Level 2Exhibitor
General hygiene: the small habits that prepare for the big day
The answer
A beautiful coat catches the eye. But under the feathering, between the toes or around the mouth, a few details deserve your attention too.
General hygiene is first and foremost about keeping your dog clean and comfortable. For the show, it means you reach the finishing touches with care already under way, without having to catch up on everything the night before.
A routine suited to your dog
Coat, mouth, ears, eyes, paws and nails: each area has its own needs. Not everything needs cleaning every day. How often depends on the dog, his activities and his state of health.
Checking him regularly is often the first useful thing to do. Redness, pain or a new smell deserves a check rather than an extra product.
Beginner: three tips for setting up good habits
- Do a quick check after walks. Look at the paws, the belly and the areas of coat that touch the ground. Remove any dirt you can reach with a damp cloth if needed, then dry gently. Take the chance to check the pads.
- Introduce handling gradually. Touching a paw, lifting an ear or looking at the teeth can be learned in short, rewarded sessions. This familiarisation makes care easier and prepares your dog for the handling he will meet at a show.
- Choose products made for dogs. Use a suitable shampoo and a pet toothpaste. Human products are not interchangeable with dog ones; some human toothpastes contain xylitol, for example, which is toxic to dogs.
Intermediate: three tips for upkeep without overdoing it
- Build dental hygiene into the routine. Cornell recommends brushing the teeth daily to limit plaque build-up. Learn the technique gradually and have the vet check the mouth: brushing just before the show does not replace this upkeep.
- Look at the eyes and ears before cleaning. For small marks around the eyes, use a soft damp cloth without rubbing the eye, with a clean part for each side. For the ears, follow the routine advised by your vet. A healthy ear does not need to be cleaned routinely.
- Keep an eye on the areas that hold dirt. Check the beard, the folds where there are any, and the coat around the genitals and the hindquarters. Gently clean off surface dirt and dry. If a tidy-up trim is needed, ask for a technique suited to the breed and its presentation.
Advanced: three tips for organising show preparation
- Spread the care over time. Plan upkeep of the coat, nails and other areas according to their needs. The day before should allow a check and the care already planned, with enough time for the dog to rest.
- Look after your equipment too. Have clean towels ready, clean the tools and wash the bedding and bowls regularly. At the show, bring something to wipe off a small mark and keep your grooming accessories clean.
- Tell dirt from a health problem. A limp, pain, an unusual discharge or a persistent bad smell calls for a vet's opinion. The FCI rules give priority to health and welfare and provide for ill dogs to be excluded from international CACIB shows.
On show day: a check is often enough
Before your run, check the mouth after treats, the paws after the walk and the coat around the hindquarters. Fix any small marks, then leave your dog in peace.
Regular hygiene makes these last steps simpler. You can then give your attention to the presentation and to your partner.