Opal is a pug we bathe monthly. Her coat is short and smooth, and to be honest, she always looks pretty good when she comes in for her appointment. Even though we groom dogs for a living, we still often comment on what a dramatic change good grooming can make on even smooth-coated pets. When her grooming is completed, she looks shinier; her coat looks smoother, and, of course, she smells terrific.
Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your smooth-coated grooming game:
- Pay attention to the products you choose. There are shampoos for every coat type, from crisp terrier fur to the flowing locks of a full coated Lhasa Apso and everything in between. Any of these will get a smooth-coated pet clean, but by paying attention to the shampoo and conditioner you use on smooth coats, you will achieve your best results. For optimum shine and a coat that will lie nicely when finished, consider a protein shampoo such as Why Bitch protein shampoo. Or, if the dog you are working on has a smooth coat but also has a dense undercoat, consider using something to help that undercoat come out, such as Best Shot Ultra Wash.
- Condition! Sure, that smooth coat is short and isn’t going to tangle, but washing it removes natural sebum and oils along with dirt, dust, and dander. Use a conditioner to replace the natural sebum, help remove shedding hair, and leave a lustrous shine.
- Smooth-coated dogs shed. A lot. This is because the growth cycle from when each hair emerges from the follicle until it is ready to fall out is short. Use a tool like a rubber curry both in the bath while you have conditioner on it and after the pet is dry to encourage all those short, dead hairs to come out.
- Adding just a few drops of Best Shot The Maxx to the final rinse of smooth-coated pets will help the shedding fur release more easily, speed up drying time, and add shine.
- After the pet is dry and well-brushed, finish with a spritz of something like Glo Coat conditioner spray to add gloss.
- For a flawless finish on these coats, go over the dog with a natural bristle brush. This brush style will encourage the coat to lie correctly against the skin, distribute natural oils and finishing sprays, and promote maximum shine.
Smooth-coated breeds may seem like easy “bath” dogs, but by paying attention to the products and tools you use while getting them clean, dry, and de-shedded, you can elevate the “WOW” factor in a way that customers will notice.