Beagles, known as one of the friendlier and more playful dog breeds, require correct grooming to stay healthy. Gun dog breeders raising hunting beagles stress that the dogs' health and grooming is not only important to for the dogs' safety, but also the success of a hunt itself.
Grooming can be used as a time to strengthen the bond between owner and dog, and it allows owners to get to know every inch of the their beagle's body so any anomalies may be noticed and addressed quickly with a veterinarian.
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Because beagles are a short-haired breed and only shed minimally, grooming one does not take as long as grooming a long-haired breed. Grooming your Beagle does not just entail brushing the doc occasionally; it also includes care given to every part of their body, teeth, nails, and ears included.
Here are some tips for grooming your beagle:
1. Start early. Getting a puppy used to grooming will make the process much easier as the dog gets older. The dog should get used to being touched anywhere, particularly on its face, ears, and paws. Reward your dog for a successful grooming session.
2. Give baths. Beagles should get bathed about once a month,
says breeder Aladar Beagles, unless they've gotten into something smelly or particularly dirty. The beagle's short hair does a great job at keeping dirt and grime off the skin, but it also keeps in body oils.
3. Don't forget the ears. Beagles have long, droopy ears that can hold dirt and moisture in the ear canal. Aladar Beagles recommends checking and cleaning your dog's ears once a week. There are several ear-cleaning products on the market and the process should be quick and painless for both you and your dog. These products involve putting a few drops into the ear and letting the dog shake its head, then wipe gently. You'll also want to make sure the ears are dry after bathtime.
4. Trim nails. Your dogs nails should not make noise when walking on a hard floor. Nails that touch the ground when the dog is standing are too long. Trim or grind your dog's nails periodically, but be careful of the quick. Much like a human nail, cutting too short can be painful for the dog. If you're not comfortable doing it, talk to your vet or pet store groomer.
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5. Brush up. You should brush your dog's teeth once a day or every other day. This helps keep plaque from building up and causing problems in your beagle's mouth. Again, it is best to start when the dog is young so it gets used to it, but you can begin by rubbing your finger along the teeth until the dog is used to it, and then try with gauze or a soft doggie or human toothbrush with special dog toothpaste, Aladar suggests. The kennel also recommends singing, humming, and acting happy so the dog isn't scared by your actions.
Overall, beagles need minimal grooming, making them an excellent option for a gun dog or a family pet.
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