Let’s be honest: Yorkies are cute. These lovable companions are toy-sized dogs with long glossy coats. Between their diminutive size, energetic personalities, and beautiful fur, it is pretty easy to fall head over heels for one of these! If you own a Yorkie – or you are planning on it in the future – then understanding the importance of grooming is a necessity. To make things a little easier, here is a step-by-step guide to grooming your Yorkie properly.
1) Start With Bathing
The best place to start is with a good bath. Keeping your Yorkie clean is essential! How often this needs to be done varies but in general should be tackled every two to three weeks. You may choose to bathe your animal more often if they are dirty or have oily skin. It really depends, so pay attention to your pet! Since this breed is small, you should be able to bathe them in your bathtub or sink. Use a gentle dog shampoo, being careful to avoid contact with their eyes. Rinse thoroughly and then follow up with a conditioner to keep their coat super soft. You may also want to spray on a detangling product to make the brushing process easier. Let your dog shake to remove excess water and then use a dryer with a low setting to get the fur completely dry.
2) Brush Often
Brushing is important for all dogs, as it boosts circulation and lets you take note of any possible irritation or skin problems. The same is true for Yorkies…however, their coat needs to be at least a little bit damp before you brush it. Brushing a dry coat can cause breakage. Try using a spray conditioner to soften the hair and brush carefully when removing matted areas or tangles. For this breed, most of the mats take place at the top of the legs, so check closely. You should aim to brush your pet as often as possible, preferably every day.
3) Keep Fur Trimmed
Every month or so, you need to have your Yorkie trimmed. This process is important as it removes hair that can get in the way (like on the feet, for instance). It can also give your pet a particular style. Trimming also allows the fur on their ears to cut in a way that will accent that natural V-shape. While it can be challenging to trim your own pet, it is possible. It all depends on what your skill level and overall comfort happens to be.
4) Other Grooming Essentials
In addition to bathing, brushing, and trimming, there are a few other steps that you’ll need to think about. Yes, you also need to trim your animal’s nails when they become too long (otherwise it can cause discomfort), clean their ears (use an ear cleaning solution and watch out for dirt, wax, or any notable issues), and remember to clean their teeth (to prevent gum disease and decay). All of these steps are just as important as brushing and bathing to the health of your pet.
Does it all sound like too much? Don’t panic! Dog grooming Edgewater Miami professionals can help ease your mind. They have experience working with different dog breeds and can tailor their skills to suit your animal. If you choose to go down this path, be sure to look for a grooming company with plenty of hands-on experience – and one with a great reputation, too. It will make your life a whole lot simpler and keep your pet happier and healthier.
Whether you choose to groom your Yorkie or need a little help, remember: the most important thing is the well being of your pet. Grooming helps keep them healthy, so take the necessary steps to make it happen.
