The following are the parts of a comprehensive preparation process for your Portie:
- brushing and combing
- nail cutting
- ear cleaning
- Toilets
- air drying
- trimming/scissors
Between subsequent grooming steps, steps 1 to 3 should be done weekly, while brushing and combing can be done more frequently, as required by the dog’s coat length and activities. Bathing and drying off is good enough every two to three weeks. Trimming can be done as needed or desired, depending on the overall look you want for your dog.
Like other dogs that have little shedding, the Portuguese Water Dog needs frequent clipping or clipping. His fur gets longer and longer, until it becomes unruly without intervention. Grooming a dog is very easy to learn and perform, unless the owner prefers a professional groomer. The latter involves considerable costs, of course, which is why many homeowners are beginning to learn how to fix themselves. All of this makes a dog clipper a good investment. Plus, professional care can cost you at least $500 a year.
A grooming table, while not a necessity, helps a lot. The purpose is that the dog can lie down on a solid, flat surface where he can feel safe while being groomed.
A nail clipper or nail grinder are necessary items that you will need to master using. Surprisingly, many dog owners ignore the fact that careless tool placement when clipping nails can lead to blood vessel injury, which may explain the animal’s aversion to nail hygiene.
But what if an outage occurs despite your best intentions? Then the following item should not be missing in your grooming kit, nor in your first aid kit: styptic powder. This chemical helps stop most bleeding.
Being a drop-eared breed, the Portuguese Water Dog will need help in controlling certain ear problems, something that pointy-eared dogs are free from. Implement regular cleaning through over-the-counter ear cleaners after consultation with your veterinarian.
Optional items in your grooming kit could be: a dog conditioner (aside from the mandatory shampoo) that controls matting and prevents unsightly hair splitting; a hair dryer to help dry your dog faster and to help prevent cleaning his fur on surfaces throughout the house.