Beagle is a small scent hound that was bred in England for hunting purposes. They are among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States. Beagles are relatively low-maintenance dogs and are fairly easy to groom. However regular grooming is essential For their overall health and well-being. By reading this article you will know all about Grooming a beagle dog.
Why and how Grooming a beagle dog is necessary
Coat structure
Beagles have short and double-layered coats. The outer layer is coarse and works as a protective layer. The inner layer is soft and dense it works as an insulating layer shielding them from hot and cold temperatures. Grooming a beagle dog is an important thing for their health as well. Grooming a beagle dog should contain some steps.
Steps for Grooming a beagle dog
- Brushing
- bathing
- nails care
- nose care
- ear care
- dental care
Why brushing
Regular brushing is essential for keeping their coat clean, smooth, and dirt free. Brushing is more effective than bathing. When it comes to the health and appearance of a coat. Brushing removes dirt, debris, and loose hair from their coat. It stimulates their skin to produce more oils making the fur healthier and shinier. Brushing also reduces shedding and is an excellent way of removing dead hair. Brushing is an extremely easy-to-do step of Grooming a beagle dog.
Puppy brushing
Early exposure to the brushing process is essential to make your puppy familiar with the process. Beagle puppies are born with soft and fluffy coats. Around 4 to 6 months they lose their puppy coat and develop a more resilient adult coat. Puppies shed minimally and don’t require a lot of brushing. However, you can do brushing with the sole purpose of making them used to the process. Start brushing your beagle puppy is about 8 to 10 weeks old. Brush them once or twice a week using gentle grooming tools. Make every session enjoyable and rewarding for them. Puppies are not familiar with the grooming tools and may resist. But you can overcome this by giving a lot of praise and treats.
The process
Choose a quiet place for brushing where your dog will not be disturbed or distracted. You can brush them outside especially during their shedding seasons. Because there will be a lot of loose hair make sure your dog is calm and comfortable. The best time for brushing is when they are not feeling energetic. Such as after a walk or exercise. Use a good quality bristle brush. Start from the neck and work your way down towards their belly, chest, legs, and tail.
Give long smooth strokes in the direction of hair growth using the brush gently without pulling their fur. Be extra careful around their sensitive body parts. Such as the face muzzle and paws. A bristle brush is the basic grooming brush for beagles in order to perfectly Groom a beagle dog. It is used along with a pin brush you can also use a de-shedding tool or grooming gloves. A slicker brush is not the best option because beagles have short fur. Which doesn’t get matted making the brushing an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your dog. After completing the process give him treats and trace his behavior.
How often to do it
Beagles love playing around in the mud and their coats can quickly get dirty. They have short fur which sheds moderately throughout the year. They need to be brushed once or twice a week. However, during their shedding seasons, they need to be brushed daily.
Blowing of coat
Beagles shed moderately throughout the year. But shed heavily during their shedding seasons. Which are spring and fall. They shed heaviest in the Spring when they are losing their Winter coats. Shedding is a completely natural process for dogs with double-layered coats. In which old strands of hair are replaced by new hair. This seasonal shedding prepares their coats for upcoming weather changes. This blowing of the coat results in a lot of loose hair. There will be fur all around the house this lasts for about 2 to 4 weeks. They will need daily brushing during their shedding seasons. You can use a de-shedding brush to remove loose hair from your coat.
Food role
Food plays a significant role in the health and appearance of a coat. If your dog has a dull coat one of the main reasons could be its diet. Excessive shedding can sometimes be caused by a poor diet. Protein is the most important ingredient. Because a dog’s fur is made entirely from protein and fats in the form of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Help in dealing with dry and dull coats and give your dog a high-quality and well-balanced diet. Filled with all the vitamins and minerals.
Grooming tools for beagle
Pin and bristle brush
A pin and a bristle brush are the basic grooming tools for a beagle. A double-sided brush that has pins on one side and bristles on the other. Is a must-have brush for a beagle. Start with a pin brush to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair. And then finish with a bristle brush to smooth the hair and add shine to the dog’s coat.
