularly for dirt, wax, or signs of infection. Clean their ears with a dog-specific ear cleaning solution and cotton balls.
Nail Trimming
Trim your dog's nails every few weeks to prevent overgrowth. Be cautious not to cut too close to the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance.
Anal Gland Expression
Some Australian Shepherds may need their anal glands expressed. If you're uncomfortable doing this yourself, consult a veterinarian or groomer.
Teeth Cleaning
Maintain your Australian Shepherd's oral hygiene by brushing their teeth regularly using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps prevent dental issues and keeps their breath fresh.
Regular Grooming Sessions
Set aside regular grooming sessions to maintain your Australian Shepherd's coat and overall appearance. These sessions should include brushing, inspecting for any skin issues, and maintaining their nails and ears.
Professional Grooming
Consider professional grooming every few months, especially if you're not confident in giving your dog a trim. Professional groomers can ensure an even trim, manage their coat during shedding seasons, and provide a thorough overall grooming.
Special Attention During Shedding Seasons
Australian Shepherds have a shedding period when their undercoat is shed more heavily. During this time, step up your brushing routine to prevent excessive hair from accumulating around your home. Using a de-shedding tool can help reduce shedding.
Remember that grooming is not just about maintaining your Australian Shepherd's appearance but also about their overall health and well-being. Regular grooming sessions allow you to bond with your dog and keep a close eye on any changes in their skin, coat, or general health.
Australian Shepherd grooming tools
Basic Australian Shepherd grooming starts with brushing the dog's coat and removing the shedded undercoat hair with an undercoat rake. A lot of dog's hair will be coming out with each brush stroke and you want to be outdoors as you are brushing your Aussie because there will be a lot of dog's hair around. Aussie's hair needs to be brushed following the direction of hair growth, from the neck down the back and around each leg as well as chest of the dog. Once the dog's coat is thoroughly brushed with an undercoat rake, mats and tangles can be removed from behind the dog's ears using a greyhound brush and scissors if necessary. All the coat should now be smooth and tangle free. It's time for bathing an Australian Shepherd.
As you can see, grooming an Australian Shepherd is possible with the right grooming tools. Undercoat rake is a must for every Australian Shepherd owner, regardless of the size of the Aussie that you own. This breed features a massive undercoat that produces a generous amount of shedding and an undercoat rake can take care of removing the shedded part of the hair, thus allowing the dog's skin breathe and stay healthy.
#ad
JW Pet Gripsoft Double Row Undercoat Rake
- Gripsoft technology features non-slip grips and ergonomic handle
- Features two rows of round tipped teeth that lift out loose and shedding hair from the undercoat
- Suitable for all breed types and hair types
- The teeth are turned 90 degrees away from the skin keeping them parallel to prevent "raking" so there is no harm to your pet's skin
|
|
Grooming your pet also includes keeping the dog clean. Bathing an Australian Shepherd is easier outdoors. You need to have access to warm water (outside hot and cold water hook up) and a booster dog bath. Place the dog in the bath, wet the coat and start applying the dog shampoo. Use bright white dog shampoo on all white areas such as the dog's chest and legs. Use a regular dog shampoo on the rest of the dog's coat. After shampooing the dog, wait a couple of minutes and thoroughly remove all the shampoo with warm water. Now it's time to apply a dog coat conditioner on the dog's coat. Be sure to wash off all of the conditioner from the dog's coat and use a large towel to dry the dog's coat. Be sure to wipe Australian Shepherd's ears to prevent ear infections that may occur if excess moisture is left in the ears. Use blow drier for dogs to dry the coat.
#ad
PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo
- Made with natural ingredients including Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Aloe, Vitamin E and Oatmeal Extract
- Cleanses, moisturizes, deodorizes and soothes skin as well as promotes a shiny and soft coat
- Helps reduce itchiness, allergy-related skin issues, hotspots, inflamed skin and bad odors
- Free of toxins, parabens and alcohols with a pleasant coconut-lime verbena scent
|
|
Using PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo can offer several advantages for an Australian Shepherd, a breed known for its lush coat and potential skin sensitivities. Here are some of the benefits of using this shampoo specifically for an Australian Shepherd:
Relief from Itching and Allergies: Australian Shepherds can be prone to allergies and skin irritations due to their dense double coat. The PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo is formulated to provide relief from itching and discomfort associated with allergies, hot spots, and skin irritations. Its soothing ingredients can help alleviate the symptoms and provide relief to your Australian Shepherd's skin.
Gentle and Natural Formula: This shampoo is often formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle on a dog's sensitive skin. Australian Shepherds may have skin that is more prone to reacting to harsh chemicals, so a gentle and natural formula is beneficial to avoid exacerbating any existing skin issues.
