Otterhounds are eye-catching breeds possessing enormous and shaggy physiques. The coat that covers their entire body is designed to be water-resistant while engaging in a favored pastime: swimming! Yet this covering adds charm and is problematic when grooming, particularly during shedding seasons, where it becomes difficult.
If you have an Otterhound as a pet, it is crucial to take care of its appearance by grooming regularly. Unfortunately, shedding season can be difficult for your furry friend’s coat. Nevertheless, we are here with some valuable advice on how to maintain their lustrous and tangle-free fur. From selecting the appropriate tools that suit them to following specific steps in a routine plan, this article encompasses all the necessary details for an effortless Otterhound grooming experience!
Without further ado, let us begin our journey towards being experts at taking proper care of these delightful creatures’ coats!
Shedding Cycle Of Otterhounds
The Otterhound boasts a lush coat consisting of two layers that provide insulation against frigid waters and inclement conditions. The frequency at which an Otterhound shed is contingent upon variables specific to its coat composition as well the temperature and exposure to sunlight.
It is usual for Otterhounds to undergo two shedding periods annually, which occur in the spring and fall months. This coincides with their adjustment from winter to summer coats, where they shed their undercoat to regulate body temperature. However, it’s important to note that Otterhounds show variation when it comes to continuous shedding throughout the year.
It should be highlighted that maintaining a consistent practice of coat care can aid in controlling shedding. This is because it eliminates inactive strands and stops the creation of knots or tangles throughout their fur.
You’ll have to create an established routine for grooming with appropriate equipment if you want your Otterhounds coat in top form as well as decrease the number of stray hairs found around your household.
Managing Shedding In Otterhounds
🟦 Brush regularly
It is crucial to engage in frequent grooming of your Otterhound’s thick fur. This is to avoid the formation of any mattes or tangles. Furthermore, brushing contributes to removing loose hair that could eventually shed all over different surfaces throughout one’s home if left unattended. Therefore, it is advisable to utilize either a slicker brush or pin brush every week and even more frequently during shedding periods.
🟦 Bathe occasionally
Taking a bath is an effective way to remove loose hair and dirt from your Otterhound’s coat. However, it is crucial not to exaggerate the process. This is because excessive bathing can take away their skin’s natural oils, which results in dryness and more shedding. Therefore, your goal should be limiting baths for your Otterhound. This must only happen once per week using gentle dog shampoos that won’t trigger any itchiness or inflammation on its sensitive skin.
🟦 Use a de-shedding tool
An item to minimize shedding, like a “furminator” or a blade that removes excess hair, might aid in the more effective removal of shed hairs from your Otterhound than an ordinary brush. These devices are fashioned to access the lower layer and remove any stray strands before they can migrate throughout your home. It is advisable to utilize one on average once per week during periods of increased shedding or as necessary.
🟦 Keep your Otterhound hydrated
Keeping your Otterhound sufficiently hydrated is crucial for their general well-being, encompassing the welfare of their dermis and pelage. Therefore, ensure that they always have access to clean water while also pondering about giving moist food to augment fluid consumption.
🟦 Feed a balanced diet
A high-quality food enriched with nourishing substances, vitamins, and minerals may assist in maintaining your Otterhound’s coat well-being while lessening shedding. Select kibble containing the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids necessary for preserving robust skin and fur. Stay away from edibles possessing contents that are artificial or loaded with fillers. These foods could cause digestive issues to arise within your Otterhound.
🟦 Manage stress
Excessive shedding may occur in dogs due to heightened anxiety. Thus, it is crucial to regulate the stress levels of your Otterhound. Grant them abundant physical and mental activities while ensuring their living space provides comfort and security. If you observe any signs of uneasiness or agitation within your furry friend, contemplate the implementation of calming methods. For example, you can do massage therapy, aromatherapy, or training exercises that aid relaxation.
How Often To Groom Otterhounds For Shedding?
The Otterhound’s fur comprises two layers and necessitates significant upkeep to prevent it from becoming matted or knotted. In general, grooming should be conducted every week. But during periods when hair loss occurs more often, the frequency may need adjusting.
You should thoroughly brush their coat throughout your weekly sessions for caring after your Otterhound. This is to eliminate any strands that might have come loose while also preventing matting. In addition, do not forget to examine their ears and use cleaning tools if necessary. Maintain trimmed nails through proper maintenance processes without fail. Also, be vigilant concerning signs indicative of skin irritations or infections in this regard.
Having your Otterhound feeling fresh and free of odors is one thing that should be taken into consideration weekly. In addition, dealing with dirt on their coat can also make it necessary to bathe them every once in a while. Remember, though, the misconception about cleaning too much and making things better does not apply here. This is because excessive washing could only lead to the loss of natural oils from their skin, causing dryness or still itching sensation for the Otterhound. Hence, bathe no more than once per month except when needed due to stench or filthiness accrued over time.
Does this apply to all Otterhounds?
Generally, grooming your Otterhound’s fur regularly relies on its specific requirements and coat state. However, if you have any doubt about attending to your pet’s hygiene demands, seek guidance from a seasoned groomer or veterinary professional who can assist.
How To Groom Otterhounds For Shedding
Step 1: Start with a de-shedding tool
When the Otterhound sheds its coat, it’s essential to groom them properly. To begin with, you can employ specialized tools like a shedding blade or furminator that target and eliminate loose undercoats before they get all over your house. Make sure always to move along in the direction of hair growth while being gentle enough not to hurt your doggo’s sensitive skin!