Slicker brush
The primary purpose of a slicker brush is to remove mats and tangled hair. They are often used on medium to long-haired or curly-haired dogs. It is not a good option for beagles. Since they have short fur that doesn’t tangle. A pin brush is the best alternative to a slicker brush. However, a slicker brush can only be used occasionally to remove dead loose hair from their undercoat.
Hound gloves
If you or your dog are not comfortable with brushes you can use some hound gloves. They are designed in a way to fit easily into your hand. And reach all parts of the dog’s body they remove debris and loose hair from their coat. While also massaging their skin they are gentle but effective and provide a soothing brushing experience.
De-shedding tool
Grooming a beagle dog also needs a de-shedding tool to pull out dead loose hair from its undercoat it is an essential grooming tool. And is used frequently when they are blowing their coats. The basic purpose of a de-shedding tool is to remove dead loose hair from a dog’s undercoat. Which cannot be done with regular brushes.
Dry nose
Sand towns primarily use their noses and a dry nose is a common problem for them. Beagles like other scent hounds have very sensitive noses. And they often encounter a dry nose problem. Examine your beagle’s nose regularly. You don’t need to be worried if their nose is a bit dry. Since that will happen a lot in beagles. However, if the problem persists it could lead to peeling or even cracking of the nose.
Causes
There are a number of internal body conditions or environmental factors that cause a dry nose.
- Excessive exposure to the sun
- Excessive exposure to cold, dry air
- Low humid environment
- Dehydration
- Allergies
- Sleep
When a beagle sleeps his nose remains dry but when he wakes up the moisture level returns quickly.
How to keep their nose moist
You can keep their nose moist by taking a few simple steps.
Use humidifiers
When there is little humidity and the air is dry. Use humidifiers that raise the humidity level in the air, preventing their nose from drying out in the winter. The air remains dry and you need to use humidifiers inside the house.
Nose bam
Using a nose bam is the best thing you can do to apply a nose bam. When the weather is too hot or cold. A good quality nose bam shields them from the sun and the cold wind keeps their nose from drying out.
Water intake
Drying of the nose can sometimes be caused by dehydration issues. Make sure your beagle is getting enough water.
Bathing
Beagles have a distinct body odor they have a higher concentration of odor-producing microbes on their bodies. Which is a common feature of scent hounds. They need regular baths to get rid of all these excessive body oils and odors. Batting improves The appearance of their coat by removing dirty debris and loss of hair. It is also beneficial to their underlying skin as it keeps allergies and infections at bay.
Brushing before bath
It is recommended to brush your dog before bathing. This helps to remove dead loose hair from their coat. It also removes the outside dirt, and debris and prepares their coat for bathing.
The process
You can bathe your beagle in a bathtub or in an open area outside. If Your beagle is a puppy you can bathe him in the sink. And place a towel or non-slippery mat on the bottom surface. To prevent your dog from slipping. The water temperature is critical make sure to use lukewarm water. Fill the tub with a few inches of water. Invite your dog to the bathtub using treats and an encouraging voice once your dog is comfortable in the tub. Start pouring water over his whole body except The head.
His head and face Should be washed at the end. As pouring water on his face would scare him and he may try to jump out of the tub. Squeeze Some dogs’ specific shampoo and rub it gently over their bodies. Beagles have coarse and thick coats. Which means your hands will not be able to scrub the shampoo effectively. It is recommended to use a bathing brush for massaging the shampoo. Choose a soft baby brush and use it gently over their whole body. Including the underbelly armpits, sanitary areas, and tail. If there is a lot of dirt on their body. Use the shampoo 2 to 3 times until it is fully clean.
Facial wash
His face should be washed at the end take special care of their eyes, ears, and muzzle. And prevent them from shampooing. Use wipes or a damp washcloth to clean their eyes and muzzle. Cover their ears with cotton balls the floppy ears of beagles can easily trap moisture and become infected.
