Golden retriever grooming

A golden retriever’s coat is designed for weather: a longer, water-shedding top coat and a thick undercoat. It is beautiful, and it is also a lot of hair, especially when the undercoat releases.

Brushing should reach through the feathering on the legs, tail and skirt, where leaf litter and mud collect, and through the ruff. When the coat is blowing, an undercoat rake used kindly, or a salon de-shed, will lift dead hair. What will not help is shaving the dog down for summer. That coat is insulation and sun protection; see summer blowouts.

Goldens often swim. A rinse and a full dry afterwards are kinder than letting a damp undercoat sit. Ears should be checked after a wet day, and any sore or smelly ear needs a vet.

Bring your golden retriever to our Banbury salon if you would like help with a seasonal shed or a thorough tidy. We don’t travel to you. Call us to ask or to book.