Redbone Coonhound Grooming Guide: How to Keep Your Dog Looking and Feeling Their Best
The Redbone Coonhound is a handsome dog breed with a shiny red coat. While lower maintenance than some breeds, Redbones do have some specific grooming needs to stay happy and healthy. This guide covers everything Redbone owners need to know about bathing, brushing, nail care, and keeping their dog looking their best.
Overview of the Redbone Coonhound Coat
The Redbone has a short, dense coat that lies close to the body. Characteristics of their coat include:
- Short, fine hair that is close fitting
- Minimal seasonal shedding
- Often a rich red color, sometimes with black markings
- No undercoat or feathering
- Oilier coat provides water resistance
Their short, slick coat requires only occasional brushing and bathing. But their active lifestyle can lead to dirtier coats needing more frequent cleaning.
Brushing
- Brush 1-2 times per week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils.
- Use a rubber grooming glove or hound mitt for an all-over body rub down.
- A short bristle brush or hound mitt also works well for their coat type.
- Pay extra attention to areas around the neck where dirt and debris collect.
- Always brush before a bath - brushing loosens and removes dead hair and dirt.
Regular brushing keeps their coat clean, distributes oils, and removes dead hair before it sheds.
Bathing
- Bathe every 3-4 weeks or when dirty using a moisturizing shampoo.
- Avoid over-bathing which can dry out their skin.
- Lather shampoo thoroughly over the entire coat. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Towel dry then allow to fully air dry.
Tip: Use a detachable showerhead to help thoroughly rinse their coat after shampooing.
Ears
- Check ears weekly for foul odor, redness, or discharge indicating infection.
- Gently wipe inside ears with cotton ball soaked in ear cleaning solution. Never insert objects into the ear canal.
- Pluck excess hair around ear canal opening to improve airflow.
Properly drying their ears after swimming and bathing helps prevent ear infections.
Eyes
- Wipe area around eyes daily with soft cloth to remove gunk and stain buildup.
- Check for excessive tearing which can indicate eye injury or infection.
- Trim hair around eyes regularly so it doesn't irritate eyes or obscure vision.
Nails
- Trim nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and cracking.
- Use nail clippers designed for dogs and trim just the hook-shaped tip of the nail. Avoid the pink quick which will bleed and be painful.
- Follow trims with a nail file to smooth any sharp edges.
- Get your Redbone used to nail trims early through positive reinforcement like treats.
Walks on pavement help wear down nails naturally between trimmings.
Teeth
- Brush teeth using dog-safe toothpaste 2-3 times per week.
- Annual vet dental cleanings may be recommended for plaque buildup.
- Provide chew toys and dental treats to help clean teeth.
Regular home brushing reduces the risk of dental disease.
Planning for Shedding
While Redbones are light year-round shedders, be prepared for some extra shedding during these times:
- Spring into summer as they shed out their winter coat
- Fall into winter as the coat thickens again
More frequent brushing can help manage heavier shedding periods.
Bathing Precautions
- Avoid getting water in ears to prevent ear infections. Use cotton balls to block ears before bathing.
- Use lukewarm water to avoid irritating skin - hot water can be drying.
- Dry thoroughly after baths paying special attention to ears and skin folds.
- Never bathe close to meal times to avoid bloat risk.
Monitor for skin irritation, rashes or hot spots after baths.
Grooming Tools & Supplies
Keep these grooming essentials on hand for your Redbone:
- Short bristle brush or grooming glove/mitt
- Dog shampoo and conditioner
- Towels
- Dog ear cleaner
- Cotton balls
- Dog nail clippers & file
- Dog toothbrush & toothpaste
- Eye cleaning wipes
Invest in high quality tools to make grooming easier for both you and your dog.
Professional Grooming
Consider professional grooming services for:
- Clipping overgrown nails that are hard to trim at home
- Dematting severely tangled coats
- Trimming overgrown fur between paw pads or around feet
- Clipping excess fur around eyes and ears
- Dental cleanings requiring sedation to fully clean teeth
Veterinarians also offer specialized grooming services best performed by professionals.
Enrich the Bond Through Grooming
Regular grooming provides benefits beyond just keeping your Redbone's coat and skin healthy. It's a great opportunity to:
- Strengthen your bond through positive, repetitive handling
- Catch any abnormalities or concerns with their skin, ears, eyes, etc.
- Increase their comfort with being groomed for veterinary exams
- Reward and reinforce them for tolerating procedures
- Spend quality one-on-one time together
So set the right mood to make grooming an enriching experience for you both!
With their short coats, Redbone Coonhound grooming is less involved than many breeds. But their active lifestyle means their coat picks up dirt, debris, and odor quickly. Follow these tips to keep your Redbone looking and feeling their best through every hunting adventure.