Grooming Basics for Different Dog Coat Types While Traveling | Traveling With Pets

One thing that people love so much about dogs is their soft, cuddly fur. Who can resist hugging and petting dogs and puppies that can have everything from long, silky hair to tight curls and ringlets or thick, shaggy coats? Find out the Dog Coat Types with this article.

At the same time, these adorable ones love the wind in their fur. Of course, part of caring for your pet while traveling is keeping them well-groomed. Grooming is more than about maintaining a cute appearance. The dog coat types are different, and keeping them in good hygiene and appearance is a must for your to-do list. 

Proper grooming is also a reflection of their overall health and well-being. A dog with shiny, strong fur and good skin that regularly gets the brushings and baths they require is a happy and healthy dog. And your furry friend really needs to be healthy, especially if you are flying to Dubai.

You have to show a health certificate issued by an authorized vet to travel with your pet to Dubai. Also, upon reaching Dubai, you can always reach out to a professional provider of pet grooming in Dubai to keep your furry one happy and healthy throughout the trip. 

The texture, thickness, and length of a dog’s fur can vary significantly among breeds. The professional pet groomer in Dubai will help you understand the different pet coat types. Also, they will suggest how to take care of different dog coat types in the Dubai climate. 

Having said that, we at Dream and Travel want to make traveling with your pets easier. So, we reached out to pet parents and expert groomers to get our insights approved. 

But before that, we wanted you to know about various dog coat types and how frequently they need bathing or grooming. You can follow this guideline even at your home. 

Different Dog Coat Types | Know The Basics Before Traveling With Your Furry Friend

Do you miss your furry friend while traveling? Are you scared to fly with them as you lack the knowledge of taking care of various dog coat types? 

Well, with some practical and tried-and-tested tips, you don’t need to leave your pet at home anymore. But first, you must know the type of coat your dog has and how frequently it needs bathing or grooming. 

So, here are some essential details. 

1. Short-Coated Or Smooth-Coated Dogs

Dogs with smooth or short coats (such as Boxers, Dalmatians, Beagles, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers) have short and sleek fur. 

While they are considered low-maintenance and only require minimal grooming, neglecting their coat isn’t an option. 

Here’s how to keep them looking their best:

Brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush. You should move it gently in the opposite direction of hair growth. A fine-toothed comb or even a hound glove is great for getting rid of dander from the dog’s skin and keeping the coat shiny. 

Bathing: Use shampoo during their baths with conditioner to keep the coat glossy. If your smooth-fur dog is losing too much fur, consider using a de-shedding shampoo.

Frequency: Brush once a week and bathe only as needed.

2. Medium-Coated Dogs

Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Corgis, German Shepherds, American Eskimos, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies fall into this category. Their fur is about an inch long and has a fluffy appearance because the fur stands slightly off their body. 

Brushing: Regular moderate brushing prevents matting. Use slicker brushes or undercoat rakes. This will help distribute natural oils throughout your dog’s skin and fur for a nice shine. 

Bathing: Use a good shampoo and the conditioner your vet has suggested. 

Frequency: Brush two to three times a week and bathe every four to six weeks.

3. Double-Coated Dogs

Examples of double-coated dogs are:

• Newfoundlands
• Siberian Huskies
• Pomeranians (which have long hair)
• Golden and Labrador Retrievers (which have short hair)

Dogs with a double coat, as the name suggests, have two distinct kinds of fur: 

1. A soft layer of fur meant to provide warmth, which is neatly tucked under. 

2. A longer and more coarse layer of fur protects them against the sun while also helping to repel dirt, parasites, and moisture. In warmer weather, dogs with double coats will typically experience a dramatic shedding episode. 

Brushing: For long-haired double-coated dogs, brushing is needed to prevent tangles and matting that can lead to skin infections. 

Pay particular attention to the longer fur on your dog’s ears, legs, feet, belly, and behind, which need regular trims. 

For short-haired double-coated dogs, less regular brushing and trimming are required, but note that they will shed heavily once or twice a year, same as the long-haired ones. 

Bathing:  Use both shampoo and conditioner. 

Frequency: Depending on the breed, double-coated dogs are recommended to have a full grooming session (including a bath) about three to four times a year. 

Add more baths when needed (like if they get especially dirty or they are shedding more fur than usual). Talk to your trusted groomer about the best schedule and grooming program for your dog.

4. Long-Coated Dogs

Think Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Maltese, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdogs. This category also includes Afghan Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers, and Irish Setters that have long, silky hair. Their luxurious, flowing coats require extra special care.

Brushing: Invest in brushes with natural bristles, pin brushes, and combs to prevent tangles. Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting.

Bathing: Use gentle, hydrating, and detangling shampoos. If possible, use a hair dryer for dogs after baths.

Frequency: Brush daily and bathe every 2-4 weeks. Dogs with silky coats may be fine with brushing every other day or 4 times a week. Visit a professional groomer every two to three months for expert haircuts and care.

5. Wiry-Coated Or Broken-Coated Dogs

These dogs often have wire, wiry, wire-haired, or broken coats, meaning they have a wiry outer layer of rough hair. One touch and you’ll feel right away that the hair is rough and bristly – much different from long and silky coats. 

Examples of wire-haired dogs are Jack Russell Terriers, Schnauzers, Wire Fox Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and Kerry Blue Terriers.

Brushing: This coat is generally low-maintenance. However, since these dogs do not naturally shed, you should use stripping combs to stimulate new fur growth. 

There is also a hand-stripping method of manually plucking out unruly hairs. Use slicker brushes and detanglers to remove mats. 

Bathing: Mild shampoos work best.

Frequency: Brush weekly and bathe four times a year (overbathing will cause dry and brittle hair).

6. Wavy-Coated Or Curly-Coated Dogs

Breeds like Poodles, Labradoodles, Bichon Frises, Airedale Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Portuguese Water Dogs have wavy or curly coats. Their soft and thick curls grow fast. So, those curls get tangled easily. 

Brushing: Use slicker brushes or wide-tooth combs. Before brushing, use a conditioning spray to prevent hair breakage. 

Bathing: Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners specifically made for curls. Then, use a towel and then blow-dry the fur. 

Frequency: Brush two to three times a week and bathe every four to six weeks.

Remember, regular and proper grooming enhances your dog’s health and well-being. Always choose products suited to their specific coat type, and that are available at a reputable pet shop in Dubai, and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Having said that, you need to keep a couple of additional things in mind while traveling with your dog. So, here are the Dream and Travel suggestions we have been eager to share with you. 

Taking Care Of Different Dog Coat Types While Traveling | Traveling With Your Pets 

Along with timely brushing and bathing, your furry friend also needs some additional care while traveling. 

First, if you are taking them on a walk or the weather is windy, your dog will need a jacket. In Dubai, especially, windy conditions and dust storms are quite common. So, to protect their fur from dust, get them a jacket that fits snugly but is not very tight-fitted. 

Secondly, use coconut oil as the magic ingredient. One tablespoon of it can be a part of your dog’s daily diet. You can even add it to the dog shampoo you are using for better moisturization of the fur.

So, that’s pretty much what we wanted to share about traveling with pets and taking care of different dog coat types. We wish you a wonderful journey with your furry one! Bon voyage!

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