Rottweilers are large breed dogs with short double coats. These dogs are robust, intelligent and hard workers, making them a popular choice as service and working dogs. Despite their threatening appearance, a Rottweiler is also a great companion dog and loving addition to any family.
Are you considering adopting or purchasing a Rottie puppy? In this guide, we will give you all the tips and tricks you need to take care of your Rottweiler’s coat to get rid of dead hair and leave your dog with healthy skin and a happy heart.
No. Rottweillers have short coats and do not need a haircut. The hair lies flat against the body, and it is very unlikely that this dog’s coat will have to be shaved or clipped unless they are undergoing a medical procedure.
Rottweiler grooming is very easy because of the low-maintenance nature of this breed’s coat. But don’t be fooled by the short fur of this sturdy dog – Rottweilers are known for shedding hair throughout the year.
To make sure your Rottweiler has a shiny coat, it will require regular brushing, occasional bathing, and some other basic activities included in your grooming routine.
Below we will look at how dog owners can groom their Rottweilers at home.
You can brush your Rottie as often as you want with a soft bristle brush to remove loose hair, although it is recommended that you do this at least once a week. Brushing also helps to spread natural oils throughout the coat and skin.
To help your dog get rid of the undercoat during high shedding periods, you can use a slicker brush or undercoat rake to de-shed the undercoat.
Remember to always brush in the direction of the coat and start from the neck down.
Always bathe your Rottweiler using a shampoo formulated for dogs.
Rottweilers are relatively clean, and unless your dog likes rolling in the mud, you do not have to bathe your pup too often. The frequency of bathing will depend on your dog’s activity levels and the environment it lives in.
Before bathing, use a brush to remove dead hairs from the Rottweiler’s undercoat. You can wash your dog in the tub or outside, but it is recommended that you use lukewarm water. Use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that will not irritate your dog’s skin.
Make sure to rinse the dog thoroughly to get rid of all the soap suds. Dry your dog with a towel to get rid of most of the water, or you can use a hairdryer on a low setting if your dog is comfortable with that.
If you notice your Rottie has started to smell bad in between baths, simply wipe it down with a deodorising wipe that is pet friendly to ensure you have a fresh-smelling dog.
Bathing and brushing your Rottweiler is only part of your grooming routine. Below are some more activities to undertake when it comes to Rottweiler grooming.
You can clip your dog’s nails at home with canine nail clippers, or you can take your dog to your local vet or pet groomer. Sometimes nail clipping is also done at large pet stores.
Rottweilers spend a lot of time outside, and if they play and run on harder surfaces, like tarmac, their nails tend to wear down naturally.
Dogs who spend more time on grass and soil may have long nails that will have to be trimmed or worn down with a nail grinder each month.
You may be daunted to try and trim your Rottweiler’s nails at home, but it is actually pretty easy. Start while your dog is young so that it gets used to the experience.
Proper dental hygiene is crucial when it comes to Rottweiler grooming.
Teeth that are not frequently cleaned can result in gum disease, which can affect other organs in the dog’s body.
Dogs that are fed dry kibble tend to have cleaner teeth as the chewing motion gets rid of some plaque on the dog’s teeth. Dogs fed a raw or wet diet will require frequent brushing of their teeth, and they should be provided with dog chews to help get rid of plaque.
You can use a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste to brush your Rottie’s teeth. It is best to start when they are still young, as not all dogs enjoy the sensation of tooth brushing.
Make sure you get a toothbrush with a long handle, as this will allow you to reach all the way to the back molars.
Gum disease and tooth decay are no joke and can cost you thousands of dollars in tooth extractions and dentist appointments. So it is best to stay on top of your Rottweiler’s teeth.
The first sign of gum disease is foul breath. Most owners report that the breath of their dog smells like rotten eggs – so if your dog’s breath starts smelling off, it is time to have its teeth checked.
If brushing teeth is not your forte, then you can take your Rottweiler to the vet for dental cleaning.
The floppy ears of a Rottweiler tend to trap debris and dirt, which can result in ear infections if not cleaned properly.
To see if your Rottweiler’s ears require cleaning, lift them up and check for any wax build-up or red, inflamed areas inside.
If your dog has an ear infection, it will most likely flap its ears, shake its head, and paw its ears as they might be itchy. This is a sign that you should take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
You can prevent infection by regularly cleaning your Rottweiler’s ears.
Use a cotton ball moistened with warm water and a dash of vinegar, and gently wipe the inside of your Rottie’s ears. Don’t rub too deep – just wipe the ears you can see. You can also purchase a dog-approved ear cleaner from your local vet store to get rid of dirt and wax in the ears.
You can brush your Rottweiler puppy with a rubber curry brush and wipe it down with a damp cloth when it is a few weeks old. Rottweilers do not require extensive grooming.
You should bathe your Rottie every four to six weeks or when it is dirty.
No, you can easily groom your Rottweiler at home.
No, do not shave your Rottweiler. You can buy a brush to help strip the undercoat during summer to keep your dog cool.
Rottweilers are low-maintenance dogs when it comes to coat care, although Rottweilers shed throughout the year. To make sure your Rottweiler looks and feels its best, brush it once a week, bathe it every few weeks, keep the nails trimmed, clean the ears, and brush its teeth.
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