7 Doberman Grooming Tips to Keep Them Looking Good
By Brooke Bundy
Updated on
The Doberman Pinscher doesn’t require much grooming. They have a single coat that sheds moderately year-round. One of the easiest things about Dobermans is that you never have to cut their fur. However, Dobermans have sensitive skin that can easily become irritated due to diet, allergies, or poor hygienic routines. Read on for seven tips on how to keep your Doberman looking its best.
The Top 7 Doberman Grooming Tips
1. Bathe Every 2 Months
This isn’t a steadfast rule, but rather a good guideline to make sure your Doberman’s skin doesn’t dry out from too many baths. If your Doberman gets dirty in the dog park, try to rinse them off in between full baths instead of frequently shampooing.
2. Always Use a Shampoo Formulated for Dogs
Human shampoo is designed to complement our skin’s pH, which isn’t the same as our furry friend’s. Using human shampoo on a dog can excessively dry out their skin, which is already a problem with Dobermans and should be avoided. There are plenty of dog shampoos available to choose from online or at any pet store.
3. Keep Their Nails Trimmed
Keeping your Doberman’s nails trimmed can prevent them from scratching you. It’s important to begin trimming your Doberman’s nails while they’re still young to train them to be still and obedient during the process in order to prevent injury. Most vets will trim your dog’s nails for a small fee if you have an unruly pup, or you’re afraid of cutting their nails into the quick – the part of the nail containing the nerves and blood vessels.
4. Brush the Coat at Least Once a Week
Don’t use a sharp slicker brush on your Doberman’s delicate skin. A soft glove brush works best because it gently cleanses their skin from shed hairs, distributes their natural oils, and indulges them with good petting at the same time.
5. Clean Inside the Ears Twice a Month
Whether your Doberman has floppy or cropped ears, it’s a good idea to gently wipe the insides with a cotton ball every couple of weeks. Don’t use a Q-tip, since it can easily become lodged if your dog moves abruptly. Instead, moisten a cotton ball with a little bit of alcohol, and wipe the inside surface of their ears.
6. Brush Their Teeth Daily
It’s best to train your Doberman to allow you to brush their teeth as a puppy, but it’s possible for them to learn as adults. Try wetting the toothbrush first and placing it in your dog’s mouth for them to become acquainted with the tool before adding toothpaste. When they’re ready, squeeze some dog toothpaste on the brush and gently rub their teeth in a circular motion. It’s important to always use dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste, which frequently contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Your dog will probably swallow the toothpaste, so using human toothpaste can be deadly.
7. Give Your Dog a Bone (or Dental Chew)
In addition to regular tooth brushing, dental chews can keep your dog’s teeth in good shape by essentially flossing the in-between areas the toothbrush can’t reach.
Final Thoughts
Dobermans aren’t difficult to groom, but still require occasional brushing and bathing to stay in tip top shape. They should also have their nails trimmed, teeth brushed, and ears cleaned out regularly. Holding brief, consistent grooming sessions while they’re still young will help you build a camaraderie with them, making them less likely to be fearful of grooming later on. And don’t forget to treat your Doberman once they’re finished for being a good boy or girl.
Featured Image Credit: 1790316, Pixabay
