How to Groom a Havanese: 6 Vet-Approved Tips

The Havanese is a small dog breed, but that doesn’t mean grooming them is easy. These smart little dogs require regular grooming, which includes brushing, bathing, and regular coat maintenance, including trimming or professional grooming as needed. You could always take your Havanese to a groomer, but doing it yourself at home is a great way to bond with your beloved pet while saving money.

Here are some awesome tips that can help make grooming your Havanese effective and stress-free.

The 6 Tips on How to Groom a Havanese

1. Make Brushing a Priority

The Havanese has a long, luxurious coat that must be thoroughly brushed several times a week; daily is optimal. You should protect your pet’s coat by spraying it with a dog-safe conditioning or detangling spray or lightly misting it with water before brushing. Not doing so can cause breakage during the brushing process.

Work in sections, and spray a small area of the coat, then brush through it to remove tangles and get rid of stuck debris. Make sure to brush all the way down to the skin without scraping it, as mats tend to develop right above the skin. You will likely have to separate the hair and work in small batches to ensure that each area of the coat receives efficient attention.

2. Commit to Bathing Every 1–3 Weeks

To keep your dog’s coat healthy, soft, and luxurious, you should bathe them every 1–3 weeks, depending on how often they go outside and the type of environment that they are exposed to. If they spend time outside frequently or are exposed to a dusty yard, weekly bathing or at least using a dog-safe dry shampoo might be necessary.

Bathe your Havanese right after a brushing session to ensure that their coat is free of mats and tangles. Follow the bathing directions on whatever quality shampoo you choose for the best results. Dry their coat as thoroughly as possible with a towel, and allow them to finish drying in a warm, draft-free area.

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3. Deal With Tear Staining

Havanese are prone to tear staining. Their eyes may produce tears that stain the hair around their eyes. You can use a damp cloth to clean around the eyes daily to minimize the staining. If the staining is excessive, it could be due to a blocked tear duct, or other issues like eye irritation, infection, or the natural shape of the face, so it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.

4. Clean Out Those Ears

After giving your furry family member a bath, drop ear-cleaning liquid into their ears so it can soften and loosen any wax that has built up inside them. After the bath, you can use a cotton ball to clean the outer ear and remove loosened debris; avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. This will help maintain ear hygiene and may reduce the risk of ear infections and keep your dog from excessively scratching their ears.

Keep in mind that any hair in your dog’s ears will grow like the rest of their coat, so you may occasionally have to use blunt-tipped scissors to carefully trim the ear hairs.

5. Don’t Overlook the Teeth

If possible, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day. The less often you brush their teeth, the more likely they are to develop plaque buildup and possibly even gum disease as they age. A meat-flavored toothpaste made specifically for dogs is a great option; most Havanese find palatable flavors appealing, so it should make brushing easier for everyone involved.

Place a tiny amount of toothpaste on your dog’s toothbrush, and lightly brush each tooth in a circular motion. Choose a long-handled toothbrush to help improve reach and control while brushing. Use gentle, calm handling and positive reinforcement (such as treats or praise) to help your dog feel comfortable during the process.

6. Carefully Tackle the Toenails

If you walk your Havanese outdoors daily, you may not need to trim their nails as frequently, but many dogs still require regular nail trimming depending on activity level and surface type. If your dog does need nail trimming, go slow and be careful. Trimming too much of the nail can result in bleeding because the “quick” in the nail is what gets severed. The quick is pink tissue that harbors a blood vessel. If your dog’s nails are white, you should be able to see the quick, which makes it easy to avoid.

If they have black nails, you should trim their nails a tiny bit at a time. If you do accidentally trim the quick, the bleeding should usually subside quickly. However, you can treat the affected nail with styptic powder or a silver nitrate stick if available at home. If not, try dipping the nail in baking powder, cornstarch, or flour as a temporary measure to help control bleeding.

If you're uncertain about trimming your dog's nails or are uncomfortable doing so, consult a veterinarian for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Havanese are small dogs with big personalities and even bigger grooming needs. They rely heavily on their human companions for coat and hygiene care. The tips outlined here should provide you with a clear idea of how to properly keep your dog’s coat, skin, and overall health in great shape as time goes on.

Featured Image Credit: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock