How you care for the coat depends on the type of hair: short coats need brushing every three or four days, long coats daily. Over-bathing is counterproductive — it strips the oils that protect the skin — so a regularly brushed dog does not need frequent baths. Always use products made for pets, never human ones.
Key facts:
- Brushing: short, fine coats every 3–4 days; long coats daily. Step it up during the moult (spring and autumn).
- Bathing: some dogs monthly, others every two or three months. Over-bathing strips the protective oils.
- Rinsing is the most important part of the bath: no shampoo should be left behind.
- Cats: brush regularly to prevent hairballs; sessions of 10–15 minutes. They rarely need bathing.
- A dull coat or hair loss can signal poor nutrition, excess weight, parasites, allergies or infection.
A glossy coat and healthy skin reflect an animal in good health. The skin is its main barrier against the outside world, and the coat protects it from the sun and regulates body temperature. Keeping them in good condition is not vanity; it is health.
What coat types are there, and how is each cared for?
Short, smooth coat (Boxer, Labrador, Dobermann, Bulldog): easy to maintain; at 1–4 cm it does not knot. Use a soft-bristled brush or even a grooming mitt to remove dead hair.
Wiry coat (Fox Terrier, Schnauzer, West Highland White Terrier): hair over 10 cm with a characteristic coarseness. It needs daily brushing and a shampoo that nourishes the hair and makes it more resilient.
Medium-length coat (German Shepherd, Chow Chow): these dogs shed a good deal, so frequent brushing stops the hair spreading through the house. Brush vigorously before bathing.
Curly coat (Poodle, Kerry Blue Terrier, Bedlington Terrier): brushing is essential and must be frequent to prevent knots; if any form, apply a detangler before the bath.
Long, straight, fine coat (Shih Tzu, Afghan, Yorkshire Terrier): needs a good deal of care. Brush with a soft slicker and apply a conditioner after the bath to keep it glossy and tangle-free.
Corded coat (Puli, Komondor, Spanish Water Dog): the hair is dense and tight. Never comb or brush it: it naturally forms cords, and all you need to do, using your fingers, is stop the cords matting together.
How often should I brush?
Brushing stimulates the sebaceous glands and removes dead hair. The frequency depends on the coat: short, fine coats are fine with a brush every three or four days; long coats need daily brushing. Be more diligent during the moult, which is usually in spring and autumn.
How often should I bathe my pet?
It varies: some dogs need a bath monthly, others every two or three months. As a rule, a regularly brushed dog does not need frequent bathing. In fact, over-frequent baths strip away the protective layer of oils on the skin. Ask your vet what frequency suits your pet.
How do I give a good bath?
Wet the coat against the lie of the hair so the water reaches the roots. If the animal is nervous, leave the head until last, when it is calmer. Do not swirl the hair with your hands — that causes knots. Rinsing is the crucial step: all the shampoo must come out, leaving no residue. Do not stop at the trunk and legs: the ears, muzzle, under the tail and between the toes all need cleaning. Protect the eyes and ears from soap. And dry well with a towel and dryer, avoiding damp and sudden changes of temperature.
What about cats?
Cats spend a great deal of time grooming, so they swallow a lot of hair and can form hairballs in the stomach. To prevent this, brush them regularly, especially if they are long-haired. Sessions should last no more than 10 to 15 minutes so they do not tire. In principle they do not need bathing, unless your vet advises it.
What makes a coat deteriorate?
Poor nutrition (the diet must be balanced, complete and of good quality), weight problems (obese cats cannot reach every part of the body to groom), parasites (keep the animal treated year-round) and other issues such as skin infections, allergies or autoimmune disease. See your vet regularly to catch any skin or coat problem early.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe my dog?
Depending on the coat: from once a month to every two or three months. A regularly brushed dog needs infrequent baths.
Can I use my own shampoo on my dog?
No. Always use quality products made for pets; their skin pH is not the same as ours.
How often should a long-haired dog be brushed?
Daily, and more diligently during the spring and autumn moult.
Why is my pet’s coat dull and shedding?
It may be poor diet, excess weight, parasites, allergies or skin infection. Ask your vet.
Skin problems are among the commonest reasons for a vet visit, and often chronic. Petplan España (Petplan Ibérica, S.L.) reimburses 100% of the vet bill up to €3,100 a year, with a €45 excess, at any vet you choose. See the policy terms.