Shedding season requires frequent grooming sessions. Once or twice every week will do but don’t hesitate to use these measures more often if necessary for adequate upkeep against extreme shedding situations.
To utilize a de-shedding tool, begin at the top of your Otterhound and go down its body, using extended, smooth movements to remove any slackened hair.Â
Ensure you precisely concentrate on zones where the fur is most profuse, like their lumbar region, limbs, and underside. In cases whereby your Otterhound exhibits delicate skin or matting proclivities, be cautious when using this tool so that they are not agitated unnecessarily.
Step 2: Brush with a slicker brush or pin brush
Employ a pin brush or a slicker brush upon utilizing a de-shedding device. This is to eradicate residual hair strands and prevent clumps from accumulating within your Otterhound’s fur. A slicker tool has thin wire bristles that can delve into your pet’s coat and remove loose hairs. In addition, flexible pins on the pin brush render them gentler on the animal’s skin.
When caring for your Otterhound’s coat, divide the task into manageable sections. Please start at the head and progress towards their tail while brushing in line with hair growth. Care not to cause discomfort or damage by being delicate during this process. In situations where matted fur is present on your furry friend, use either a detangling spray or a conditioning agent that can aid you when combing out any tangles present.
It is of great significance to brush an Otterhound regularly, mainly when they shed more than usual. This practice assists in eliminating strands that may fall all over your furnishings and floors before it sheds off. Additionally, brushing helps disperse natural oils on their coat, promoting healthy skin hydration for this breed.
Step 3: Bathe with a mild dog shampoo
In case your Otterhound appears excessively unclean or has an unpleasant odor, it is advisable to wash them with a gentle shampoo for canines. Use lukewarm water and apply the suds all around your dog’s body. Be cautious not to come into contact with their eyes or ears! Rinse out meticulously, then use a towel to eliminate any leftover moisture from its fur. Do refrain from bathing your Otterhound too often. This is because excessive grooming may lead to the loss of natural oils in the skin. As a result, flakiness and intensified shedding of hair strands can occur over time.
It is vital to select a shampoo for your Otterhound that caters to its specific needs, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies. It’s best not to opt for shampoos harboring aggressive components and scents as they may trigger irritation on the pet’s soft coat resulting in increased shedding.
Step 4: Use a high-velocity dryer
Using a high-velocity dryer post-bathing or brushing can aid in efficiently removing your Otterhound’s loose hair. Its air speed is specifically designed to blast through all layers, eliminating excess shedding from deep within the coat.Â
Be sure to use your high-velocity dryer at a minimal setting when grooming your Otterhound. This is because an excessively powerful airflow can cause them pain or injury.Â
Additionally, you must exercise caution and avoid getting too close to your Otterhound’s skin or eyes. If you lack access to such equipment, it’s possible that simply employing a regular hair dryer on low settings may suffice as an alternative.
Step 5: Trim any long hair
If your Otterhound possesses extended hair near their paws or ears, clippers or scissors can be used to shorten it. This will aid you in preventing any snarls from taking shape and make grooming a breeze for your pet pooch. When trimming more delicate areas, such as those close to the ear region, proceed with prudence using guard rails so that there’s no accidental skin abrasion incurred while trimming.
Step 6: Check for fleas and ticks
At the time of shedding, it is crucial to examine your Otterhound for fleas and ticks frequently. These parasites can lead to discomfort as well as skin predicaments. As a result, life-threatening illnesses such as Lyme disease or flea allergy dermatitis could occur. To ensure your Otterhound stays guarded against these pests, employ a preventive method. For example, you can use a collar, spray, or topical treatment explicitly created for warding off fleas and ticks.
If fleas or ticks are discovered on your Otterhound, handling them with care by utilizing tweezers or a tick removal tool is essential. After successfully removing these pests, thoroughly sterilize the affected region to ward off any potential infections.
Step 7: Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
It is crucial to remember that good grooming doesn’t suffice for your Otterhound. Alongside, keeping a well-balanced diet and having healthy habits also contribute significantly towards maintaining their health condition. Intake of protein-rich food items with essential vitamins and minerals adds the necessary sheen to your dog’s coat, thus allowing it to shed lesser in large amounts. Therefore, a balanced meal containing these vital components should be given regularly!Â
Physical activity and leisure can additionally decrease anxiety while endorsing general well-being, consequently producing a favorable influence on eliminating excess hair. Therefore, ensure that your Otterhound has ample chances to sprint, frolic, and walk different surroundings indoors and outdoors.
Final Words
In summary, it is crucial to maintain the health and hygiene of your Otterhound during shedding season. You must create a plan and carry out all necessary protocols to prevent mats, tangles, and skin irritation caused by excess hair. Consistent maintenance, such as brushing regularly with particular attention given to inspecting for fleas or ticks, are effective methods to ensure an optimal appearance while promoting good physical condition. In addition, shaving fur at particular intervals would provide additional preventative measures against any unwanted matting or tangling issues that may arise.
For your Otterhound’s good health and less shedding, keeping a wholesome way of life with nutritious food is crucial. Playing frequently alongside routine exercise can also promote that healthy coat you’re aiming for.Â
While it may necessitate a considerable amount of time and exertion, tending to your Otterhound’s physical appearance is essential if you wish for them to remain lively, contented, and impeccable.
If any doubts regarding its shedding or skin health do pop up during this process, be sure to consult with your veterinary specialist immediately. By providing consistent attentiveness as well as adequate care, your Otterhound will surely be delighted to you and your family!