Rinse and dry
It is very important to rinse your dog any soap residue on their skin could cause irritation and itching. You will need to double-check to ensure that no traces of shampoo remain on their body. Once you have rinsed your dog. Let him shake his body to get rid of excess water. Then use some clean towels to dry your dog. You can also use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. Use a canine’s hair dryer and keep it at the lowest heat setting. And hold it at a reasonable distance from their skin.
Use conditioner
You can use a conditioner on your dog. It hydrates their fur making it softer and shinier. It also prevents itchy and dry skin by restoring moisture to the skin. Always use a dog-specific conditioner made with natural ingredients.
Shampoo to use
Beagles have short and coarse fur and they require a shampoo tailored for them. Choose a shampoo that is gentle, organic, and PH balanced. If your beagle has allergies or any other skin condition use a vet-recommended shampoo. Cheap and low-quality shampoo often contains harsh chemicals. That strips away the natural oil from their skin. Making it dry and itchy never use human or even baby shampoo on your beagle. Dogs have different skin and PH balance and human shampoo could irritate their delicate skin.
How often to do it
Beagles need to be bathed every 3 to 4 weeks. If your beagle has a lot of outdoor activities. You can bathe them more than once a month. You don’t need to be deceived by their coat which often appears clean. It’s because they have thick coats. Which is dirt repellent and doesn’t absorb it easily and that’s why owners realize. They don’t need a bath while in fact. They do beagles have the typical body odor of scent hounds. Their skin produces a lot of body oils which accumulate on their skin. Over time regular baths are essential to eliminate all of these body oils and odors. Beagles are also more prone to skin allergies if your dog had one. You can increase or decrease the bathing frequency on the recommendations of a vet.
Over bathing
Bathing should be done in accordance with their needs. Overbathing should be avoided as it is counterproductive. As it strips away their natural oils leading to dry and itchy skin.
Bathing puppies
Puppies don’t need a lot of bathing. They should not be bathed unless they are at least 8 weeks old before that time. If required you can wipe him with a damp towel soaked in puppy shampoo.
Ear care
According to the American kennel club, around 20% of dogs have some form of ear problems.
Ear infection
Beagles are more prone to Ear infections because of the specific structure of their ears. They have long floppy ears which can easily trap moisture and parasites. Their droopy ears effectively restrict air circulation and thus provide a warm and moist place for bacterial growth.
Cause of ear infection
There are some common issues of ear infections in dogs such as parasites, ear mites, excessive wax build-up, and allergies.
External parasites
External parasites like bacteria or yeast grow inside their ear canals and cause ear infections.
Ear mites
Ear mites are highly contagious and could transfer from one animal to another.
Excessive wax
Some wax is necessary but an excessive buildup of wax can cause blockage and infection.
Allergies
Allergies are the most common cause of recurring ear infections in dogs.
Signs of ear infection
There are some common signs of ear infections:
- Aggressive head shaking
- Frequent ear scratching
- Red, inflamed, or swollen ears
- Discharge from the ears
- Bad odor from ears
If you notice a combination of these symptoms. Takes them to a vet for further examination. Ear infections in dogs are easily treated if diagnosed early. However, if left untreated they could cause permanent damage.
The process
Gather all the supplies you need such as cotton balls ear cleaning solution towels and your dog’s favorite treats. Take a cotton ball dip it in the ear-cleaning solution and clean the outside ear. Then squirt a few drops of ear-cleaning solution inside his ear canal. Fold the flap over the ear and massage the base of the ear canal for some time. This help to distribute the solution inside the ear canal. We consider ear cleaning to be an important step in Grooming a beagle dog.
Let go of his ear and your dog will shake his head to take out the solution from the ear. And thus also taking out any debris or excessive wax from the ear. Hold the towel close to the ear to collect the solution and debris from the ear. You can repeat this process 2 to 3 times if there is a bad odor. And the ear doesn’t look clean. In the end, wipe the outside ear with a cotton ball and make it dry. After you’ve finished the process reward your dog with treats and praise.
