You’ll know how robust this breed is if you already have a German Shorthaired Pointer. Although it may look scrawny, this breed is mighty on its legs, and its strength comes out to play when going on hunting escapades or even for a simple hike.
But, despite this dog’s resilience, it still needs some tender loving care from time to time. So what is the best way to care for your hound’s coat? What other grooming care does this breed require? Here are answers to that question and more on how to care for your German Shorthaired Pointer.
The GSP’s coat is smooth and short. Despite this fact, this breed sheds throughout the year, even during winter. This is necessary to keep their coat healthy, but should you shave or trim your GSP’s coat? No, you don’t need to shave your German Shorthaired Pointer dog.
Your German Shorthaired Pointer’s coat care should primarily consist of bathing and caring for the shed. The coat has natural oils that keep it healthy at all times, and shaving could disrupt that natural process.
Unlike the Wirehaired Pointer, the GSP does not require a haircut because even the muzzle does not grow hair. As a short-haired breed, cutting or shaving their coat can disrupt the delicate balance of natural oils that keeps their fur and skin healthy, and when this happens, certain skin conditions can form.
Grooming a GSP is not as challenging as it is with other breeds. However, your hound periodically gets dirty and needs a bath. But what is the process of washing adult German Shorthairs?
One of the most important things to remember about grooming a GSP is that it does not require frequent baths like other dog breeds. Instead, this hunting dog should be washed only when necessary because of the oils that keep its coat healthy.
Frequent bathing could also disrupt this natural process. Therefore, avoid scrubbing too much during bath time. Instead, use a grooming mitt to remove stubborn dirt on this breed.
What are other grooming requirements applicable to GSPs? Taking care of its nails, teeth, and ears is equally essential. What is the best way to go about this?
Caring for a dog’s nails should be done frequently to prevent ingrown nails and discomfort. GSPs are not exempt from long nails, so watch for excessive growth and take care of it accordingly.
A German Shorthaired Pointer’s nails play a vital role in its agility when hunting or hiking. However, they can cause severe discomfort when left to grow long, so regular grooming is essential.
The best way to do this is using a pet nail file grinder, and you can also use a clipper if you’ve got experience clipping pet nails. However, if you aren’t confident with either, it’s best to book them in with a professional dog groomer.
Once nails get very long, clip them as needed and follow up in a few weeks. Usually, two to four weeks is enough time for your hound to grow their nails again. Check again throughout that period to determine if the nails have grown longer than they should.
Brushing a dog’s teeth might be a challenging adventure at first, especially if your pup has never received this grooming experience. However, with some practice, this smart doggo will get used to the routine and might even start to like it.
Using a firm bristle brush might harm your dog’s gums, so carefully choose your tools. Similarly, human toothpaste should be avoided at all costs as its chemicals could be harmful when swallowed.
Instead, opt for dog toothpaste and a finger brush to gently ease this hound into a healthy oral hygiene routine.
Brushing your dog’s teeth depends on the dog food you offer. Some breeds might be sensitive to wet food and develop bacteria quicker. GSPs might require constant brushing if that is the diet you are offering.
However, if you provide high-quality dry food, this hound might only need a brush once every two weeks, as it is less likely to cling to the gums or get stuck between teeth.
Frequently cleaning a GSP’s coat is the best way to take care of this breed without regularly bathing it, and here is how to do it.
Giving a GSP high-quality dog food will make your dog’s skin healthier, but this does not prevent shedding.
To minimise dog hair around your house, use a brush or grooming mitt to eliminate loose hair. Cleaning a hound’s coat is easy and can even be done during playtime.
Since GSPs shed all year round, you must clean the coat frequently. Therefore, brush its fur at least once every two weeks for the best results in pursuit of minimising shedding.
Caring for a German Shorthaired Pointer’s ears is a critical aspect of grooming. Dog owners should master the art of gently cleaning their dog’s ears. With the kind of ears this breed has, extra precautions must be taken to avoid infections. So what is the best way to care for a GSP’s ears?
Gently use a pet-safe ear-cleaning solution and cotton balls. Avoid using harsh chemicals not prescribed by a veterinarian, as they might cause irritation or discomfort. In addition, these chemicals could lead to abrasion, creating an environment where an infection can fester.
Cleaning those floppy ears should be done frequently. Inspect the ears for infections once every two weeks and clean up any excess wax.
Since grooming a GSP is not much of a hassle, you can start bathing and brushing its teeth as a small pup. Then, after it is done teething, you can begin familiarising this pup with brushing its teeth frequently. At this age, all that is needed by your dog’s coat is to brush and go unless it has lots of dirt or grime.
Bathing a GSP is not recommended to be done regularly, as doing this might expose your hound’s sensitive skin, causing irritation and discomfort. So instead of scheduling baths, take on this chore as needed and not as frequently as you would take a bath yourself.
Suppose you are not as experienced with dogs’ nail clipping and ear cleaning tasks; in this case, a professional groomer could greatly assist in avoiding overexposing your dog’s nails or causing ear irritation for your GSP.
You do not have to shave this hound for summer, as any dead hair will shed naturally. Most breeds with short coats also do not require a shave in the summertime.
Taking care of a GSP is not as tedious as it is with other dogs, and the coat takes care of itself as long as this hound has a healthy diet. However, you must brush the coat frequently, clip this hound’s nails, and clean its ears regularly.
Due to the low maintenance of the GSP breed, it is the best dog for owners without extensive experience in grooming.
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