Bull Terrier Grooming: 6 Expert Tips
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Bull Terriers do not need a lot of grooming compared to similar dog breeds. They have very short, flat coats that do a good job of taking care of themselves. However, they do shed moderately, though there is little you can do to stop this. Still, these dogs do need some grooming to stay happy and healthy. Otherwise, they may shed more than usual.
Luckily, grooming these dogs isn’t challenging. We’ll review everything you need to know about grooming them below.
The 6 Expert Tips for Grooming a Bull Terrier
1. Brush Regularly
Despite their short coats, they need to be brushed about twice a week with a rubber mitt or soft-bristled brush. Because of their shorter fur, many owners mistakenly believe that they can get away with not brushing them. However, these dogs will pick up a lot of dust, dirt, and hair. Brushing regularly helps remove some of this buildup.
Because these dogs are smaller and have short fur, they’re pretty easy to brush quickly. It should only take about 10 minutes to brush them thoroughly, removing a lot of the loose fur and dirt.
Having a regular brushing routine will limit the number of baths these dogs need (never mind lowering the amount of fur around your home!).
2. Bathe Less
Humans often bathe daily. Many of us mistakenly believe that dogs should be bathed just as often. However, Bull Terriers shouldn’t be bathed more than once every 2–3 months. More than that can cause more problems than it solves.
Bathing too often can lead to a dog having too little oil on its coat, which leads to dry skin and irritation. If you’re using a poor doggie shampoo, it can also lead to increased skin infections (as their skin pH may be thrown off).
Skin irritation and dryness can lead to even more shedding, which is probably the opposite of what you want. Therefore, you should rely on regular brushing to help keep your dog clean and only bathe them occasionally.
3. Check Their Skin
You need to keep an eye on your dog’s skin. Their usual brushing routine is a great time to make a quick observation. Skin irritation, infections, and allergies can all lead to increased shedding. Plus, it can make a dog’s skin more vulnerable to further infections. Catching these problems early is essential for treating them quickly. Therefore, you should check your dog over at least once a week.
If you notice anything off, contact your veterinarian. Most of the time, these situations require veterinary treatment.
4. Clean the Ears
Be sure to clean your Bull Terrier’s ears, as well, whenever it is necessary. When you brush your dog, you should have a quick look at their ears to see if they need cleaning. If you notice ear wax buildup, you should use a vet-approved ear cleaner and a cotton ball to clean up the debris. Don’t stick anything inside your dog’s ears, as this can do more harm than good.
If you notice any redness, inflammation, or a bad smell, contact your vet. Often, these are signs of an ear infection (which some dogs are very good at hiding). Because ear infections can cause lots of complications, they should be treated ASAP.
5. Don’t Forget Their Teeth
Dental problems are a big cause of dog death every year. It isn’t just about your dog’s teeth—poor dental health can compound and cause problems throughout your dog’s body. For instance, chronic inflammation of the gums can make it easier for bacteria to get into your dog’s body, causing other infections and even heart disease.
Therefore, it’s extremely important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Two to three times a week is the absolute minimum. Be sure to use dog-formulated toothpaste (they make it in all sorts of flavors, like bacon). Many toothpaste brands use enzymes in their products, which can help break down bacteria without you having to do lots of scrubbing.
Professional dental cleanings will probably be necessary during the lifespan of many Bull Terriers. These cleanings are necessary—just like humans visiting the dentist is necessary.
6. Trim Their Nails
Overgrown nails can cause a lot of pain for your Bull Terrier. Plus, too-long nails can also lead to cracking and breakage, which are often prone to infection (never mind being very painful). Therefore, you should keep an eye on your dog’s nails and trim them as necessary.
You should use dog-specific nail clippers or a grinder to remove any excess nail growth. Be sure not to cut the quick, which is a bundle of nerves and blood inside the nail. If you feel uncomfortable doing this yourself, you may want to have a groomer do it. Often, you can do a quick walk-in visit for nail clippings.
Conclusion
Grooming a Bull Terrier isn’t challenging, as they have very hardy coats. However, they still require some grooming. You’ll need to brush them a couple of times a week—mostly to help keep them clean. Don’t forget to care for their nails, ears, and teeth, too. Often, these areas can become infected and cause a range of problems if they aren’t groomed properly.
While a lot of Bull Terrier grooming is a list of things you must do, bathing isn’t one of them. You should only bathe your Bull Terrier when they need it, as it can lead to skin irritation and dryness. Brushing should be the primary way you remove dirt and debris from their coat.
Featured Image Credit: MVolodymyr, Shutterstock
