To prevent tangles or mats from forming after exposure to water, completely dry and brush out your Keeshond. If you are not skilled in proper brushing and combing techniques for both the under coat and outer coat then seek proper training from a breeder or groomer. Most owners tend to brush and comb only the outer coat, leaving the under coat subject to potential matting problems. Moderate to severe matting will cause discomfort for your dog and and can cause poor skin health.

   Very severe matting may require the hair coat to be removed by clippers and appropriate blades in the hands of a grooming professional when the de-matting process could be too painful or unsafe for the health of the dog. The solution is to prevent mats in the first place with regular brushing. Brushing and combing twice a week is essential in order to remove substantial wooly hair shed from the dense downy undercoat The density of the hair coat can be misleading to inexperienced groomers or owners of this breed; it is really dense.

   The comfort of your Keeshond through the professional grooming process is greatly increased by proper regular brushing and combing. Detangling products or cornstarch may work well on this type of wooly under coat when matted or heavily undercoated.

   Allow extra time to brush out these energetic dogs. Dead hair that is not removed from the undercoat as well as any in the outer coat easily becomes tangled or matted. Whenever your dog gets wet, even damp, remove the hair shed from the under coat before bathing with a thorough brush and comb out. Wetting the wooly undercoat causes matting and tangling effects to increase almost immediately. Experienced groomers may choose to remove some of the last of the dead undercoat after adding a conditioner to make final under coat removal easier.

Nail Care

   Nails should be clipped and lightly filed every 3 to 4 weeks. Keeshond owners should use the services of a professional for nail clipping. Owners inexperienced in nail clipping techniques and safety should first ask for professional training before cutting their pet's nails. Always use proper tools that are in good condition. In addition, do not cut dog nails if you do not have a supply of nail treatment powder or lots of flour to stop any accidental bleeding. You may cut the "quick" blood vessel, which can be found in all dog nails. New dog owners are often unaware of the blood vessels in dog nails, and surprised to learn of them. Many Keeshonden prefer to have their nails done out of their owner's sight.

Ear Care

   Professional groomers should check your dog's ears every time they groom. As needed they will remove ear wax, dirt and dander from the ear leather. Most important, both groomer and pet owner must inspect pet ears for warning signs of ear problems, some of which can become quite serious. The most telltale signs of ear problems are redness, swelling, sensitivity to touch and odors, sometimes very foul. Pet owners should check their dogs' ears once a week for these warning signs and seek immediate veterinary inspection and care as needed. Groomers should inform pet owners of all potential ear problem observations they make and advise immediate veterinary inspection.

For the wee ones

   First, puppies of any breed require special care. Most professional groomers will book special appointments for puppies so that they can be groomed and returned home as soon as possible. Also, not all grooming products are appropriate for use on puppies, and owners and groomers alike should read all instruction and warning labels on any product for its appropriate and safe use on puppies. Puppy hair coat is often different than their adult coat, and for that reason may be groomed differently. Puppies should have their first visit to the groomer within two weeks of receiving their parvo combo shots.

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