If you have a Cairn Terrier, you will know that combing and brushing is an important aspect of the grooming process. So it’s important to know how to properly brush and comb their coat in order to keep it looking and feeling its best. This includes knowing exactly which tools should be used.
Why Brushing and Combing Your Cairn Terrier is Important
Regular brushing and combing of your doggie is essential for maintaining their coat’s health. Failing to do so can lead to a host of problems, including: matting, skin irritation, and even infection.
By regularly brushing and combing your dog, you can remove tangles, mats, and dead hair that can cause discomfort and pain. Brushing also helps to distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it shiny and moisturized. Regular brushing and combing also stimulates blood flow to their skin, promoting healthy hair growth. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any skin irritations, bumps, or lumps that may require veterinary attention. By catching these issues early, you can ensure that your cairn receives prompt and appropriate care.
Another important aspect that may be overlooked, is that regular grooming also provides an opportunity for bonding between your pupper and you. Take that time to cultivate a trusting and special bond between the two of you. This will not only bring you closer to your pooch, but allow them to complete the necessary grooming process in a safe and loving way. This will create positive lasting effects for a lifetime.
The cairn terrier has a thick wiry double-coat. Brushing helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose hair, which can reduce shedding. This also helps to reduce the amount of loose hair and pet dander within your home; thus reducing the increased risk of exposure for allergy sufferers.
It is recommended to brush your doggie at least weekly.
What You’ll Need
Before you start brushing and combing your cairn terrier, make sure you have the following:
- Brush Types
- A pin brush and/or slicker brush
- Comb Types
- A fine-tooth metal comb
- Other Tools
- A dog grooming table or higher surface
- A detangling spray
- A treat to reward your cairn terrier for good behavior
Preparing to Brush and Comb Your Cairn Terrier
It is important to start the grooming process as early as possible. For pupper up to 4 months of age, you should brush several days a week with a metal pin brush in order to begin to establish a grooming routine. Always make sure to remain patient and gentle when completing. Place the puppy on an elevated surface with a non-slip mat such as a dog grooming table in order to complete the grooming routine (brushing, combing, teeth, and nails). Get them comfortable lying on their side and standing while on the higher surface. Just make sure you grab all the necessary equipment required prior to placing your pup up high, and if you have forgotten something then lower them back down to the floor so as you’re making sure not to leave them on a high surface unattended.
Bringing them to a higher work surface will not only signal to your pup that ‘now it’s time for the grooming routine,’ but will also save your back. It will allow you to have proper body mechanics, which will become especially important as they become bigger and stronger. Also, please make sure to incorporate praise and treats prior to and after completing the grooming routine. This will not only help solidify the bonding experience, but will signal to your pupper that the grooming process is a safe and loving space for them.
How to Brush Your Cairn Terrier
Cairns have a thick double-coat; with a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh weather-resistant outer coat. They will need to be brushed weekly. They have wiry coats which should be kept in their original texture in order to prevent the risk of skin irritations. You will need to brush multiple times prior to combing.
Brushing #1
- You should start by removing all mats, dirt, debris, and loose hair from their coat. Attempt to use your fingers firstly, by gently pulling apart small sections at a time and working your way from outermost mat sections and moving closer to the skin. You can use your comb to assist, trying to work the tangle out delicately and in small sections at a time. And a detangling spray is always a good option in order to ease the tangles out more freely.
- You will want to start with a pin brush. Remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth and make sure to apply enough pressure in order to penetrate both the undercoat and topcoat with the pins of the brush. Using the pin brush, start towards the buttocks and tail.
- Then move to the legs and back. Brush their spine, by brushing vertically down and continue down to the outside of their leg.
- Next is the chest, starting closer to the chin and working your way down. Make sure to be gentle as the belly is usually a more sensitive area.
- Then the head. Be gentle with the sensitive areas of the face, especially around the eyes making sure not to accidentally poke them.
Brushing #2
Repeat the same process. But now brush against the direction of the hair growth. This will not only help to fluff up the topcoat, but also allow you to more fully penetrate the dense undercoat.
- Using the pin brush, start towards the buttocks and tail. Brush in the opposite direction of
the hair growth, where you will be brushing up and out. Make sure to apply enough pressure in
order to penetrate both the undercoat and topcoat with the pins of the brush. - Then move to the legs and back. Continuing the process of brushing up and out, starting
at the base of the skin and moving to the ends. Pay special attention to the legs, as this area will
be more prone to matting. Next, you will move to the back.. You will want to brush up and out,
moving closer towards the spine. You should be brushing starting from the skin working out to
the tips of the hair, and then work your way back down to the spine. - Next is the chest. Make sure to be gentle as the belly is usually a more sensitive area.
- Then the head. Start at the head, brushing up from the base of the hair towards the tip.
This technique will keep their fur looking full and fluffy as opposed to brushing it down flat
against the skin. Be gentle with the sensitive areas of the face, especially around the eyes
making sure not to accidentally poke them.
Brushing #3
When you have finished brushing the entire body going against the direction of the hair growth then you will brush again. This time brushing in the direction of the hair growth again, and laying the hair flat towards the body.
- Using the pin brush, start towards the buttocks and tail. Remember to brush in the
direction of the hair growth and make sure to apply enough pressure in order to penetrate both
the undercoat and topcoat with the pins of the brush. - Then move to the legs and back. Brush their spine, by brushing vertically down and
continue down to the outside of their leg. - Next is the chest, starting closer to the chin and working your way down. Make sure to
be gentle as the belly is usually a more sensitive area. - Then the head. Be gentle with the sensitive areas of the face, especially around the
eyes making sure not to accidentally poke them.
How to Comb Your Cairn Terrier
- Use a fine-toothed metal comb, making sure to comb in the direction of the hair growth.
The comb will help to remove all the dead hairs that have been loosened and brushed to the
surface from the pin brush. Make sure to pay special attention to genitals and armpits, as these
areas are prone to matting. - Using the comb, start towards the buttocks and tail. Remember to comb in the direction
of the hair growth. - Then move to the legs and back. Comb their spine, by brushing vertically down and
continue down to the outside of their leg. - Next is the chest, starting closer to the chin and working your way down. Make sure to
be gentle as the belly is usually a more sensitive area. - Then the head. Be gentle with the sensitive areas of the face, especially around the
eyes making sure not to accidentally poke them.
Tips for Maintaining Your Cairn Terrier’s Coat
To keep your doggo’s coat healthy, you should brush and comb it regularly. Here are some tips:
- Brush their entire coat at least weekly
- Use a pin brush or *slicker brush to remove tangles and mats. (Slicker brushes should only be used by professionals, because if used incorrectly, it will be very painful)
- Use a comb to remove loose hair and debris.
- Be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the coat.
- Pay special attention to areas that are prone to tangles, such as the genitals and armpits
- If you encounter a mat, use your fingers first. A detangling spray and/or dematting tool or scissors to carefully remove it are also options.
- After brushing, use a damp cloth to wipe your pupper’s coat and remove any remaining debris.
- Always give a treat and praise for good behavior.
By following these tips, you can maintain your Cairn Terrier’s coat and keep it looking healthy and shiny.
As long as you are able to maintain regular brushing, shedding will be minimal and consistent stripping will drastically reduce shedding as well.