How to Groom a Beagle: 10 Vet Reviewed Bathing & Cleaning Tips

Beagles do not need much grooming and are typically pretty self-sufficient in the grooming category, thanks to their short, weather-proof fur. However, they can also shed quite a bit, so you must regularly brush their coat.

Luckily, grooming a Beagle is pretty straightforward, and we'll show you how in our guide below.

Collect Your Materials

Beagles need a few brushes and other supplies to get groomed properly. Because they have shorter fur, they do not need as many brushes as other dogs. Still, we recommend having most of the following items on hand.

• Bristle Brush. While there are several grooming brushes, bristle brushes are the best option. You’ll need a larger brush for adults and a smaller brush for puppies.
• Deshedding Tool. Beagles can shed a lot, but a deshedding tool can help you remove the dead fur.
• Bath Brush. You shouldn’t bathe your beagle that much. However, when you do, it is a good idea to have a bath brush handy to remove the loose fur while they’re in the bath.
• Bath Products. Of course, you’ll also want shampoo and conditioner for your beagle. Sometimes, a two-in-one works best.
• Ear Cleaning Solution. Due to their floppy ears, beagles are prone to ear infections. Therefore, we recommend having a high-quality ear-cleaning solution on hand. Use it whenever you notice your dog’s ears becoming dirty.
• Dental Care Items. You should brush your dog’s teeth regularly with dog toothpaste to prevent dental problems, which can be painful and require veterinary attention to fix.
• Nail Trimmers. Finding a nail trimming designed for smaller dogs like Beagles is ideal.

How To Bathe Your Beagle

You should only bathe your beagle once a month at the most. Professional breeders bathe their dogs even less since it can dry out their skin. If you brush your dog regularly, you will remove debris and spread out the coat oils. Therefore, you won’t have to bathe them nearly as often.

Whenever it's time to bathe your Beagle, here are the steps that you should take:

1. Use Lukewarm Water

You don’t want to use hot or cold water for your dog’s bath. Typically, lukewarm water that is around body temperature works best. Beagles are small, but you don’t have to worry much about them maintaining body temperature. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly after bathing.

2. Protect Your Dog’s Ears

Beagle ears are very floppy and can trap water. Therefore, we recommend drying them carefully with a cotton ball after the bath to prevent water from entering their ears. Do not spray water or put shampoo inside your dog's ears.

3. Follow the Direction on the Shampoo Container

While most shampoo is ready to use right out of the container, some require dilution. Therefore, read the directions on the back of the shampoo container and follow them while bathing your beagle. Usually, the directions will tell you to wet your beagle thoroughly and then add the shampoo.

Be sure to rinse well. Any shampoo left on the skin can lead to irritation and issues later.

Our Favorite Products

Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent. 

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

4. Dry Your Dog Thoroughly

You’ll want to use several towels to dry your dog. Water left on the skin can dry it out, so be sure to get your dog as clean as possible.

How To Clean Your Beagle’s Ears

On top of a bath, you should also clean your beagle’s ears regularly. Usually, we recommend cleaning them whenever you notice that they are dirty. But if your dog is prone to ear infections, cleaning them on a set schedule may be better. For instance, some vets recommend cleaning their ears every week or every other week.

1. Use a Dog-Specific Ear Cleanser

It's best to use a vet-approved ear cleanser to remove dirt, debris, and microbes that may damage your dog’s ears. Many solutions also contain an anti-inflammatory, which can help prevent infections.

If you are looking for the perfect product to clean your dog's sensitive areas, Hepper's Wash Wipes are our recommendation, plus it's a great on-the-go option. These premium wipes are thick and durable enough for the toughest of paw messes, while still being soft enough to use on your dog's ears or eyes. Formulated with pet-friendly, hypoallergenic ingredients they are the ideal product for all dogs of all ages, skin conditions, or sensitivities. 

At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!

2. Follow the Directions

Whatever cleaner you choose, follow the directions closely. Usually, you’ll need to add a few drops to your dog’s ears and then rub the outside of them to work the solution in. Never stick anything in your dog’s ears or rinse the cleaner with water. The ear drops are designed to remain in your dog’s ears in most cases.

3. Examine the Ears

You’ll want to examine the ears during each cleaning to ensure they aren’t infected. If you notice a foul smell or discoloration, your dog may have an infection. An infection requires veterinary attention to treat and prevent it from worsening.

The 3 Everyday Grooming Tips

On top of cleaning your dog’s ears and bathing them regularly, you’ll need to perform other grooming tasks, such as clipping their nails and brushing their coat. Beagles are not high-maintenance dogs, and grooming them shouldn't take very long

1. Brushing

You’ll need to brush your Beagle occasionally. Usually, during the spring and fall, these dogs shed excessively. You may need to brush them every day or so during this period. However, you may only need to brush them weekly during the winter and summer.

You can use a deshedding tool first to remove loose hair and then use a bristle brush.

2. Trim the Nails

You’ll need to trim your dog’s nails regularly, usually about once a month. Many owners are hesitant to trim them, but it is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. You can invest in a nail grinder instead of clippers if you’d like; they are easier to use and lead to softer nail edges.

We recommend having styptic powder on hand in case bleeding occurs.

3. Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

You should use dog-safe toothpaste on your dog’s teeth once a day. You can use an enzymatic cleaner since you don't have to brush as vigorously. Often, brushing a dog’s teeth vigorously is hard, and an enzymatic toothpaste is better for dogs that can't sit still.

Conclusion

Grooming Beagles is not difficult, as they have short coats, but they have sensitive ears that require regular cleaning. Furthermore, we highly recommend brushing their fur regularly since they shed a lot.

However, it usually isn’t difficult to groom them. Most beagles can be trained to sit still for most grooming practices, especially if food is involved. We recommend starting early, even though your puppy won’t need much brushing. Getting your dog used to the grooming process when they are young helps ensure that they are accepting of the process later.

• See also: Do Beagles Have Webbed Feet? Facts, Advantages & Disadvantages

Featured Image Credit: Aidenluei, Shutterstock