Grooming Tips

Whitman

Well, it's that time of year again!

Pyrenees completely blow their coat multiple times throughout the year.  Pyrs are a double-coated breed with a dense and fine undercoat that serves as an insulator against both heat and cold.   Their topcoat easily sheds dirt and mud after it dries which is good news since they love to dig and lay in the holes they've made!

It's important to keep up with grooming your Pyr to avoid matting and skin problems.  It's the time I can spot any skin issues or ticks as well.  The grooming routine should include checking your Pyr's mouth, ears, eyes, and paws as well as nail trims including the distinctive dewclaws on all four legs.  The rescue suggests you have your groomer or vet demonstrate how to trim the dewclaws.

The need for grooming will vary by the type of coat your dogs has as well as his or her tolerance for being groomed.  The best way to keep your Pyr's coat under control is to groom for 30 minutes once a week.




Tools
There are several grooming tools you can use and you may soon identify a favorite.  These include a rake, large, curved slicker brush, wide-toothed steel comb, and a mat splitter.  You will also find useful cotton balls or pads to wipe ears and eyes, ear wipes (your vet can recommend a brand), soft bristle and pin brushes, heavy duty shear-style nail clippers, and toothbrush and dog toothpaste if needed, and de-tangling spray.

The Process
If your dog's coat has tangles or your dog is sensitive to brushing, use the de-tangling conditioning spray beforehand.  Don't spray it directly on areas such as the anus or vulva even though dogs tend to mat in those areas.  Start by running a wide rake through the entire coat at a 45-degree angle, starting at the neck and gently combing to the base of the tail.  Then repeat along the same route along the sides.  Next, take a curved slicker brush and brush out the coat by sections, lifting the section to create a "loft" for air to circulate.  Their neck and shoulders are where the fur is usually thickest and longest, especially in males who have a "mane" or "ruff".   Tangles typically form on their tail, underbelly, rear and and "pantaloons" on their back legs.  If you need to work out a mat use the mat splitter or in more difficult mats you can carefully use a scissors to split the mat or in some cased with older dogs, you may just cut the mat out.

Check the dewclaws and trim the claws, trimming the hair around the feet with scissors if needed.The hair on the paw pads should also be trimmed as it can trap bacteria or cause a dog to slip on a smooth surface.

If your Pyrenees tolerates it, you also may find a local and favorite groomer experienced with grooming Pyrenees.  Whether you do it yourself or find a professional, it's important to your dogs health to keep them groomed!  Check back later when we explore bathing your Pyr and a common question with this breed:  Should you shave your Pyr?

Sage, Noah, and Misha freshly groomed