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Beagles do not need much grooming. These small dogs are typically pretty self-sufficient in the grooming category thanks to their short, weather-proof fur. However, these dogs can also shed quite a bit, so you may want to take a brush to their coat occasionally.
Luckily, this is pretty straightforward. With our guide below, you should easily be able to groom your beagle without much of a problem.
Collect Your Materials
Beagles will need a few different brushes and other supplies to get groomed properly. Because these dogs have shorter fur, they do not need as many brushes as other dogs. Still, we recommend having at least most of the following items on hand.
How To Bathe Your Beagle
You should only bathe your beagle once a month at the most. Many professional breeders bathe their dogs even less, as it can dry out their skin. If you brush your dog regularly, you will remove debris and help spread out the coat oils. Therefore, you won’t have to bathe them nearly as often.
Whenever it does come time to bathe your Beagle, here are the steps that you should take:
1. Use Lukewarm Water
You don’t want to use anything too hot or too cold for your dog’s bath. Typically, lukewarm water that is around body temperature works best. Beagles are small, but you typically don’t have to worry much about them maintaining body temperature. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly after bathing.
2. Protect Your Dog’s Ears
Beagle ears are very floppy, so they tend to trap water. Therefore, we recommend drying them carefully with a cotton ball after the bath or using large cotton balls while bathing to prevent water from entering the ear. You don’t need to push them into the ear canal—just far enough so they don’t fall out. Do not wash inside the ear with water, either.
Of course, remove the cotton balls promptly after the bath.
3. Follow the Direction on the Shampoo Container
While most shampoo is ready to use right out of the container, some require dilution. Therefore, read the directions on the back of the shampoo container and follow them while bathing your beagle. Usually, the directions will tell you to wet your beagle thoroughly and then add the shampoo.
Be sure to rinse well. Any shampoo left on the skin can lead to irritation and issues later.
4. Dry Your Dog Thoroughly
You’ll want to use several towels to dry your dog. Water left on the skin can dry it out, so be sure to get your dog as clean as possible.
How To Clean Your Beagle’s Ears
On top of a bath, you should also clean your beagle’s ears regularly. Usually, we recommend cleaning them whenever you notice that they are dirty. But if your dog is prone to ear infections, cleaning them on a set schedule may be better. For instance, many recommend cleaning their ears every week or every other week.
1. Use a Dog-Specific Ear Cleanser
Beagles need quite a bit of cleaning power in their ears so we recommend using a vet approved ear cleanser to help remove any dirt, debris, and microbes that may damage your dog’s ears. Many also contain an anti-inflammatory, which can help prevent infections.
2. Follow the Directions
Whatever cleaner you choose, follow the directions that come with it. Usually, you’ll need to add a few drops to your dog’s ears and then rub. Never stick anything in your dog’s ears or rinse the cleaner off with water. The cleanser is designed to remain in your dog’s ears in most cases.
3. Examine the Ears
You’ll want to examine the ears during each cleaning to ensure they aren’t infected. If you notice a bad smell or discoloration, your dog may have an infection. These need to be treated by a veterinarian.
The 3 Everyday Grooming Tips
On top of cleaning your dog’s ears and bathing them regularly, you’ll need to perform other grooming tasks regularly, such as clipping their nails and brushing them. Beagles are not high-maintenance dogs, so these tasks aren’t frequent or involved.
1. Brushing
You’ll need to brush your Beagle occasionally. Usually, during the spring and fall, these dogs shed excessively. During this period, you may need to brush them every other day or so. However, during the winter and summer, you may only need to brush them weekly.
For the most part, this brushing session is to remove dead fur. You should use a deshedding tool as directed. These tools have different directions depending on the type, but you should always brush with your pet’s coat.
2. Trim the Nails
You’ll need to trim your dog’s nails regularly, usually about once a month. Many people feel unsure about doing this, but it is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. You can invest in a nail grinder instead of clippers if you’d like, as these are easier to use and lead to softer nail edges.
We recommend having some styptic powder on hand in case bleeding occurs. This powder will help the bleed to clot quickly.
3. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
You should use dog-safe toothpaste on your dog’s teeth once a day. Choose an enzymatic cleaner, as these work without brushing vigorously. Often, it is hard to brush a dog’s teeth vigorously, so these cleaners work better.
Conclusion
Grooming beagles is not difficult, as they have short coats, but they do have sensitive ears that will require regular cleaning. Furthermore, we highly recommend brushing them regularly, as they can shed a lot.
With all of that said, it usually isn’t difficult to groom them. Most beagles can be trained to sit still for most grooming practices, especially if food is involved. We recommend starting early, even though your puppy won’t need tons of brushing. Getting your dog used to the grooming process when they are young helps ensure that they are accepting of the process later.
Featured Image Credit: Aidenluei, Shutterstock
