The Indian Spitz is a small dog with a predominantly white fluffy double coat. They are known for their light, playful personality, and for grooming being an essential part of their wellbeing and upkeep.
Since they have double medium length coats, frequent grooming is essential to ensure they are tangle free and their skin and coat is healthy. This also prevents serious skin issues.
If you are a new Indian Spitz parent or a seasoned one, this guide covers all the things you need to know about your dog’s grooming needs and requirements.
Why the Grooming Needs of the Indian Spitz are Unique?
The Indian Spitz is a small dog with a medium-length double coat. This means it has an outer layer which is usually fluffy and an undercoat which is generally dense. Double coated dogs are not to be shaved completely even during summers as their layers help them regulate their body temperature.
It is usually the undercoat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during seasonal changes. Shedding during seasonal changes can be managed with proper brushing and preventative coat care.
This breed is known for their energy and playfulness. They have a strong affinity for outdoor activities and hikes. This makes it all the more important for Indian Spitz to be groomed regularly to keep them free of dirt and debris.
The Ultimate Grooming Routine for Your Indian Spitz
The Brushing Basics:
Since these dogs are double coated, brushing is necessary to keep their coat free of tangles and to control shedding. It would be ideal to brush them 2-3 times a week generally and more often during shedding season. Use a slicker brush or a deshedding brush to effectively remove loose hair.
Bath Time:
They need not be bathed too often as if they could strip them of their natural body oils. However, they need to be bathed every 4-6 weeks with a mild dog shampoo to keep their skin and coat clean. This can also be done when necessary like after a long hike that could have gotten your dog’s coat dirty. After every grooming session, ensure there is no shampoo residue left on your dog and they are dried well to prevent skin infections.
Style:
Although not necessary, their fur can be trimmed a certain way to look cuter or more professional. Apart from this, it is necessary to trim around the paws so that they get a better grip while running and walking. Their tails too can be slightly trimmed for hygiene reasons as well as for a neat appearance.
Claws Care:
Indian Spitz’s nails need to be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to avoid discomfort or injury. Overgrown nails can cause posture or can even cause discomfort while walking and playing. Use a nail grinder or clipper to keep their nails trimmed. It is important to be cautious their quick to prevent bleeding from over cutting.
Clean Ears:
Their ears need to be checked weekly for wax, odor, or dirt build up. It can be cleaned gently with a vet recommended ear solution and cotton pads. Ensure you're not going in too deep while cleaning.
Teeth Hygiene Routine:
It is important to keep their teeth clean for better heart and gut health. Brush their teeth using a dog safe toothpaste and dog specific toothbrush 2-3 times a week to prevent tartar and bad breath.
Indian Spitz Grooming: Tools and Essentials
For the Coat
- To manage and maintain the coat use a slicker brush to get to the undercoat, a de-shedding tool for general shedding management, and a comb for detangling their short to medium length fur.
For Bathing
- During baths use a mild dog shampoo and for dogs that are prone to skin issues and itching, it is recommended to use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Pet dryers are recommended for those Indian Spitz which have a longer coat. For those which are maintained with a trimmed coat a towel works just as well.
For Nails and Paws
- Clippers or grinders can be used to keep their nails trimmed. It is best to get them desensitized to nail trims from a younger age to avoid problems when they are older. For those dogs who tend to do more outside activities, a paw balm is recommended to keep their paw pads from cracking.
For Ears and Teeth
- Their ears can be cleaned with a simple ear cleaning solution and cotton pads. Their teeth can be cleaned with a dog toothpaste, and a dog specific toothbrush. They should be desensitized to this from a young age as well.
- Extras
- Grooming scissors can be used by those pet parents who plan to trim their dog's fur at home. A detangling spray can be used during brushes to help with heavier tangles and knots.
Indian Spitz Grooming Hacks
Grooming your Indian Spitz regularly keeps them healthy and prevents them from forming any serious skin issues. It is advised to start training them with grooming sessions from a younger age to get them used to and to help them keep calm during the process when older as well.
Brush their double coat 2-3 times a week to prevent tangles and manage shedding. This can be increased to daily brushing during shedding seasons to keep the shedding under control.
They can be bathed once every 4-6 weeks with a mild dog shampoo or when necessary. It is crucial to ensure they are completely dry to prevent infections. Their nails need to be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to prevent discomfort and posture issues that could come with overgrowth. Their eyes need to be checked for discharge and their ears need to be cleaned with a cleaning solution to prevent wax buildup. .
Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week with dog-friendly toothpaste to maintain dental health. Use treats and praise to make grooming a positive experience. Schedule professional grooming every 3-4 months for thorough care. By following these simple hacks, you’ll keep your Indian Spitz happy, healthy, and perfectly groomed!
FAQs on Indian Spitz Grooming
How often should Indian Spitz grooming be done?
- Brushing should be done 2-3 times a week, bathing every 4-6 weeks, and nail trimming every 3-4 weeks to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Are there any specific grooming tips for Indian Spitz during summer?
- During summer, increase brushing frequency to remove loose fur, keep baths light and infrequent to avoid drying out their coat, and provide plenty of hydration.
What should I do if my Indian Spitz resists grooming?
- Start grooming early, use positive reinforcement, and make sessions short and enjoyable. If resistance persists, consult a professional groomer.
How does regular grooming affect Indian Spitz temperament?
- Regular grooming keeps your Indian Spitz comfortable and stress-free, positively impacting their temperament by reducing irritation, discomfort, and excessive shedding.
