Samoyed Grooming: 9 Expert Tips & Tricks
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Are you a Samoyed owner or just someone who would like to know more about these stunning Siberian dogs and their care? Like all dogs, Samoyeds require a high-quality diet, plenty of exercise, extensive training, and most importantly, proper grooming.
Grooming is a vital part of owning any dog because it’s essential to maintain your dog’s look and keep their coat clean, beautiful, and healthy.
But what should Samoyed grooming consist of? How do you groom a Samoyed?
If you’d like to discover the tips and tricks for properly grooming this breed, you are in the right place. We provide you with everything that you need to know to take good care of these stunningly fluffy dogs.
The 9 Tips & Tricks for Grooming Samoyeds
1. Gather All the Needed Tools for Proper Samoyed Grooming
Several different tools will make the grooming process more manageable and keep your Samoyed in good shape:
- Metal pin brush
- A-comb
- Slicker brush
- Dog rake
- Scissors
- Dog nail clippers
- Dog dryer
- Shampoo
Each tool will have a different function in your grooming routine and will help your dog stay in good shape and look clean and neat.
Samoyeds are medium-sized dogs, so it might be a good idea to also invest in a grooming table that will help you more easily groom your furry friend.
2. Brush Your Samoyed Regularly
The care that you provide to your Samoyed’s coat will pay off immensely, setting the tone for obtaining healthy skin and making the coat shiny and silky. These dogs require weekly thorough brushing, which is when you remove all the tangles and mats from their fur. It’s also suggested to give them a quick daily brush to eliminate soil, dirt, and debris from their coats.
When brushing Samoyeds, it’s best to combine several different tools, including a metal pin brush, A-comb, a slicker brush, and a dog rake. A grooming table will help you reach all sides of your dog easily and without bending.
The brushing needs of these dogs increase dramatically during the shedding seasons (spring and fall), which is when they require thorough daily brushing to eliminate dead hair and prevent it from ending up in all corners of your home.
Without maintenance, your Samoyed could experience extreme matting that could cause various skin problems. Therefore, ensure that your furry companion gets regular brushing sessions.
3. Regularly Bathe Your Dog
You should bathe your Samoyed at least twice per year to ensure that they are healthy and comfortable. These dogs may require more frequent baths depending on their activity level and how dirty they get over time. Regardless, Samoyed coats usually don’t have an odor due to their thickness.
Before bathing, thoroughly brush your dog to get rid of any loose hair and collected dirt. During the bath, use a high-quality dog-appropriate shampoo and conditioner; together, they will nourish your Samoyed’s coat, helping it look healthy and fresh.
Keeping your pet's skin and coat clean and healthy is very important, but finding a great shampoo can be harder than the actual grooming! We love our Hepper Pet Shampoos because they makes grooming so much easier. These pH-balanced formulas are made with natural ingredients like oatmeal, cucumber, and aloe. They are free of phthalates, sulfates, and soaps and very gentle on your pet's skin. Now you just need to decide which formula is best for your fur baby! Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right option for your pet’s next bath!
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo
Natural cucumber & aloe scent
Safe for cats & dogs
Rinsing required
Free of harsh chemicals & nasty ingredients
Lathers easily
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4. Don’t Forget to Dry Your Samoyed
Samoyeds have extremely thick, fluffy coats, so after every bath, you’ll need to dry them thoroughly. Take a towel, and use it to gather excess moisture from your dog’s fur. Instead of making circular motions that could tangle the hair, gently pat your dog multiple times to collect as much water as possible.
Then, use a dog hair dryer to dry out the rest of the fur and eliminate moisture. Ensure that your dog’s coat is dry to the skin to prevent tangling, matting, and skin infections.
5. Provide Your Samoyed With Essential Nail and Dental Care
All dogs, including Samoyeds, require nail and dental care as a part of their grooming routine to stay healthy and keep in good shape. Here’s what you need to know.
Nail Care
Samoyeds need regular and thorough nail care, which includes cutting their claws every 3–4 weeks. A dog’s nails can easily become overgrown if not taken care of, causing pain and further complications.
When cutting, use dog-appropriate clippers, and cut carefully to prevent nipping the quick, soft part of your dog’s nail that contains blood vessels and nerve endings.
Dental Care
Besides regular nail care, Samoyeds need adequate dental care that will keep their mouths clean and prevent them from experiencing dental problems in the future.