How often do clean ears
Foreign their ears once a week to see. If they need to be cleaned normal dogs’ ears are pink odorless and without any buildup of wax or debris. A bad odor from the ears is a clear sign of an ear infection. The general rule of thumb is to clean their ears every 2 to 3 weeks. However, you can do it more often. If your beagle has a history of ear infections or plays a lot in the water.
Over cleaning
Over-cleaning is counterproductive and in fact, it is one of the causes of ear infections in dogs. It could cause inflammation and irritation in their ears.
Use a dog’s solution
Dogs have sensitive ears and they need a specifically formulated ear-cleaning solution. They always use a dog-specific ear-cleaning solution hydrogen peroxide or other homemade solution often irritating their ears. Specifically formulated solutions for dogs to help fight off bacteria and dissolve wax or debris.
No Q tips
Dogs have L-shaped ear canals and inserting anything inside will further push the wax or debris inside. If causing a blockage or damage to the eardrum don’t insert q-tips or cotton swabs inside their ears.
Prevent moisture
Moisture is one of the main reasons for ear infections in dogs. A moist environment provides a breeding place for bacteria and yeast growth. Which results in infection and keeps their ears covered during baths.
Nails care
In the wild dogs would naturally wear down their nails by walking, running, and scratching on rough surfaces. However pet dogs don’t have that lifestyle, and their nails need to be trimmed. Beagles are high-energy dogs who love to jump. And play around and they need healthy paws and nails for such activities.
Why is it necessary
Long overgrown nails can interfere with everyday activities like walking. It disturbs their balance and eventually leads to joint problems. Long nails can break easily exposing the area to infection. If nails are left too long. They will develop an overgrown quick portion which will be painful to trim. There is also a danger of ingrown nails if not trimmed on time.
The process
Nail trimming for dogs does not require any special skills. However, you need to be careful because if your dog gets a painful experience. He will be reluctant to the process in the future. Collect all supplies that you need. Such as nail clippers, cotton balls, styptic powder, and your dog’s favorite treats. Make your dog calm and comfortable. If your dog keeps pulling away you may cut his nail in the wrong place.
You may start trimming from back nails because they are less sensitive and are easier to handle. Hold his paw firmly and gently apply pressure on the nail to extend. And start trimming from the tip of the nail. Don’t cut off a big chunk of the nail at one time. Because you have to look for the quick portion of the nail. The quick is the living portion of the dog’s nail and it bleeds. If you cut it so you need to trim their nails bit by bit. Until you reach the quick portion. After completing the process reward your dog with treats and praise for his behavior.
When to do it
Trim their nails when they have grown long enough the growth of nails. Depends upon their activity level and the surface they are moving on. If they routinely walk on hard surfaces their nails will grow slower. The general rule of thumb is that their nails need to be trimmed every 2 weeks. The best way to determine the time of nail trimming. Is by observing their walk on the floor. When you can hear the clicking sound of their nails. While walking on the floor that is the time for trimming.
Quick portion
The quick is the living portion of the nail it contains blood vessels and nerves. Which supplies blood to the nail and keeps it alive and growing. If you accidentally cut the quick area and it starts bleeding. Apply some styptic powder. It stops the bleeding the quick portion is the pink area of the nails. And it is clearly visible in light-colored nails. However, it is difficult to spot in dark-colored nails. So you will have to trim their nails bit by bit until you come across the quick portion.
Start early
It is very beneficial to make your dog familiar with nail trimming from a young age. You can start gradually by holding their paws. Touching their nails and applying gentle pressure on their nails to make them used to the touch. And the sound of nail clippers. Using treats and praise will help you a lot in the process.
Use dog products
There are 3 types of nail clipping tools guillotine, scissors, and grinder. You can use either of these to clip your beagle’s nails. Buy a good quality nail clipper that is sharp enough to cut your nails easily. Don’t use a human nail clipper on dogs. The structure and position of human nails are different from those of dogs. Humans have flat while dogs have round nails and always use a canine snail clipper. Dogs’ tools are extremely useful for Grooming a beagle dog.
