The Essential Golden Retriever Grooming Kit
One of the most important things that you can do to care for your Golden Retriever is to groom them. They are known for their majestic golden coats. But without proper grooming, they can develop certain unhealthy traits.
This is why having a grooming kit is of the utmost importance. If you are looking for a Golden Retriever grooming kit, there are more than a few essentials to consider as part of the package.
Brush
Without a doubt, one of the most important grooming tools at your disposal is a brush. It is the first line of defense against matting, excessive shedding, and any of the other issues that may arise when dealing with a thick, long coat.
Because the needs for brushing are so comprehensive, there are different kinds of brushes to choose from. There are two in particular that you should have in any quality grooming kit for your Golden Retriever: the slicker brush and undercoat rake.
Slicker Brush
The slicker brush will help to keep your Golden Retriever’s coat not only clean, but healthy as well. There are pins that have been angled that are super helpful for removing loose dirt, dander, and fur. It can help keep your Golden looking neat and save you the trouble of dealing with all the extra fur that they would have otherwise shed in your home.
Just be careful to not put too much pressure on when using the brush. The teeth can cause some discomfort to your pup if you push down too hard. There are some that are even self-cleaning, meaning all you have to do is push a button and the hair will pop out to be disposed of.
Undercoat Rake
The other essential brush is the undercoat rake. Because Golden Retrievers have a thick, double coat, it means that you need to apply some special care. It isn’t nearly as visible but the undercoat is important for helping to keep them protected from heat and cold while also regulating their body temperature.
If the undercoat becomes matted or full of loose dirt and hair, then they won’t be as comfortable or clean as they could be. With the right rake, you can get through that thicker bottom layer and remove all the excess fur and tangles that can build up.
Nail Trimmer
Letting your dog’s nails get to be too long can cause major havoc, both on their body and your home. If you have hardwood floors especially, the last thing you want is for your Golden Retriever’s nails to grow too long.
What makes dog nail clippers unique is that they use a rounded blade. This applies even pressure around the nail, allowing for a clean cut. There is another aspect when it comes to trimming nails, which leads to the next item on the list.
Styptic Powder
It can be all too easy to accidentally cut your Golden Retriever’s nails too short. There is a blood vessel and nerve in the nail and, if you cut too short, it can cause them to bleed. This is totally normal and every dog owner has dealt with this at one time or another.
When putting together a Golden Retriever grooming kit, make sure to have styptic powder. This will stop the bleeding, which can go on for some time if not dealt with properly. Even if you think you have staunched the flow of blood, there is a good chance that you will find little droplets of blood all over your floor. Save yourself the trouble.
Shampoo
Baths are going to become a regular part of your life when you are a Golden Retriever owner. Their coat requires quite a bit of care in order to maintain its sheen and remain healthy. This means giving them a bath to get rid of all the dirt they accumulate and to make it easier to brush out their coat.
A good dog shampoo will help to keep their coat clean but also avoid irritating their skin or eyes. There are a ton of shampoos out there to choose from; something with natural oatmeal in it would make a great option.
There are also a plethora of medicated shampoos out there to help with fleas, parasites, allergies, ticks, and more.
Blow Dryer
Since they have so much fur and require regular baths, save yourself some time in the drying process. A blow dryer is necessary to work through their thick coat and ensure that they are dry enough to be around the home.
Don’t let them air dry. Air drying can cause hot spots and a litany of other skin issues. Using a blow dryer, you can make short work of drying after their bath, letting everyone get back to their lives.
Conclusion
Caring for your Golden Retriever means having the proper grooming tools on hand. With things such as a brush, undercoat rake, and nail trimmer (among other things), you can ensure that your Golden looks and feels their best at all times.
Not only that, but you can keep up with all the shedding, which is known to be one of the biggest pet peeves of Golden owners everywhere. It is a win-win scenario for sure.
