How Hard Is it to Maintain or Groom a Long Hair Sausage Dog
Some dogs breeze through life with minimal grooming, while others demand a bit more pampering. For the long-haired Sausage Dog, their silky coats lean toward the higher-maintenance side. But don’t let that scare you—it’s not as daunting as it sounds. Grooming your flowing-haired Sausage Dog can easily be done at home, transforming your pup into a tangle-free masterpiece.
Brushing: The Foundation of a Flawless Coat
A weekly brush session (or two) is key to keeping those luxurious locks in check. To tackle the task, you’ll need an arsenal of tools: a pin or bristle brush, a slicker brush, and a trusty metal comb.
Start by sweeping through your dog’s coat with the pin or bristle brush, gliding from head to tail. Once you’ve worked through the surface, grab the slicker brush and repeat, ensuring you capture any stubborn tangles. Finally, section the fur and comb through, diving deep into the undercoat to remove any hidden knots.
Bathing: Keeping It Clean Without Overdoing It
Unless your Dachshund has turned an afternoon romp into a mud spa, baths don’t need to happen often. A soak every three months is plenty to keep their skin balanced and their coat gleaming.
To bathe your Doxie, fill a tub or sink with warm water. Lower your dog gently into the water, then pour water over its body while steering clear of its head and ears. Work a pea-sized dollop of pH-balanced, fragrance-free dog shampoo into its fur, beginning at the paws and working upward to the neck. Rinse thoroughly, leaving no trace of shampoo behind.
For extra shine and smoothness, apply a conditioner. Use a tangle brush to distribute the conditioner through the fur, teasing out knots as you go. Rinse one last time, then wrap your pup in a towel to dry. Finish with a damp cloth to gently cleanse their face and dab the insides of their ears.
Clipping: Trimming the Details
Long-haired Dachshunds benefit from regular trims, particularly around their ears and paws, where fur tends to grow unruly.
Start with the ears. Mist the fur with an antistatic spray, then hold your dog’s head steady. Trim close to the skin, but always keep your scissors parallel to avoid nicks. Move slowly and carefully, shaping the fur into a neat silhouette.
Next, shift to the paws. Lift each paw and brush the fur with a slicker brush. Snip away any overgrowth, keeping the scissors flat against the paw to maintain a tidy finish. Trim the fur on the pads for a clean look, then repeat the process on the other paws.
A Glowing, Groomed Dachshund
With a little effort, your long-haired Dachshund can stay polished and tangle-free, radiating elegance wherever they strut. Grooming isn’t just about appearances—it’s a bonding experience that keeps your furry companion comfortable and confident. So grab your brushes, scissors, and shampoo, and transform your Sausage Dog into the dazzling, well-kept pup they were born to be.
