Golden Retrievers are known for being loyal and loving – and of course, for that gorgeous golden coat. It’s not hard to figure out why this breed is so popular! However, along with that thick coat comes an awful lot of responsibility. Yes, your dog should always be well groomed. Regular grooming entails frequent brushing, bathing, nail clipping, fur trimming, and ear cleaning. Should you do it yourself or should a professional groom your golden retriever? Let’s take a closer look at the grooming process so you can decide for yourself.
One of the most important things to do is brush your Golden Retriever. They need to be brushed every day or so to remove shedding fur and to help with blood circulation. Brushing is especially important for this breed, as they have a double coat. That double coat is what helps keeps them comfortable throughout the year. During the spring and summer, though, they shed one of those layers, leaving pet hair on your furniture, clothes, and carpets. To prevent this from happening, you will want to use a bristle brush and an undercoat rake.
In addition to brushing regularly, your Golden Retriever will also need to be bathed every week or so to keep that coat shiny and healthy. Use a high-quality dog shampoo to avoid any itching or irritation of their skin. Their nails also need to be taken care of. They should be clipped often to keep your pet comfortable. If the nails become too long, it can lead to discomfort or serious pain for your animal. In some cases, long nails can actually cause your golden retriever’s foot to splay, or change shape. When cutting the nails, a pair of clippers should be used, taking care not to cut too close to the quick. Otherwise, it can cause the area to bleed.
To keep your pet comfortable, they also need to be trimmed. Even though their coat sheds on its’ own, the areas around their ears and paws need attention. Trimming can be done carefully with a regular pair of grooming shears. Keep in mind that you should never shave your golden retriever. By removing that double coat, they are more likely to be uncomfortable during the colder months of the year. The last step of grooming? Cleaning the ears. Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections, so they need to be cleaned weekly with an ear cleaning solution.
Now you know what it takes to groom a Golden Retriever. So, it’s time to decide who should be doing it. If you choose to handle the grooming yourself, that’s great! You just need to be prepared to put in the time and energy required to keep your pet safe and healthy. If you choose to have a professional groom your golden retriever, that’s great too! Pet grooming midtown Miami salons are an ideal choice if you don’t feel comfortable clipping their nails or trimming their fur. Professionals have experience taking care of Retrievers – and know how to groom them properly, keep them comfortable, prevent shedding, and more.
Should you do it yourself or choose a professional groomer? It is totally up to you. Whatever you decide, the most important thing to consider is the well being of your pet. You love your golden retriever – so always give them the best care possible. They’ll thank you for it!