Golden Retrievers are a work of art in motion. Whether you’re playing fetch or chasing one another around the yard, his beautifully soft yellow-gold coat flounces along behind him gracefully. It’s the picture of perfection for Golden owners, and something that spurs on photo opportunities, treasured memories, and some of the most delightful moments you’ll ever have with your dog.
Life with a Golden isn’t all perfection, though; these silly and playful dogs have a natural penchant for things like mud puddles, piles of fresh earth for the garden, and fresh-cut grass. All that rolling, jumping and playing can lead to some serious mats and a stained coat.
Whether your beloved Golden considers herself too reserved for activities like puddle play or she’s a dyed-in-the-wool digger, regular grooming can help to prevent and alleviate issues like mats, discolored fur, and skin problems. If you’re still learning how to care for your Golden, get in the know right here with this short, breed-specific guide.
Bathing
Your Golden does, in fact, require a bath every so often for proper grooming maintenance. Fortunately for you, most Goldens take to the tub quite easily if you start at a young age. Bathing your dog is important because it helps keep them clean, which can help their health. You want to make sure to choose a shampoo that does not irritate their skin. Bath time should always start with you placing a rubber bath mat on the bottom of the tub before you add the water; this will provide your dog with traction underfoot and will reduce falls and potential injuries (human and dog alike). Next, add warm (but not hot) water. Don’t add bubble bath or any other human products to the water, as these aren’t formulated for your dog and will dry out her skin. Instead, use a good dog-specific formula like Neem Therapé Pet Soap or Bio-Groom Protein Lanolin shampoo. Both contain moisturizing oils that help to reduce irritation post-bath. Add just a few inches of water to the tub; never fill it completely, especially for puppies. Use a measuring cup or scoop to wet your pup. A detachable shower head is very handy, too. Gently massage in the soap, taking special care to avoid the ears, eyes, and genitals, and then rinse off by pouring more clean, warm water over the sudsy areas. To clean the face, use a moistened facecloth. Unless your pup is dirty or happens to get into something that necessitates bathing, a bath once every two months or so is likely plenty.Brushing
Brushing your pup shouldn’t be something you only do after a bath; rather, it should be a daily occurrence. Your Golden Retriever has a special double coat that changes throughout its life; in puppyhood, it’s fluffy, whilst in adulthood, the coat matures. This may change your approach when brushing. So what exactly is a double coat? What this means is that her fur is effectively double-layered. The main goal of brushing is to free up impactions between the undercoat and overcoat. Brushing also removes dead under and overcoat hairs – something that can cause matting and other coat problems if ignored. You’ll need a few tools in order to brush your pup effectively:- Porcupine or boar-bristled brush.
- Slicker brush.
- Rake brush.
- Fine-tooth comb.
Should I Cut My Golden's Fur?
Because Golden Retrievers have a double coat, you should never cut or shave a Golden's fur. The outer layer of their double coat helps them regulate their body temperature. This outer layer also helps protect your pup from sun damage and insect bites. If the outer layer of hair is cut or removed, it will make it harder for your dog to stay cool in the warmer months and make them more susceptible to sunburn and insect bites. Regularly brushing your Golden is all you need to do to help your dog stay cool when the weather starts to heat up, as it allows for better air circulation.Dental Care
Some dog owners believe that dry kibble and dental sticks are enough to care for a dog’s mouth; nothing could be further from the truth. Taking care of your Golden’s teeth is a crucial care and grooming step that can prevent canine dental caries, mouth abscesses, and expensive dental surgeries down the road. All you’ll need for this step is a bit of patience and two tools – a dog-specific toothbrush and canine toothpaste. Much as with bathing, starting to brush the teeth early in life will mean that later tooth brushing sessions are much less stressful. You want to brush your dog’s teeth to keep a handle on plaque, gum disease and bad breath. Try to choose a toothpaste that your dog will enjoy, and that they are not allergic to. Sit in front of your dog and begin by rubbing your finger along his or her gums. If your pup isn’t used to having you look in her mouth, you may find she resists the intrusion; if so, comfort her and keep trying. You may need 10 or 15 sessions of this before she’ll allow you to use the brush – if so, just keep trying. Once she allows you to use the brush on her teeth, begin at the front and gently massage the teeth with it. Your first goal should be to simply get her used to the feeling; once she’s comfortable, aim to cover the teeth with the brush at a 45-degree angle. Work in a circular motion as you move down either side of the jaw, taking special care to get into all the nooks and crannies at the back of the mouth.Ear Care
For the ears, use a good, high-quality alcohol-free ear rinse once every few days. Your vet can recommend the best brand for your pet’s needs. Use a cotton pad or ball dipped in a small amount of rinse to gently clean out the exterior ear, then gently swab the interior. Never use Q-Tips or put pressure on the inner ear, as this can result in injuries. Ears can easily get infected, so you need to make sure they stay clean. You want to check your dog’s ears about once a week to make sure they look healthy.Eye Care
You also want to try to keep your dog’s eyes clear of tear stains. This can be done by using a wash cloth to remove any build up by the eyes. You want to keep this area clean for their health, and because the tear stains can start to smell.At-Home Dog Grooming Tips
There are many different strategies and tricks to grooming a dog, and they vary based on the breed and the style of coat. However, here are five brief tips for home grooming your dog.- Coat conditioner - spraying on mink oil or another type of coat conditioner before you brush your dog can help loosen tangles and knots in the coat before you ever take a brush to it.
- Brushing patterns - for both your sake and the dog's, you should decide on a pattern of brushing and stick to it every time, making sure you get all of the coat brushed out and that you let your dog know what to expect.
- Hair brushing - make sure to brush all of the hair readily available, but never go so far as to scrape or hurt the skin underneath.
- Combing after brushing - clinging tangles and knots still present even after brushing can be removed easily with a comb.
- Practice patience - remember to relax and take your time, especially with a long-haired breed like a Keeshond.