Grooming Tips for Finnish Spitz Dogs
The Finnish Spitz boasts a beautiful double coat that comes in shades of golden-red. While grooming needs are moderate, their thick coat requires regular care to keep it looking its best. Follow this guide to master bathing, brushing, trimming nails, and cleaning teeth and ears for your Finnish Spitz.
Tools You'll Need
Before grooming, ensure you have the proper supplies:
- Slicker brush
- Metal comb
- Undercoat rake
- Nail clippers
- Ear cleaner
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mild dog shampoo
- Conditioner
- Blow dryer
- Scissors for trimming fur
Quality grooming tools make the process safer and easier on your Finnish Spitz. Invest in professional grade equipment.
Bathing a Finnish Spitz
Follow these steps to bathe your Finnish Spitz properly:
- Brush coat thoroughly before bathing to remove dead hair and distribute oils.
- Fill tub with lukewarm water. Test temperature on wrist first.
- Use cotton balls to gently plug ears to keep water out of canals.
- Wet coat fully, taking care to avoid eyes. Speak soothingly.
- Work mild shampoo into lather over entire coat, legs, belly. Rinse thoroughly.
- For show dogs, repeat shampooing for super clean results.
- Apply conditioner after final rinse if desired. Rinse out after 2-3 minutes.
- Remove ear plugs. Dry ears well with clean towel.
- Towel dry then finish drying process with a blow dryer on low heat.
Aim to bathe every 4-8 weeks or when coat becomes dirty. Overbathing can dry out skin.
Importance of Proper Brushing
Frequent brushing keeps the Finnish Spitz coat tidy by:
- Removing loose hairs before they shed onto furniture and clothing
- Lifting and removing dirt trapped deep in the dense undercoat
- Distributing natural oils across the fur for healthy skin and coat
- Detecting any tangles or mats before they worsen
- Allowing you to inspect skin for any abnormalities or parasites
- Creating quality bonding time through gentle handling
Aim to thoroughly brush at least 2-3 times per week. More often during peak shedding seasons.
Brushing Technique
Follow these steps to properly brush your Finnish Spitz:
- Always start by brushing against the coat growth pattern from skin out to ends. This lifts dirt and loose fur.
- Next, go over the coat following growth direction to tidy up top layer.
- Use slicker brush first all over the body, then follow with a metal comb.
- Comb tail, pants, and featherings carefully using a detangling spray to prevent mats if needed.
- Pay extra attention to areas prone to tangles - behind ears, elbows, hind legs, belly.
- Offer treats and praise throughout to keep session relaxed and positive.
Regular brushing keeps your Finnish Spitz looking dapper and feeling comfortable.
Blowing the Undercoat
The Finnish Spitz sheds heavily twice per year as the undercoat “blows” and renews. To manage shedding:
- Brush frequently year-round to keep loose hairs under control.
- Bathe then blow dry before the blow to loosen old coat so it releases easier.
- Use an undercoat rake to remove thick clumps of loose undercoat when blowing coat.
- Blow dry while brushing in direction of coat growth. The air helps pull out dead hairs.
- Repeat combing and blow drying until fresh undercoat appears. This may take multiple sessions.
- Dispose of brushings promptly since they can still shed around the home.
Blowing coat is manageable with diligent grooming. Your Finnish Spitz will feel great once the fresh coat comes in!
Trimming Nails Properly
Clip nails regularly to maintain proper length and shape. Follow these steps:
- Have styptic powder on hand in case of bleeding.
- Hold paw firmly but gently and extend the nail out. Snip just the sharp tip.
- Cut above the quick, visible inside the nail. Avoid overcutting into the quick, as it is painful and will bleed.
- Use a nail file to smooth any burrs or sharp edges if needed.
- Reward with treats and praise throughout!
Check nails weekly. If you hear them clicking on floors, they are too long. Shorter nails prevent injury and allow proper foot structure.
Cleaning Teeth
Daily dental care promotes good health by:
- Removing tartar and plaque that causes gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss
- Reducing bacteria in the mouth that leads to infections and heart/kidney disease
Follow these tips:
- Choose enzymatic dog toothpaste for safe and effective cleaning.
- Start by rubbing paste over teeth and gums with finger to get dog used to sensation.
- Once accustomed to handling, graduate to using a soft toothbrush in gentle circles.
- Focus on exterior teeth surfaces first. Work up to opening mouth briefly to brush behind teeth.
- Offer high value treats and praise throughout to create positive association.
Developing trust through reward is key to successfully brushing teeth long-term.
Keeping Ears Clean
Floppy eared dogs like the Finnish Spitz are prone to ear infections. Weekly ear cleaning helps prevent issues.
- Use a veterinarian approved cleaner. Never insert objects into the canal.
- Apply cleaner to cotton ball to gently wipe inside folded ear flap surfaces only.
- Avoid dripping liquid down into ear canal. Wipe outer areas only.
- Reward your dog generously for allowing handling near ears.
- See your vet promptly if you notice odor, discharge, swelling, or head shaking.
Regular cleaning keeps ears healthy and free of infection causing wax and debris.
Troubleshooting Common Coat Issues
Follow these tips to address any coat problems that arise:
Matting – Prevent by consistent thorough brushing. Never shave matted fur. Use detangling spray and slowly work apart mats with fingers or comb.
Dry skin – Supplement oils lost in bathing by applying conditioner or moisturizing sprays after. Increase fish oil. See vet if persists.
Hot spots – Clip fur around irritated areas. Cleanse with vet provided anti-bacterial/anti-fungal solutions. See vet for antibiotics if severe.
Allergies – Itchy feet, ears, skin can signal food or environmental allergies. Eliminate triggers. See vet for medication if needed.
Anal gland issues – Scooting, licking under tail indicates impacted glands. Have vet express them. Increase fiber.
With regular attentive grooming at home, you can keep your Finnish Spitz looking and feeling their best!