How to Keep Your Kerry Blue Terrier Looking Its Best
The Kerry Blue Terrier is an energetic, fun-loving breed who enjoys outdoor adventures and romping around. But their thick, wiry coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking tidy. Follow these tips to create an effective grooming regimen for your Kerry Blue.
Essential Grooming Tools
Having the proper grooming gear makes the process easier for both you and your Kerry Blue. Useful supplies include:
- Slicker brush - for penetrating thick coat
- Rake comb - helps remove shedding undercoat
- Pin brush - for smoothing coat
- Greyhound comb - for dematting and finishing
- Dog shampoo & conditioner
- Ear cleaner
- Nail clippers & file
- Toothbrush kit
Look for quality tools designed specifically for wiry coats to prevent damage. Always brush in the direction of coat growth.
Regular Brushing
Frequent brushing is key to preventing mats in the Kerry Blue's dense coat. Aim to brush:
- 3-4 times per week for 5-10 minutes
- Use slicker brush first to remove tangles and loose hair
- Follow with a pin brush to smooth and distribute oils
- Focus on areas prone to matting like ears, armpits and hindquarters
- Always brush in the direction the hair grows
- Finish by combing through coat to catch any tangles missed
Regular brushing keeps the coat neat and clean while removing dead hair before it can mat.
Occasional Bathing
Kerry Blues only need bathing every 4-6 weeks or when very dirty. Bathing tips include:
- Use dog shampoo and lukewarm water
- Thoroughly saturate and lather the dense coat
- Rinse extremely thoroughly - leaving in soap causes irritation
- Towel dry then blow dry on low heat to straighten and fluff coat
- Brush thoroughly after bathing to realign the coat and hair follicles
Proper bathing keeps your Kerry Blue’s skin and coat clean and healthy. Time between baths depends on lifestyle and exposure to dirt.
Careful Trimming
Kerry Blues require only minimal trimming to look dapper. Here are tips:
- Neaten fuzzy hair on feet
- Trim longer fur on tail and rear for sanitation
- Thin out excess hair inside ears for airflow and health
- Taper neckline for a tidy outline
- Even out whiskers for symmetry
Avoid excessive sculpting, as the breed standard calls for a natural, unaltered appearance. Leave 1-2 inch coat length. See a groomer for full clips.
Dematting Tips
Even with frequent brushing, mats happen. Address them gently using:
- Detangling spray to loosen and lubricate the coat
- Fingers to gently tease apart and unravel mats
- A slicker brush to work out tangles little by little
- Pin brush for final smoothing
Never rip or cut matted fur - this is painful and can damage the skin. Remove mats with patience. If extensive matting develops seek professional dematting.
Healthy Skin & Coat
A healthy diet rich in Omega fatty acids promotes skin and coat health. Also:
- Stick to a flea/tick preventative recommended by your vet
- Address any signs of skin allergy promptly
- Rule out underlying thyroid issues if coat quality declines
- Only bathe when necessary to retain natural oils
- Increase brushing during seasonal shedding periods
A dull, brittle coat or excessive shedding indicates an underlying issue needing attention.
Nail Care
With their high activity level, Kerry Blues wear down their nails naturally. But they still require trimming every 2-3 weeks.
- Trim just the clear portion of nails, avoiding the pink quick
- Use proper nail clippers designed for dogs
- Introduce handling paws early so they accept trims willingly
- Follow up with a nail file to smooth any rough edges
- Schedule trims before nails get too long
Proper nail care keeps your pet comfortable and prevents cracked, painful nails.
Ear Care
Floppy ears like the Kerry Blue's need regular maintenance to prevent infections.
- Check ears weekly for odor, discharge, swelling, redness
- Clean ears weekly using a veterinarian-approved solution
- Gently wipe outer areas only with cotton ball - never insert objects into the ear
- Pluck excess ear hair only as needed under vet guidance
- Dry ears thoroughly after cleaning
- Seek treatment immediately if you suspect an infection
Catching problems early keeps ears healthy. Seek prompt medical attention for any issues.
Oral Health
Attending to your Kerry Blue's teeth is also key. Follow these dental care tips:
- Brush teeth using dog toothpaste and brush 2-3 times per week
- See your vet annually for a professional cleaning
- Perform regular oral exams looking for any abnormalities
- Use dental treats and chews to reduce tartar buildup
- Feed kibble and treats that scrub teeth
- Provide fresh water to rinse away debris after eating
Proper oral hygiene reduces risk of periodontal disease and keeps your dog's breath fresh. Alert your vet if you notice any problems.
Professional Grooming
While you can tackle most standard grooming tasks at home, professional grooming is still beneficial. A groomer can:
- Thoroughly bathe and brush out the coat down to the skin
- Properly hand-strip dead hairs from the coat 2-3 times per year
- Neatly trim overgrown fur on feet, ears, rear
- Fully clean ears and express anal glands
- Smooth coat outline and shape head/legs/tail
- Detect potential problems needing veterinary attention
Aim for professional grooming every 4-6 weeks to keep your Kerry Blue looking spectacular. Ensure the groomer is experienced with terrier coats.
Preventing Problems
Be attentive to your Kerry Blue's grooming needs to catch issues early. Watch for:
- Hair mats developing behind ears or in armpits
- Dry, flaky, irritated skin
- Excessive shedding or bald patches
- Ear odor, discharge, or redness
- Tooth tartar, bad breath, or gum disease
- Long curly nails
Addressing small issues promptly prevents more serious grooming problems down the road. Seek veterinary advice when needed.
Recap of Key Tips
Here's a quick recap of key tips for optimal Kerry Blue grooming:
- Invest in quality grooming tools designed for wiry coats
- Brush thoroughly 3-4 times per week
- Bathe every 4-6 weeks when needed
- Trim nails, feet, ears, and rear tidily as needed
- Check and clean ears weekly
- Brush teeth and inspect mouth regularly
- See a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks
- Respond promptly to mats, skin issues, shedding, etc.
With a proper grooming regimen, your Kerry Blue Terrier will look tidy and their unique coat will shine through beautifully. Proper grooming promotes health, prevents problems, and enhances your bond with this special breed.