It is undeniable that a full Schnauzer beard gives them a gorgeous and distinguished look. To maintain this look, however, it requires proper grooming and care. Schnauzer beard cleaning is not daunting and you can easily keep your pup’s facial hair looking clean and tidy. With that said, we’d like to share some tips to help you keep that show-stopping Schnauzer beard clean with minimal effort.
1. Daily Grooming
Just like any other pet, your Schnauzer needs to have their coat and beard brushed on a daily basis. This helps reduce shedding, as well as prevent mats from forming in the thick hair of their beard. Taking a few minutes every day when grooming your pup to give the fur on their muzzle a really good once-over can save you a lot of time in the long run. It will also make the next steps in maintaining their beard – shampooing and conditioning – much easier.
2. Shampooing and Conditioning
It’s recommended to shampoo and condition your Schnauzer’s fur and beard at least once a week. You can use a mild shampoo made specifically for dogs to maintain the natural pH balance of their skin and coat. Make sure to avoid human shampoo, which can strip the coat of vital oils. After shampooing, remember to spritz the beard with a conditioner. This will keep it soft, manageable, and most importantly, free of tangles.
3. Shedding Prevention
Schnauzers shed a lot, coming in at the same level of fur loss as most other long-haired breeds. To reduce this, consider giving your pup a deshedding treatment every few months. There are various deshedding products available on the market that can help loosen and remove the fur from the undercoat. Using it frequently will not only help reduce mess, but will also keep your pooch looking and feeling great.
4. Stay on Top of Trimming
Regular trimming is also essential for keeping your Schnauzer’s beard looking good. You can use scissors or clippers to remove any excess fur and keep it looking neat. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, there’s always the option to take your pup to the groomer, who will be able to do the job professionally. Whatever you choose, it’s important to keep the neck and chin areas well trimmed, as this is where the most shedding tends to occur.
5. Stay Vigilant
Schnauzers have thick facial hair that often traps food and water during mealtime, leaving it exposed to bacteria and the toxins in their saliva. To prevent this, it’s important to inspect their beard regularly for any food particles that may have gotten stuck in it. If you do find any, make sure to remove them before they have the chance to cause any damage.
6. Don’t Overwash
It’s important to note that over-washing your Schnauzer’s beard can strip it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. To avoid this, only wash the beard when it is absolutely necessary, such as when you spot food particles or when it is significantly dirty. Keep in mind that a little dirt can be a good thing, since it helps to keep the outer coat of their fur moisturized.
7. Save Time with Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a great way to help keep your Schnauzer’s beard looking clean without spending too much time grooming it. It’s easy to use and will absorb the dirt, oil, and other impurities in the fur. Make sure to spray it onto the affected area, and leave it on long enough before brushing it out.
Additional Tips
In addition to the tips above, here are some more tips to help you keep your Schnauzer’s beard clean and looking great:
- Be wary when brushing the beard – if you brush too hard, you may cause their skin to become irritated.
- Invest in a conditioner specifically designed for long-haired dogs, as these will help nourish the beard and keep it from becoming coarse and dull.
- Ensure your pup’s diet is high in omega-3 fatty acids, as this will help keep their coat and beard looking healthy.
- Consider using a shampoo with natural oils, as these will help keep the skin and fur from becoming too dry.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections can occur in Schnauzers, which can lead to the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, and other debris in their fur and beard. If this is left unchecked, it can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and flaky, so it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of yeast overgrowth. You can use a natural anti-fungal shampoo to help keep the yeast at bay.
Dental Hygiene
It’s important to keep your pup’s teeth clean – this will in turn keep their beard free of debris, as well as help to prevent plaque build-up. You can do this by using a dog toothbrush with toothpaste specifically designed for canines, or opt for rawhide chews and dental treats that contain enzymes to help reduce tartar and plaque. Additionally, you can also include dental-care products such as antiseptic mouthwash and dental sprays in your pet’s grooming routine.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Schnauzers are susceptible to fleas, ticks, and other parasites, so it is important to use products specifically designed to kill these pests. Using an all-natural flea repellent or a natural flea and tick shampoo is a great way to keep your pup’s beard free of these parasites. If you choose to use over-the-counter products, make sure to read the labels carefully, and follow the directions closely.
Grooming Supplies
Having a good set of grooming supplies is essential when it comes to keeping your Schnauzer’s beard clean. Invest in a quality brush, comb, and shears, as well as shampoo, conditioner, and flea and tick prevention products. Additionally, you could also invest in a pet blow-dryer, which will make it much easier and quicker to dry their coat and beard after baths and grooming sessions.