HOW TO CARE FOR A BELGIAN MALINOIS

Why Should You Brush a Belgian Malinois?

There are many advantages to brushing your Belgian Malinois. First of all, it gets rid of dead hair and debris. These doggies have a short coat that only needs brushing once or twice a week in normal periods. However, during moulting periods, which occur twice a year in spring and autumn, you will need to increase the frequency of brushing to once a day, to prevent a build-up of dead hair. Brushing your dog also allows you to check if they have a parasite infestation or skin problem that requires veterinary intervention. Finally, brushing your Mali is a great way to spend time with them and further your bond. 

How to Choose the Right Brush for Your Belgian Malinois

It’s important to equip yourself with a brush that’s suitable for your dog's hair type. The Belgian Malinois’ coat is short and dense with a woolly undercoat. For this type of coat, opt for a fine comb and a curry comb to properly remove dead hair from the undercoat. You can also use a softer boar bristle brush, which is much gentler on the animal, for a smoothing finish. 

The best Belgian Malinois brush on the market is the FURminator dog brush. There are different models of FURminator available (for long, short, curly hair, etc.), so you can choose the one best suited to your dog. More expensive than others, this dog brush offers incomparable quality. It is pleasant to handle and has metal teeth that remove and retain a greater amount of dead hair than other brushes on the market. The FURminator dog brush makes a very attractive long-term investment and, as such, is very popular with dog owners of all dog breeds.

How to Bathe a Belgian Malinois

In addition to brushing, bathe your Malinois once or twice a year. Be careful not to bathe your dog too often, at the risk of damaging their skin. Of course, if your pooch gets their coat particularly dirty or smells bad, don't wait to bathe them. If the smell persists, this may also be because they're suffering from skin problems. Always check with your vet if you suspect a health issue.

Choose a dog shampoo suitable for your Mali’s skin and coat. Never use human shampoo on your dog! A good dog shampoo respects your dog's hair, but also their skin type (oily, dry, etc.). Considering the size of an adult Malinois, it may be easier to wash your pooch outdoors, but you can also put them in the shower or bathtub if they’ll let you. Make sure that the water is neither too hot nor too cold; it should ideally be between 35 and 38°C. Be careful not to get the head too wet, so as not to cause ear infections. Rinse your dog well to get rid of all the shampoo, then let them air dry. If it's cold, you can also opt to dry their fur with a hairdryer on low or medium heat.

Complementary Care for a Belgian Malinois

Basic dog grooming like bathing and brushing should be complemented by other types of care, which all help to extend the life expectancy of your Belgian Malinois.

Eyes

Regularly clean your dog’s eyes with cotton pads and saline solution. Avoid using cotton wool or Q-tips which may leave cotton fibres behind. Proceed gently so as not to injure your dog. Take a pad soaked in the saline solution and run it over your dog's eyes to sweep away any impurities. Start from the inside of the eye and move outwards, so as not to allow other dirt to get in. Seek advice from your vet if you notice chronic discharge.

Teeth

The teeth are an all-too-often overlooked part of the dog’s anatomy. However, oral hygiene is essential to a dog’s health. Teach your Belgian Malinois to accept a toothbrush from an early age and brush their teeth at least once a week to get rid of dental plaque and maintain healthy gums. You can also give your dog chew bones to help fight plaque and tartar. 

Nails

Trim your Belgian Malinois's nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long and injuring your dog. We recommend that you use an electric file, which is easier to handle than a regular nail clipper. Make sure to carefully locate the quick of the nail before cutting to avoid injuring your pooch. The quick is the live part of the nail which contains blood vessels and nerve endings - it is recognisable by its pink colour. You only want to cut the white part of the nail. If your dog has black claws, it's best not to cut them too short, as a precaution.

Ears

Clean your Mali’s ears often with a suitable ear cleaning solution. To do this, place the product inside your dog's ear canal, then massage gently to allow it to penetrate the ear. Wipe the remaining product off with a cotton pad, until no trace remains. Also, remember to inspect your dog’s ears after each walk to make sure that no parasites have burrowed there.

Veterinary Care

Finally, don't forget about preventive medical care. Make sure to take your Belgian Malinois for regular anti-parasitic and deworming treatments, especially if you live in the countryside, and keep all their vaccines up to date. It's a good idea to schedule at least one veterinary check-up a year, especially when your dog gets older.