Whippet Grooming Tips & Styles

Who can resist those big doe eyes staring up at you, begging not to hear the immortal words ‘bathtime, Rover’? Sadly, for your Whippet at least, grooming is a necessary evil for every dog, although, mercifully, many Whippets really enjoy a bit of pampering…

…and yes, that includes having a bath too!

In this guide, we will walk and talk you through just about everything you need to know about Whippet grooming, including caring for a Whippet’s nails, teeth and ears, plus lots more.

Do Whippets Need Haircuts?

Generally speaking, Whippets do not require a haircut. Some people do choose to shave their Whippet in warmer weather; however, a professional groomer will usually not recommend this.

How often do Whippets need a haircut?

As stated, there is no need to trim a Whippet’s coat, but if you are unsure – for example, if your dog has something stuck in its coat – you could always ask a professional groomer for advice.

Whippet haircut styles

Whippets have such a short coat that they prefer to stay au naturel – no funky haircuts are required!
 

How Do You Groom A Whippet At Home?

Whippet lovers rejoice! Whippet dogs aren’t averse to a bit of grooming, which thankfully makes what is often a thankless task when it comes to other dog breeds a total breeze!

Just follow our steps below to have your Whippet puppy or adult dog sparkling clean in no time.

Bathing

• Step 1: When you are running the bath, let your dog into the bathroom with you; this allows them to see what is ahead of them and gets them used to the idea instead of being picked up and dunked in the tub, which probably won’t go down well.
• Step 2: Once you have run the bath, check the temperature – this is VERY important. The water should be no hotter than room temperature so it won’t open up the dog’s pores. If pores are open, it means a slightly increased chance of the Whippet reacting to the shampoo you use.
• Step 3: Place a towel at the bottom of the bath so your four-legged friend has a bit more grip in the bathtub.
• Step 4: Ensure you put a leash on your dog and gently place them in the bath.
• Step 5: Start by putting water all over your dog until they are completely wet, and then add a small amount of gentle shampoo to their thin coat and begin to lather, ensuring you work the dog shampoo into every bit of the coat, being mindful around the eyes.
• Step 6: Once you’ve given them a good lathering, rinse all the soap off. You’ll know when the soap is completely gone when the water begins to run clear. It’s important to ensure you have removed all the shampoo as this can aggravate their sensitive skin.
• Step 7: If you and your Whippet have made it this far, good job! Gently lift your pup out of the bath and give them a towel dry. As a Whippet’s coat is so thin, this will take no time at all, and there will probably be little need for a hairdryer.
• Step 8: Your dog should be getting lots and lots of praise and cuddles for doing such an excellent job in the tub!

And that’s it – you’ve successfully bathed your Whippet!
 

Whippet Additional Grooming Requirements

It’s not just having a monthly bath; Whippets have other grooming requirements for their owner to get their head around. Below, we’ll discuss four jobs you’ll need to perfect: nail clipping, ear cleaning, coat brushing, and teeth brushing.

Nail clipping

One important aspect of grooming that might go overlooked is nail clipping. A regular clipping will keep the quick (the part of the cuticle with sensitive blood vessels and nerves) short. This prevents your dog from getting seriously hurt.

How to do it

A dog’s nails should not be too short, nor should they touch the floor when standing. Your vet can tell you the exact length they should be without causing the dog pain or discomfort.

You can, if you prefer, take your Whippet to a professional groomer to have their nails cut.

How often does it need to be done?

Nail clipping should be carried out weekly.

Ear cleaning

Ear cleaning is essential to prevent your dog from getting infections and mites.

How to do it

With a clean cloth or flannel, gently clean the Whippet’s ears to loosen any debris and dirt that may be trapped there. Avoid using a cotton bud because if you’re not careful, you could rupture your Whippet’s ear drum.

How often does it need to be done?

This part of Whippet grooming is very important, as any build-up of dirt can lead to painful ear infections. Aim to clean the dog’s ears at least once a week.

Brushing

One way to minimise your Whippet’s shedding is to maintain a regular brushing regime.

How to do it

You only need a pet brush and a spare 10 minutes to run the brush through your Whippet’s coat. While Whippets don’t tend to shed hair (at least not too many), there will be some loose hair that can make a Whippet coat look a bit duller than usual.

How often does it need to be done?

In order to keep your Whippet’s coat smooth and to get rid of any loose hairs, their short coats should have a weekly brushing.

Teeth

If the dog’s owners aren’t diligent with their pet’s oral hygiene, they can develop gum and tooth issues like gingivitis, plaque tartar buildup, etc. So it’s vital to give them a brush.

How to do it

Using a toothbrush, start at the back teeth and move your way forward, rotating the brush constantly. If your dog isn’t keen on the toothbrush, you can purchase specialist gloves with bristles that many dogs prefer.

How often does it need to be done?

A dog’s teeth must be brushed weekly to maintain good oral hygiene and fresh breath.
 

FAQs

When should you first groom a Whippet?

Start grooming a Whippet as young as possible so that they become accustomed to it. When you begin to groom an older Whippet, they can sometimes be wary, and you might have more difficulty getting them to agree to their pampering session!

How often should I bathe my Whippet?

Whippet owners should bathe their dogs once a month to keep their thin coats in good condition. Bathing them too often can lead to skin irritation, so try to keep bathtimes to a minimum.

Does a Whippet require professional grooming?

No, Whippets are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, and they will not need a trip to the local groomers unless they have gotten themselves particularly unkempt by rolling in something unsavoury, in which case you may prefer to pass the job of cleaning them on to someone else!

Should I shave my Whippet for summer?

No, you should never shave your Whippet for the warmer months. This is because the coat can grow back unevenly, and a shorter coat will mean that your Whippet will be more susceptible to sun damage on their skin.
 

Final Thoughts on Whippet Grooming

While it might seem like a big job, a Whippet is not high maintenance when it comes to grooming. A quick brush once a week, a bath once a month, their ears checked and cleaned once a week, and their teeth brushed every few days are more than enough to have them looking – and feeling – in tip-top condition.

It’s important to try and get your dog used to grooming when they are very young, as chances are they won’t be as resistant to the scary toothbrush when they are little pups. After all, everything is an adventure to a puppy!