Moisturizing and Hydrating: The Australian Shepherd's double coat can become dry and prone to matting if not properly cared for. PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo typically includes moisturizing and hydrating agents that help keep the skin and coat in good condition. Regular use of this shampoo can contribute to a healthier and more manageable coat.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Many Australian Shepherds may experience inflammation due to allergies or skin irritations. The anti-inflammatory properties of the shampoo's ingredients can help reduce redness and swelling, providing relief to your dog and promoting skin health.
Safe for Regular Use: Some shampoos can be harsh and strip the natural oils from a dog's coat, leading to dryness and irritation. PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo is often formulated to be safe for regular use, allowing you to address your Australian Shepherd's skin concerns without worrying about overuse.
Soothing Aromatherapy: The scent of the shampoo can provide aromatherapy benefits, helping to calm your Australian Shepherd during bath time. The relaxing fragrance can make the grooming experience more pleasant for both you and your dog.
Supports Skin Health: Australian Shepherds' skin can be sensitive, and maintaining its health is crucial for their overall well-being. This shampoo can provide the necessary care to keep the skin clean, nourished, and free from potential irritants.
Using PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo can be highly beneficial for an Australian Shepherd's skin and coat health. Its gentle, natural, and soothing formula can address itching, allergies, and skin irritations that are common concerns for this breed. By choosing a shampoo specifically tailored to their needs, you can help your Australian Shepherd maintain a healthy and comfortable coat while alleviating potential skin sensitivities.
Wait until the Australian Shepherd's coat is completely dry before continuing with trimming the dog's hair. Now is a good time to trim your pet's toe nails. After trimming the dog's nails, we can start with trimming the dog's coat. As you will notice in the Australian Shepherd grooming video tutorial, the first area that gets trimmed is the tail area. Thoroughly brush the dog's coat using a pin brush. Carefully lift the dog's tail (many Australian Shepherds have a naturally bobbed tail). Using thinning shears start trimming the area around the tail. Slowly and carefully trim the hair around the dog's tail at an angle to create a nice and neat appearance.
#ad
Wahl Figura Lithium Cordless Pet Clipper
- Cordless clipper sits comfortably in your hand to accommodate all angles
- Features a lithium ion battery with 90-minute run time
- 5-in-1 blade can adjust from sizes #9, #10, #15, #30, and #40
- Great for dogs
|
|
Advantages of Wahl Figura Lithium Cordless Pet Clipper set include cordless operation (up to 90 minutes). Great for trimming Aussie's coat. The Wahl Figura Lithium Cordless Pet Clipper set offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for grooming an Australian Shepherd, a breed known for its thick and double coat that requires regular maintenance. Here are some of the advantages of using the Wahl Figura clipper set for this specific breed:
Powerful and Precise Cutting: The Wahl Figura clipper set features a powerful rotary motor that delivers consistent cutting performance. This is particularly beneficial for grooming an Australian Shepherd's dense coat, as the motor's power ensures efficient cutting through both the top and undercoat. The precision of the blades allows for even trimming, helping maintain the breed's distinctive appearance.
Cordless Convenience: The cordless design of the Figura clipper set provides freedom of movement while grooming. This is especially advantageous when dealing with a breed that can be active and energetic during grooming sessions. The lack of cords eliminates the risk of tangling or restricting movement, making the grooming process smoother and more comfortable for both the groomer and the dog.
Lithium-Ion Battery: The Figura clipper set is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that offers extended run time and consistent power throughout the grooming session. This is crucial when dealing with a breed like the Australian Shepherd, as their thick coat may require more time for thorough grooming. The battery's performance ensures that you can complete the grooming process without interruptions.
Quiet Operation: Australian Shepherds can be sensitive to loud noises, and grooming can be stressful for them if the clippers produce excessive noise. The Wahl Figura clipper set operates quietly, minimizing the potential for causing anxiety or discomfort during the grooming process. This quiet operation contributes to a calmer grooming experience for the dog.
Adjustable Blade Lengths: The clipper set includes adjustable blade lengths, allowing you to customize the grooming style to suit your Australian Shepherd's specific needs. This versatility is essential, as Australian Shepherds have different coat lengths on different parts of their body. You can easily switch between lengths to achieve a consistent and neat appearance.
Ergonomic Design: Grooming sessions can be time-consuming, so using a clipper set with an ergonomic design is essential for the comfort of the groomer. The Wahl Figura clipper set features a comfortable grip and lightweight construction, reducing fatigue during extended grooming sessions.
Attachments and Accessories: The Figura clipper set often comes with a range of attachments and accessories, such as guide combs, a charging stand, and a cleaning brush. These extras enhance the versatility of the set and make the grooming process more convenient and efficient.
In conclusion, the Wahl Figura Lithium Cordless Pet Clipper set offers a range of advantages that are well-suited for grooming an Australian Shepherd. From its powerful cutting capabilities and cordless convenience to the adjustable blade lengths and quiet operation, this clipper set addresses the specific grooming needs of this breed. Using the Wahl Figura clipper set can result in a more efficient, comfortable, and stress-free grooming experience for both the groomer and the Australian Shepherd.
