Golden Retrievers are one of the breeds equipped with some of the the most lustrous coats out there, ranging from a creamy blond color to a rich, lustrous gold. Even within the breed, coat variances are not uncommon, therefore you may ultimately notice some Golden Retrievers with longer or shorter coats, thinner or thicker textures, and straight or wavy hairs.
Regardless of the variable qualities, most Golden Retrievers share a medium coat with a short, dense, downy undercoat essential in protecting this breed from the cold and keeping the coat waterproof when swimming in those icy-cold lakes. On top of the undercoat, lays a longer outer coat mostly made of firm and resilient, guard hairs.
The American Kennel Club further details that these hairs must be neither coarse nor silky, but can be straight or wavy. A Golden Retriever’s forelegs and underbody also display a nice moderate feathering with heavier feathering on front of the neck, back of thighs and underside of tail which functions as a protective layer, when running through the brier.
Because they are double-coated, Goldens tend to shed a lot during the year, but the process is at its peak in the spring when the undercoat is shed in huge quantities. Grooming a Golden Retriever is a must therefore, and with the right tools, you can do it yourself, or decide to pay a groomer, which can ultimately turn up costly in the long run. Learning how to groom a Golden Retriever may be the best solution for both your wallet and for your dog.
Benefits of Grooming Your Golden Retriever
There are ample benefits when you choose to groom your Golden Retriever yourself. First and foremost, upon grooming your Golden, you may be able to detect any medical issues before they get worse. You may detect abnormalities such as cuts and scrapes, irritated skin, hot spots and even lumps under the skin, that require veterinarian attention. Owners ultimately know their dog best and with daily grooming, it becomes quite easy to determine if there is something out of the norm.
You may have already noticed how your Golden’s coat attracts foreign matter like a magnet. If you allow your Golden Retriever to romp in the woods, you will notice all sort of plant materials sticking to the coat. You must work on removing burrs, thorns and all other material that likes to cling on the coat, before they cause mats and tangles. Grooming will help you protect your Golden’s coat and prevent it from bigger problems later.
The length of a Golden Retriever’s coat also attracts pesky parasites and a scrupulous investigation may reveal their presence. If you notice several brownish-black specks you may be dealing with fleas. If you are unsure, place the specks on a wet white paper towel: if they stain red upon rubbing, your are dealing with flea droppings, and yes, the red stains are basically your dog’s digested blood. An abnormal small lump, resembling a corn kennel may be a tick. Get your magnifying glass and if you see wriggly legs, you know you are dealing with one of these vectors of tick-born diseases. Remove the tick as soon as possible using gloves and tweezers: when removed within 24 hours, the chances of transmitting diseases are much lower.
Grooming is essential for reducing the presence of stray hairs all around your carpet, upholstery and clothes. Frequent brushing will keep the dead fur volume to a minimum, especially during the spring, when Goldens blow their coats. Groom your dog outdoors to minimize the mess. Daily brushing is a must if you are particularly concerned about stray hairs, and at least twice a week is essential if you do not mind clouds of dog down around your home.
Last but not least, grooming your Golden will help you bond more. Most Golden Retrievers love to be brushed, especially if you were diligent in training your Golden Retriever to being groomed from puppyhood and made it a pleasant experience. Your dog will look forward to your grooming sessions and will be particularly happy to spend this special time with you.
Best Tools For Grooming Your Retriever
In order to groom your Golden’s coat and make it look at its very best, you need the right tools. Investing in good grooming tools is essential, and often spending a little bit more for stronger and more effective tools, is worth every dime. To groom your Golden’s coat you will need a flat slicker brush, a straight pair of scissors, thinning shears, English comb and a pin brush. If you are planning to give a bath, a gentle shampoo formulated for dogs is a must. And don’t forget treats to make the grooming experience extra pleasant! Following are some more grooming tips and secrets of the trade.
Grooming is More than Simple Coat Care
Grooming is not only about the coat. If you really want to learn how to groom a Golden Retriever thoroughly you must also clip its nails, brush its teeth and clean its ears.
As seen, grooming plays an essential role for the health and well-being of your Golden Retriever. If you have a puppy, work early on getting your puppy accustomed to being groomed for a more cooperative dog. A bright and shiny coat is not only a pleasure to look at, but it is also a sign of a healthy, happy dog.
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