Basenji Grooming Guide: How to Keep Your Basenji's Coat Looking and Feeling Its Best
Coat Looking and Feeling Its Best
The Basenji is a breed celebrated for its short, sleek coat that sheds minimally and requires little maintenance to stay clean and neat. However, that doesn't mean you can skip out on basic grooming for this "wash and wear" hound. Proper grooming enhances your Basenji’s natural good looks, maintains the health of their skin and coat, and strengthens your bond through handling. This guide will cover everything you need to know about effectively grooming your Basenji.
Brushing
Even with their short coat, regular brushing helps remove dead hair and keep your Basenji looking dapper. Their coats only need brushing about:
- 1-2 times per week for most Basenjis
- 3-4 times per week during peak seasonal shedding in Spring and Fall
Use a slicker brush or hound glove when brushing. Brush in the direction of hair growth and don't press too hard. Pay extra attention to the flank, tail, and underside. Just 5-10 minutes per session is all you need for routine brushing.
Make grooming a relaxing experience. Brushing helps distribute skin oils and removes dirt and debris caught in the coat before baths. Your Basenji will enjoy the pampering attention too!
Bathing
One of the Basenji's most redeeming qualities as a house pet is their naturally clean habits and minimal doggy odor. They self-groom extensively like cats. While Basenjis stay relatively fresh, you should still bathe them periodically:
- Bathe every 3-4 months on average, unless they get exceptionally dirty.
- Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and lukewarm water. Avoid overheating them.
- Lather and rinse well. Pay extra attention to paws, ears, rear, and wrinkles.
- Dry thoroughly with a towel. Consider using a blow dryer on low heat to dry faster.
- The coat dries quickly! Brush while drying to fluff up and remove loose hair.
Signs your Basenji needs a bath include odor, greasiness, visible dirt, or skin irritation. Otherwise, let their natural oils do their job. Their coat repels dirt remarkably well.
Nail Trimming
Your Basenji's nails should be trimmed every 2-3 weeks to maintain short, blunt tips. Long nails can snag and tear or make walking uncomfortable. Use nail clippers made for dogs for a safe, clean trim.
Only trim the clear portion of the nail close to the quick, avoiding the pink cuticle inside. Cut a little at a time, especially if the quick is long. The quick will gradually recede with repeated trims. Nails with clear tips are easier to trim without hitting the quick.
Have styptic powder on hand in case the quick is nicked and bleeds. This stanches bleeding fast. Offering treats while handling paws can make nail trims easier. Touch and inspect paws frequently so it becomes routine.
Ear Cleaning
Basenjis have thin, folded ears that are prone to gathering dirt and debris. Check and gently wipe your Basenji's ears weekly with a dog ear wash or flush to prevent infection. Never insert anything down the vertical ear canal - just clean outer areas you can see. Signs of ear issues include:
- Head shaking or scratching
- Redness, discharge, or foul odor
- Crusts or scabs inside the ear
- Sudden hearing loss
See your vet promptly if you notice any of these symptoms, as ear infections require medication to clear up. Keeping ears clean is preventative.
Dental Hygiene
Basenjis often have naturally good dental health, but you should still brush their teeth regularly to control plaque. Here are some dental care tips:
- Brush teeth daily or several times per week at minimum.
- Use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use human products which can upset their stomach.
- Focus on outer tooth surfaces and gum lines where plaque accumulates most.
- Offer safe dental chews to help scrape away plaque between brushings.
- Get annual vet cleanings to deep clean any built up tartar. These may require anesthesia.
Practicing dental hygiene routine will keep your Basenji’s breath fresh and their teeth healthy for life. Look out for signs of dental trouble like bad breath, swollen gums, mouth pain, or broken teeth.
Coat Care Tips
- Never shave your Basenji down. Their coat provides protection from sunburn and temperature extremes.
- Use a humidifier during dry seasons to prevent excessive dry skin. Supplement oils like fish or coconut oil can also help replenish moisture.
- Bathe in colder months only when necessary, as too-frequent bathing strips essential coat oils.
- Clean facial wrinkles daily with a damp cloth to prevent yeast infections from moisture buildup.
- Avoid shampoos with harsh detergents that can cause dryness. Pick gentle, hydrating formulas.
With some basic grooming maintenance, your Basenji's coat will stay looking fabulous year-round!
Shedding Prevention
While Basenjis shed far less than most breeds, you can reduce shedding around your home by:
- Brushing frequently during shedding season in Spring and Fall
- Bathing and brushing thoroughly before seasonal shedding starts
- Using a de-shedding tool when brushing to penetrate the coat
- Vacuuming often to remove shed hair from furniture and floors
- Washing bedding weekly in high shedding periods
- Feeding a high quality diet with natural oils
Following this grooming routine, you’ll hardly notice your Basenji shedding at all!
Professional Grooming
Basenjis don't require regular trips to a professional groomer, but you may choose to visit one annually for:
- Nail trims if your dog hates having their paws handled
- Teeth cleanings under anesthesia for a deep clean
- Deshedding treatments during peak seasonal shedding
- Sanitary trims of long feathering on feet, ears, and rear
- Expert brush outs if you struggle with mat removal
For most grooming tasks however, you can easily care for a Basenji's minimal needs at home. Choose a groomer familiar with sighthounds that understands their sensitivities.
Enjoy the Low-Maintenance Basenji Coat
One of the great benefits of Basenjis is their natural cleanliness and easy-care short coat. By following a regular routine of brushing, bathing only when needed, nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care, you can easily keep your Basenji looking their absolute best! Proper grooming promotes health and strengthens your bond with this wonderful breed.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
a. Skin Sensitivities
Problem: Basenjis can develop skin irritations or allergies.
Solution:
Problem: Basenjis can develop skin irritations or allergies.
Solution:
- Ensure the shampoo you're using is gentle and hypoallergenic.
- If issues persist, consult a vet.
b. Over-bathing
Problem: Bathing too frequently can strip natural oils, leading to a dull coat.
Solution:
- Stick to bathing only when necessary.
- Ensure you're using a mild, dog-specific shampoo.
c. Nail Overgrowth
Problem: Overgrown nails can lead to pain or injury.
Solution:
- Maintain a regular nail trimming routine.
- If unsure about trimming, consult a vet or professional groomer.