Long-haired dogs need special care to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. A good conditioning routine can make a big difference, adding shine and softness. If you have other pets, it is helpful to know which products are for dogs only and which ones you can share across species.
Start with a Deep Clean
Begin your dog’s deep conditioning routine with a thorough wash. This step removes old product buildup and opens the hair cuticle, allowing the conditioning mask to work deeply. Use Stripper for this. Apply two lathers in warm water, then rinse your dog’s coat thoroughly.
Apply the Mask for Deep Nutrition
After rinsing the shampoo, gently blot your dog’s coat with a Big Size Microfiber Towel until it is damp, but not dripping wet. Now it is time for the mask. Apply the mask in three zones: first, the chest, front legs, neck, and head; next, the back and underside; finally, the hips, skirts, tail, and rear legs. Massage the product well into the ends of the coat.
For most long-haired dogs, we recommend Fortaleza Treatment. It offers maximum nutrition without changing the coat’s natural volume, provides an extraordinary shine, and helps seal dry or damaged ends. If your dog’s coat also needs more body, Greed is a good choice, as it provides intensive hydration along with body from its protein content. For maintenance baths when you want expansive volume, consider Gossip.
Let the mask work for 45 to 60 minutes. During this time, never wrap your dog in an absorbent towel directly. This can pull the product back out of the coat. Instead, wrap your dog in a plastic cape or bag, then a towel and a warm blanket for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps the product penetrate.
The Cold Rinse and Cool Down
After the warming period, let your dog cool for five minutes. Then, rinse the coat thoroughly with plenty of cold water. This cold rinse is important; it helps to seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and the benefits of the mask.
Post-Bath Hydration and Tools
Once rinsed, blot the coat again with your Big Size Microfiber Towel. Then, apply a hydration spray. Jealousy is the most concentrated hydration spray in the line, excellent for dry coats. You can also choose Desire for keratin-based hydration and strengthening, or Fortaleza Spray for light, everyday conditioning. You can explore all our hydration sprays to find the best fit for your dog’s coat.
For long-haired dogs, the right tools help prevent mats and keep the coat smooth. Use Professional Combs to check for any knots after drying. For brushing, a Small Size Metallic Brush with Extra Long Tines is great for reaching deep into dense coats, or a Big Size Metallic Brush for larger areas. You can find all our professional tools for dogs and other pets in our collection of Grooming Tools.
Remember, if you have cats, only the tools and No Stain for tear stains are suitable for them from our range. Always use a shampoo made for cats when bathing your feline friends.
Keep Up the Care Between Baths
Between full baths, regular brushing is key for long-haired dogs. A light spritz of Fortaleza Spray on wet or dry coat can help with daily conditioning and make brushing easier, preventing tangles and keeping the coat fresh.
What you need
- Stripper: used for the initial deep cleanse to open the cuticle.
- Big Size Microfiber Towel: used for blotting the coat before and after the mask.
- Fortaleza Treatment: the primary mask for maximum nutrition and shine.
- Greed: an alternative mask for hydration and volume.
- Gossip: a conditioner for maintenance baths needing expansive volume.
- Jealousy: a concentrated hydration spray applied after rinsing the mask.
- Desire: a keratin leave-in spray for hydration and strengthening.
- Fortaleza Spray: a light leave-in hydration spray for after bath or daily use.
- Professional Combs: for detangling and checking for knots.
- Small Size Metallic Brush with Extra Long Tines: a slicker brush for reaching through dense or long coats.
- Big Size Metallic Brush: a large slicker brush for bigger dogs and broad coat areas.
- No Stain: for tear stains on dogs and cats.
For a routine built specifically for your pet, visit our Grooming Advisor.