Beagles are a popular breed among pet owners. They rank number seven in terms of popularity. This means the number of beagles in the U.S. is quite high. Beagles are a medium-sized breed and they are known as a hunting dog. This means they are very active and need exercise.
The best personality trait is their loyalty and ability to show affection. Beagles are playful and social and they play well with other dogs. So, beagles are perfect for people who wish to have a variety of different pets.
How Important Is Grooming?
As fun as it is to get a pet, the real work is raising one. Beagles are easygoing and highly trainable. Still, it requires time and effort to raise them. Even though beagles are not as prone to medical issues as some other breeds, regular visits to the vet are necessary. Everything from puppy hiccups to their vaccinations needs professional attention.
Grooming is integral to your beagle's health since it keeps them clean. Since beagles love to play outside and are naturally curious, they are also more prone to getting viruses or parasites like ticks. Proper grooming can keep such issues in check.
Regular grooming helps with detecting health issues early on. You can look out for signs such as unusually frequent shedding while combing through their coat. Grooming can be a lifesaver in such cases.
Grooming Requirements for Beagles
Beagles are easy to groom compared to some other breeds. They are not too small that you need expert help to clip their nails or trim their hair. Nor are they too big that the task becomes difficult and time-consuming.
Beagles have a smooth coat. and while their coat is thick, it does not shed too much. You do not need special products, like shampoo for curly hair, to maintain their coat. A healthy diet, regular baths and brushings keep the coat looking shiny.
We've given some basic tips on how to properly groom a beagle. It is important to note that they are not high-maintenance dogs. Much like their personality, their grooming is easygoing. As long as your beagle is clean and hygienic, it will be healthy.
3 Best Ways To Groom a Beagle
If you own a beagle, then grooming is already a walk in the park.
1. Bathe and Comb Your Beagle
Beagles' short coat makes it hard for them to get dirty. Even if you have a very active dog who loves to play outside, you can still get away without bathing them for a few weeks. The general rule is bathing them once every three months.
When you do bathe them, make sure to do so thoroughly. Use a good quality dog shampoo and massage it gently. Get into all the crevices to clean out any dirt or germs. You can use a conditioner afterwards if you want. Dry with a soft, clean towel. Even between baths, you can use a wet washcloth to clean your beagle's face and body.
Start with collecting all the things needed for bathing your dog. You do not want to be running around looking for the towel or shampoo in the middle of bathing.
Wet your dog and make sure the water is not too hot or too cold. Once your dog is damp, gently but thoroughly rub the shampoo. Rinse the shampoo out and apply conditioner before a final rinse.
Use your hands to clean your beagle's body. Once you are done, dry with a towel. If it’s cold you can also use a hair dryer.
Brushing or combing regularly is necessary. You can brush their coat at least once a day. Beagles do not shed a lot, but they do shed and brushing gets rid of broken hair. Most importantly, however, brushing is relaxing for your dog. It is like a massage and they feel relaxed. Try to pamper your dog as often as you can.
2. Clip Nails and Trim Your Beagle's Hair
All dogs must have their nails clipped because bacteria can find its way into your dog through outgrown nails. The frequency of cutting their nails depends on how fast your dog's nails grow. Generally, you should cut your Beagle's nails once every two weeks.
Clipping the nails can be tricky since it requires a lot of attention. You may want to go to a professional groomer. If you want to do it yourself just make sure you are not cutting off too much. The part of the nail that has skin under it is called the "Quick" and you want to avoid clipping that.
Trimming their hair is easier because beagles already have short fur. It is thick but easier to manage than dogs with long or curly fur. Keep professional clippers and scissors at home and do it yourself when you feel your dog's fur is getting a little longer.
3. Brush Teeth and Clean Your Beagle's Mouth
Brushing teeth and cleaning the mouth are integral to your dog's health. Many diseases and health problems start in the mouth. Get your dog in the habit of having their teeth brushed daily. Get a toothpaste recommended by your veterinarian.
There are many other tools available, like tongue cleaners, that you can use periodically to clean your dog’s mouth. It takes some effort but maintaining dental hygiene is important. Daily brushing of teeth helps to monitor your dog's dental health.
Maintaining Your Beagle's WellBeing
Grooming is a necessary part of your dog's wellbeing. It goes beyond basic hygiene and cleanliness. Animals, even in the wild, practice grooming. Lions lick their fur, monkeys take out each other's fleas and so on.
Grooming is part of nature. Many aspects of grooming are not just keeping your dog clean, but safe and relaxed. Outgrown nails can cause injuries. Brushing the fur is relaxing for your dog and it is an activity for you to bond.
It is hard to overestimate the benefits of grooming. It is necessary for a dog's physical, mental and social wellbeing. Physical grooming keeps your dog hygienic. It also assists in detecting early signs of health problems.
Mentally, activities like bathing and brushing lets your dog know they are cared for. Grooming also increases physical contact that encourages bonding.
Finally, your dog will gain social approval and acceptance when they are presentable. People like to pet clean dogs.
