Rottweiler They are considered moderate sheds. They have a double coat, so they shed seasonally, but it is less unmanageable, and they require much less maintenance than long-haired or curly-haired breeds. Any Rotty owner knows that grooming is essential to keeping shedding under control and keeping their coats healthy.
Grooming is also crucial for another reason, it’s an excellent time to check for any sores, lumps or bumps that weren’t there before. So, we’ve collected 10 important tips to help you care for your Rottweiler!
10 tips on how to care for a Rottweiler
1. Start them young
As adults, Rottweilers weigh about 70 to 120 pounds and are strong and muscular. Therefore, you should provide care for your Rottweiler puppy as soon as possible. Not only will this keep their fur clean and healthy, but it will also get them used to the routine.
This will reduce their stress and anxiety levels as adults and make them more willing to sit still while you do things they may not like, such as putting a toothbrush in their mouth.
2. Establish a brushing routine
Dogs appreciate routine, so discovering a grooming routine early will make your life easier. Rottweilers should be brushed at least weekly, but ideally, they will need to be brushed two to three times a week during shedding season to maintain their coat.
Make sure you find the right brush; The best double coat dog brush is a traditional pin brush. A depilator will also come in handy during hair loss season, and it may not seem worth it since you will only use it two or three times a year. However, it would be helpful to have fur everywhere during those summer months.
3. Bath your Rottweiler often enough
Some Rottweilers have more sensitive skin than others. So, unless they are rolling in muddy puddles, they will only need an occasional bath. If you over-bathe your Rottie, their skin can become dry, as it will strip them of their natural oils.
You should also never use human shampoo or conditioner on your dog; A dog’s skin has different pH levels than humans and can be damaged by acidic products. It will also make them more vulnerable to viruses and parasites. Ideally, choose a high-quality dog ​​shampoo that contains natural ingredients.
4. Never stick anything in your dog’s ear
When cleaning your dog’s ears, make sure you are gentle and do not stick anything in them. First, check your Rottweiler’s ears for any signs of swelling, redness, or discharge. A healthy ear is clean and light pink. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet.
To clean the ear, gently lift your dog’s pinna and fill the ear canal with the cleaning solution. Massage the base of the ear; Some dogs find this soothing, so step back and allow your pet to vibrate, which will loosen any debris from the ear canal. Using a pad or cotton ball, gently wipe the earmuffs and the top of the ear canal.
5. Take care of their teeth
Dental care is essential to your dog’s overall health and should be part of your dental care routine. Ideally, you should Clean your dog’s teeth daily. At the very least, you should brush their teeth three times a week.
Always use a toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. There are also dental chews, dental sprays, and chew toys that will help keep your dog’s teeth healthy if he’s nervous about brushing his teeth.
6. Trim your Rottweiler’s nails
If your Rottweiler’s nails make a clicking sound when walking on tile, hardwood, or vinyl, they are too long. Ideally, they should not touch the ground when your dog stands, as this pushes the weight into the pad and causes stress to his paws.
Broken, brittle nails can get stuck in furniture and harm your rotting appliance. It can also lead to infection. You can trim or trim your dog’s nails at home, and if you’re thinking about doing so, be sure to invest in high-quality nail clippers designed specifically for dogs. You can take them to a professional groomer if you are uncomfortable doing so.
7. Check for lumps and bumps
Giving your Rottweiler a once-over while grooming him is a great routine you can follow. Look for problems you may not notice when their hair is a little longer or dry.
Check the following:
A lump or bump is usually nothing to worry about, but anything you find should be checked by your vet. Common lumps found in dogs can be sebaceous tumors, warts, cysts, or even skin cancer.
8. Don’t do everything at once
Trying to juggle everything that needs to get done in one day can be overwhelming for your Rottweiler. Instead, stick to your schedule of brushing their teeth and coat regularly and fit in jobs like bathing or nail trimming on rest days.
9. Do not rush
Caring for your Rottweiler will present many processes that can be a little intimidating. Getting them wet, putting a toothbrush in their mouth, and cutting their nails will cause them anxiety. If this is still relatively new to your dog, take your time. Allow them to smell the equipment before starting and to touch their nails without cutting them.
Keep checking on your Rotty, and if he seems stressed or anxious, stop. It doesn’t matter if you only cut half of their nails; You can finish later or on another day.
In addition, make sure to choose the times correctly. Your dog is more likely to sit still if you’ve taken him on a long walk before. Trying to keep a dog still who needs the toilet or has a lot of pent-up energy is a recipe for disaster.
10. Use positive reinforcement
Rewards, praise, and cuddles will go a long way when caring for your Rottweiler. Harsh words and impatience will only stress them out and make the whole experience difficult for both of you. Staying calm and patient will help your dog get through this experience and make him more willing to do it again!
Frequently asked questions
Can you shave a rottweiler?
No, you should never shave your Rottweiler’s fur because it acts as insulation and protects it from hot and cold weather. The outer layer also repels moisture and dirt. Shaving your Rottie can irritate their skin and leave them vulnerable to sunburn and insect bites.
Do you need to clean your Rottweiler’s eyes?
In general, your Rottweiler’s eyes won’t need a lot of attention, but checking them is a good idea, and you can always clean them while you bathe them. Check their eyes for signs of irritation or redness Gently wipe away any secretions from the corners with a cloth or cotton ball moistened with warm water.
Be careful not to touch the eyeball. Discharge from the eyes is completely normal and should not be confused with a sign of infection. Consult your veterinarian if you notice eye changes or any swelling or redness.
Does your Rottweiler need to go to a professional groomer?
You don’t have to send your dog to a professional if you don’t want to. Some owners Take them to the groomer If they are not confident with certain parts of their grooming routine, such as trimming their nails. Alternatively, you can groom your dog at home and then send them to a professional groomer every 6 months for a more thorough work.
Final thoughts
It is essential to introduce your Rottweiler to a grooming routine as early as possible, otherwise it may become a problem when it becomes an adult. They are big dogs, and trying to control them when they don’t want to do something could end up causing them to be more than you or any professional groomer can handle!
Hair care can be a stressful experience, so start gradually and make sure you don’t try to cram everything into one day. Stick to your routine of brushing their teeth daily and schedule other times for bathing and trimming their nails.
Featured image credit: PhotoDOGraphy, Shutterstock