There are several ways that you can treat your dog’s teeth to ensure that they’re clean and healthy:
- Brush your dog’s teeth with dog-appropriate toothpaste.
- Consider buying a dental water additive for your dog’s water bowl.
- Add dental powder to your dog’s food.
- Speak with your veterinarian about prescription dental dog food.
- Give chewable dental treats to your dog.
- Take your dog for regular professional vet cleanings.
Proper dental care from a young age will keep your Samoyed’s teeth healthy and prevent diseases and problems like plaque build-up and gingivitis.
6. Remember to Care for Your Samoyed’s Ears
Samoyeds are not prone to ear problems, but you should still check their ears every once in a while to ensure that they’re clean and healthy. Here’s a list of the steps to follow to ensure that your Samoyed’s ears are in good shape:
- Smell your dog’s ears. As odd as this sounds, this will allow you to know if they’re healthy. Healthy dog ears don’t have a smell (besides general dog smell); diseased ears have a strange odor that will indicate that something is off.
- Watch for signs of discomfort. Infected ears are often itchy, swollen, and red. Be sure to monitor your canine for these signs to catch infections early.
- Keep your dog’s ears clean. A dog’s ears tend to stay clean by themselves or by you wiping them with a damp washcloth. However, some dogs produce more wax and get dirty more easily, so you might need to use a dog-friendly ear cleaner and cotton pads.
- Speak with your vet if you notice anything strange. If you think that your Samoyed has an ear infection, speak with your vet for additional advice and information.
High-quality wet wipes can help you keep your dog clean from head to tail. Our Hepper Wash Wipes are infused with natural, moisturizing ingredients that will soothe your dog's skin while effectively removing dirt and grime. These soft, hypoallergenic wipes are made in the USA and safe for dogs and puppies of all breeds.
7. Trim the Hair From Your Samoyed’s Paw Pads When Necessary
Samoyeds have fluffy fur that grows quite quickly. Although their bodies usually don’t need in-home trimming, their paw pads do.
When the hair on a Samoyed’s paw pads is left too long, it can cause them to have difficulties moving and running, and it could lead to slipping more often. Therefore, the hair on your Samoyed’s paw pads should be regularly trimmed.
If you’ve never trimmed this part of your dog before, it might be best to get advice from a vet or a professional groomer to ensure that you do everything right.
8. Never Shave Your Samoyed
Whatever you decide to do with your dog’s hair, there’s one thing that you should never do: Shave your Samoyed. This breed has a fluffy, double coat for a reason, and shaving it would strip them of its function.
Here’s a list of the most important reasons that you should never shave your Samoyed:
- Your Samoyed’s coat protects the skin and body from hotness and coldness. By shaving the coat, your dog’s ability to regulate their temperature might be disturbed, which could lead to health problems.
- After shaving, a Samoyed’s coat may not grow back properly.
- Without fur, a Samoyed can easily experience sunburn or frostbite, which is why leaving them without their coats could be extremely dangerous.
9. Invest in Professional Grooming Sessions
Sometimes, it can be hard to provide all the necessary care for your Samoyed, especially if other chores take up your time. In such situations, you should invest in professional grooming sessions.
These services are often expensive, but they can be extremely beneficial for your canine, so be sure to try them if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Samoyeds Require Extensive Grooming?
Taking care of a Samoyed could be challenging for a first-time dog owner because this breed does require extra attention, especially when it comes to their fluffy coat. These dogs require a great deal of grooming in the form of frequent brushing. However, they don’t need many baths and simply require a typical dog care routine for their eyes, ears, and teeth.
Overall, caring for and grooming a Samoyed is easier when you know what to do.
Do Samoyeds Shed Excessively?
Samoyeds do shed but not much more than any other double-coated dog. They shed throughout the year, with their peak shedding times being in the spring and fall.
Overall, their shedding is average among dogs with similar coats, but people used to owning single-coated dogs may have difficulties adjusting.
Conclusion
Grooming a Samoyed may seem like a challenge, but the process can be simplified with the proper tools and knowledge. Follow these tips to keep your dog in good shape, and don’t be afraid to invest in professional grooming when you can—your Samoyed will thank you!
Featured Image Credit to: Evgeniia Shikhaleeva, Shutterstock