Dental care
Teeth care is often overlooked but it is crucial not only for oral hygiene but also for overall health. Dental diseases are very common in dogs and could shorten their lifespan by 1 to 3 years. The germs from periodontal diseases could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs such as the heart and liver.
First few years
According to the statistics of the American veterinary medical association. Around 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease by the age of 3. Most dental problems affect them more during the first 2 to 3 years of their lives. And you need to be vigilant during this time. It is necessary to make your dog used to the brushing process from a young age.
Plaque buildup
The majority of dental problems begin with the formation of plaque. When food particles become trapped in their teeth. While eating it creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The bacteria combined with saliva and foods develop plaque. If not cleaned plaque converts into tartar within days. Tartar starts infecting teeth and gums one thing leads to another and eventually it causes tooth decay. Receding gums and tooth loss. Plaque buildup is the root cause of many periodontal diseases. Dogs develop plaque if they are not brushed properly. Brushing their teeth is the most effective way of preventing plaque and tartar. And thus preventing tooth decay and gum diseases. Grooming a beagle dog doesn’t contain only outer body grooming. Checking their dental health has a great role in Grooming a beagle dog.
Signs of dental problems
White teeth, pink gum, and a fresh smell are the ultimate signs of good dental hygiene. Any disruption in these indicates dental problems. There are some early signs of dental problems in dogs.
Plaque buildup
It is the first sign of dental problems that do not appear to be serious. At first plaque buildup causes yellow or brownish discoloration of the teeth. It can be seen on the teeth and along the gum line.
Gums issues
Red inflamed or bleeding gums are an indication of gum issues.
Bad breath
Bad breath is the most obvious sign of dental problems. It is produced when bacteria decompose food particles in their teeth creating a sulfur-like smell. Bad breath is an indication that bacteria are in the process of developing gum diseases. However bad breath can sometimes be caused by other health issues like liver or kidney problems.
How often to do it
Ideally, you should brush your teeth daily. But if that’s not possible brush their teeth several times a week. If your dog is used to the process it will be a quick session of about 5 minutes. Brush his teeth gentle circular motion making sure to brush all sides of the teeth front, back, and top. After a successful brushing, the session gives him treats and praise for his behavior.
Use a dog product
Always use a canine’s toothbrush and paste dog teeth positioned differently than humans. They need a dog-specific toothbrush. That is designed for their small teeth and weak gums. You can start with a finger brush and then progress to a canine toothbrush. Human toothbrushes have hard bristles and are too large for their small mouths. They also need canine toothpaste which is available in a variety of flavors. A canine’s toothpaste contains no harmful chemicals and is even edible. Human toothpaste contains certain chemicals like Xylitol and fluoride which are toxic for dogs.
Start early
It is very necessary to make them used to teeth brushing from a young age. In the beginning, you can use your fingers to rub your teeth and gums. Then slowly progress towards a finger brush and a regular brush. However, if your puppy is not cooperative in the beginning be patient and use lots of treats and praise.
Dental chews
There is a variety of dental cleaning products available. Such as dental wipes, chews, and treats. These are specially designed to clean a dog’s teeth and give him a fresh breath. These chews remove plaque and tartar from the dog’s teeth. While also strengthening their gums. Dry food and chew toys are also beneficial for their dental hygiene. To choose products made from natural ingredients and approved by the veterinarian. Oral health council however keeps in mind that these products work only to a certain extent. And are not suitable for brushing their teeth.
Annual check-ups
Besides regular brushing beagles also need a complete dental and oral cleaning. At least once a year a veterinarian will look for any dental problems. That may have gone unnoticed as well as a checkup of their teeth roots and gums. They conduct blood tests x rays and other techniques to look for hidden issues. A senior dog will require more annual examinations.
Hopefully, by reading this content you will understand all about Grooming a beagle dog.
