Learning to groom your dog at home is the perfect way to save money on fancy groomers and a great way to spend time with your pet!
However, grooming for most dogs is not always a fun experience, so with a fierce dog like a Bull Arab, it is best to know what you are doing, especially when trimming their nails!
That’s what we’re here to help with. Below, you’ll find a ton of information on grooming a Bull Arab dog including the equipment you need, nail trimming tips, how to clean their ears, and more.
Bull Arab dogs have short, dense coats. They are also moderate shedders and, although they do not shed often, this does not stop them from getting hair all over the place and their light fur will fly in the air and land on anything close, usually your clothes or furniture!
A dog breed with a short coat, like this Australian pig dog, should not get a full haircut, only trims. This is because their coat essentially acts as a barrier between their skin and the elements and cutting away too much could be detrimental to their health. It is also recommended to only trim the hairs of your Bull Arab breed around the genital area and only when you feel it is necessary.
However, these hunting dogs must only be brushed and bathed regularly. It just actual haircuts that they should not be given too often.
The Bull Arab was originally bred to be a hunting dog and comes from a mixed lineage. It gets its short coat from its German Shorthaired pointer and English Bull Terrier parent breeds. And, as it is short coated, the Bull Arab’s coat cannot be cut into different styles like a Poodle’s, for example.
They will keep the same haircut for the rest of their lives and this style does not differ from how the Aussie pig dog’s natural hair grows. It also only requires a trim when necessary and no style can be created on these working dogs.
A Bull Arab requires regular brushing to remove any loose hair, particularly during the shedding seasons. Weekly brushing is recommended for these large dogs, using a firm bristle brush to remove loose hair from under the coat.
Brushing also helps with evenly distributing their natural oils, tangles, and knots. The Aussie pig dog is a low-maintenance dog, so this will most likely be the only grooming step you will need to do regularly.
This breed is an average shedder, but this does not stop the loose hair from getting onto your clothes and furniture. This is why brushing is the most important and repeated step of most dogs’ grooming routine.
Every 4-6 weeks, your pup will need to be bathed. This may not be an easy task, considering most dogs hate to be washed, but what fun you will have splashing about with your pet!
This may be different for an especially active dog, as you need to bathe them more often if they are rolling in the dirt than other dogs.
Use a pooch-friendly shampoo and conditioner, and make sure to not get into their ears or eyes as these are sensitive areas.
Always cut a dog’s nails at a 45-degree angle. Hold the paw in your hand, separate their toes, and clip their nails in one smooth snip. You want to avoid the quick by not going further than the white inner part of the nail.
You can use doggy nail clippers, or you could purchase an electric clipper. However, an electrical clipper should be used with caution only once you have gotten the hang of clipping your dog’s nails.
You should clip your dog’s nails every 3-4 weeks. The rule of thumb when it comes to this is if you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, they are too long.
Long nails can also cause them to lose traction on their paws, slipping and sliding all over the place. So, not only is it more aesthetically pleasing for your dog’s nails to be kept in check, it’s better for their safety.
Use dog-safe toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth. This will eliminate debris that may have gotten stuck in their mouths and protect the gums and teeth from infections.
Brushing your dog’s teeth must be done at least every three weeks. This is when you should inspect your dog’s teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of infection, sickness, or abnormalities. If you spot anything you don’t like the look of, book an appointment with your veterinarian who will be able to examine further.
Using cotton wool is the best way to clean your dog’s ears. Dampen the cotton wool with a dog-friendly cleaning solution and use it to wipe the inside of their ears. Always use these opportunities to look for any abnormalities. These can be things you may not notice without closer inspection, as Bull Arabs have full-drop ears.
You should do this at least every three weeks, but it does not need to be done too often and should only be done when you carry out the entire grooming routine. Exercise restraint and common sense here, too. If you notice that your dog’s ears don’t seem too dirty, leave them be. Cleaning too regularly can strip away natural skin oils that they need to keep healthy.
This breed should start grooming as early as 10-12 weeks. Starting your dog’s grooming routine early gives them a chance to get used to it as they grow, especially to the tools you use. It will also make it much easier for you as they mature.
Large dogs are usually stronger than their owners, so you want your dog’s grooming routine to be as relaxing as possible so as not to cause unwanted stress. Bull Arabs tend to be aggressive, and starting a grooming routine early in their lives can be used to reinforce obedience and socialisation.
Bathing should be done at least every 4-6 weeks. This will be different for a more active dog as they might be running around in the dirt more than others. Dogs tend to develop an odour over time as well, so you should bathe them regularly to avoid this.
Every dog should be groomed by a professional groomer at least every few months. This will ensure that your pet is being thoroughly groomed in areas you may not be skilled in maintaining, which will avoid any potentially painful accidents!
If you are of the means to spoil your pup and send them to a professional groomer more often, then you should do so!
It is never a good idea to shave your Bull Arab. They naturally have a short coat that protects them from elements such as harsh colds or the sun and mites and fleas, and shaving it off can cause body temperature problems and numerous unwanted skin irritations.
This versatile breed makes an excellent family pet and is a generally healthy breed with few health issues. Their low-maintenance grooming routine makes them even more appealing!
However, as they were originally bred to catch wild pigs, these dogs are not for the faint-hearted. Get a grip on their grooming routine at home from a young age to keep them looking fresh and clean.
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