After the tail area is done, use a slicker brush to lift up the hair on Aussie's hind legs. This way you can see the direction of hair growth and will be able to carefully trim the hair using grooming scissors. Next step is to trim the dog's feet. Your goal is to create a round paw appearance around the base of the foot using shears.
Australian Shepherds have a lot of hair around their tail and hind legs.
After finishing with grooming Australian Shepherd's hocks, tail and britches, it's time to move to the dog's top line where there's often an excess hair that needs to be trimmed to give the dog's back a neat appearance. Thinning shears and greyhound comb help to get the job done. As you are trimming the dog's back area, only close the thinning shears half way. After thinning the hair on the dog's back, trim the coat at an angle to achieve a smooth transition from the back towards the hind legs.
Trimming the hair around Australian Shepherd ears should be done very carefully with shear scissors. Brush the hair around the ears and remove any tangles. Carefully and slowly trim excess hair from the ear area. Watch the tutorial video first to see how to properly shape the cut around Australian Shepherd's ears. Remove a little bit of the fuzzy hair from the top of the ear. Do not trim too much hair from this area, only the excess hair should be removed with shears. Be extremely careful not to accidentally cut the dog's sensitive ears with shears or scissors.
#ad
Frisco Shears Kit for Dogs
- Includes four pairs of scissors for all different grooming applications.
- Comes with 6.5" rounded-tip curved scissors, 6.5" thinning grooming scissors, 6.5" rounded-tip scissors and a pair of 4.2" rounded-tip scissors.
- All made with high-quality, Japanese high-carbon steel for long-lasting sharpness and durability.
- Comes in a professional, sleek, portable zipper case to hold all your scissors in place.
|
|
Dental care is a part of grooming an Australian Shepherd and needs to be done regularly. Should I brush my Australian Shepherd's teeth every day? Many owners wonder whether brushing the dog's teeth help to keep them healthy. According to studies, most dogs develop dental problems by the time they are two years of age. Owners of Australian Shepherds can help prevent many dental problems by starting to care for the dog's teeth early, while the dog is still a puppy. Even if you have an older dog, regular brushing helps to keep your pet's teeth, heart and other vital organs healthy. The plaque that forms on a dog's teeth needs to be removed daily to prevent the layer of bacteria from hardening and turning into a hard, yellow tartar that eventually surrounds and causes damage to your pet's teeth. This bacteria can affect your pet's overall health because as the dog is eating his or her food, some of the bacteria can enter your pet's system with the food and cause all kinds of health issues as well as bad breath. Always use a canine toothpaste because it is safe for the dog to swallow. Human toothpaste is not safe for your pet. Dental sprays for dogs are becoming more and more popular and can be easy to use.
Australian Shepherd shedding
Potential owners of Australian Shepherds often wonder how much do Australian Shepherds shed and whether grooming this breed is very time consuming. Aussies feature a medium length double coat that produces a significant amount of shedding, especially during fall and spring. Most owners of Aussies report that Australian Shepherds shed a lot with the most shedding happening during spring season. Males tend to have a more abundant coat and as a result males tend to produce more shedding than do females.
How to manage Australian Shepherd shedding. Investing in a pet friendly vacuum cleaner makes removing the dog's hair from all surfaces much easier, especially if you have any areas that are carpeted. Rugs and carpet trap the dog's shedded hair and in comparison to wooden or hard floor surfaces are more time consuming to keep clean.
Besides using a vacuum clean during the heavy shedding time, brushing an Australian Shepherd with an undercoat rake and using a Furminator deshedding tool can really help in removing most of the dead hair from Aussie's coat. The key to successful shedding management is brushing an Australian Shepherd regularly, every day if you have time or a few times per week especially during the heavy shedding periods that usually occur during the spring and in the fall. Brushing an Australian Shepherd indoors can create a big mess full of dog's hair and the clean up after you're done can take up extra time. The easiest way to groom your pet is to take your Australian Shepherd outdoors where you can comfortably brush your dog and not worry about the cloud of dog's hair that you will notice around as you are brushing your furry friend. Start training your Australian Shepherd to accept brushing early, when the dog is still young. Have some treats available and reward your Australian Shepherd for sitting still while gently brushing the dog's coat. Many Australian Shepherds learn to enjoy grooming sessions, especially if there are some healthy treats offered in the process. Remember to brush the areas around the Aussie's ears and around each leg as mats tend to develop in these areas.
|
Dog grooming information
Goldador dog grooming
How to groom a Maltese
Maltipoo grooming styles
How to groom a Poodle
How to groom a Goldendoodle at home
|
Send us an e-mail at dogbreeds911@gmail.com
As an Amazon Associate and Chewy affiliate I earn commissions for qualifying purchases.
|
|
|
|
