Catahoula Leopard dogs are mostly considered to be working dogs as opposed to pets, and because of this their grooming needs are very minimal. According to its breed standard, the coat should be short to medium length that lies close to the body. This single coat does shed from time to time but this is not considered to be a major drawback of the dog. Despite the fact that Catahoula Leopard dogs don't require a lengthy grooming routine, there are a few grooming tips that every dog owner should know, as grooming involves more than the care and maintenance of the coat. In this article, we'll look at the most important parts of the grooming routine for Catahoula Leopard dogs keeping the coat clean, keeping an eye the eyes and ears and keeping the nails trimmed.
When most people think of grooming, they automatically think of a long, drawn out bathing process. However, Catahoula Leopard dogs usually only need to be bathed a few times a year, unless they get into something particularly nasty. Because many Catahoula Leopard dogs are outside dogs, bathing can be as simple as filling up the kiddie pool or using a garden hose. It is generally recommended that owners use a shampoo formulated especially for dogs, and these are less likely to cause the skin to dry out or cause allergic reactions. A dog's skin is much more sensitive than a humans and may become irritated if human shampoo is applied. Making sure the coat is well rinsed will also help the skin stay healthy.
Making sure the eyes and ears of the Catahoula Leopard dog is a very important part of its upkeep. The eyes should always be clear and any signs of puss or redness are indicators that something is wrong. Dogs that exhibit signs of puffiness, red or swollen eyes, or puss around the eyes should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. The ears should also be checked from time to time to be sure that they are clear of dirt, wax build up, or if they are outside dogs, signs of mites or fleas. The ears can be carefully cleaned but never with cotton tipped swabs, as it is very easy to permanently damage the ear drums if the swabs are used too forcefully.
Nail clipping is also an important part of the grooming process. Keeping them nicely trimmed with contribute to the heath of the Catahoula Leopard dog’s paws and help makes sure that the dog will be comfortable when walking or running, which is essential in these working dogs. If left unattended for too long, some nails will become in-grown, which is very painful. Owners can clip the nails themselves but should take care not to cut the nails too short, or they will be in danger of cutting the quick of the nail, where there is a sensitive nerve.
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