Havanese Puppy Care
Havanese puppy care is simple, easy, and quick once you learn the basics!Brushing
The Havanese breed has a beautiful long silky coat that is more similar to human hair than to fur. If you decide to grow out your puppy’s fur, follow a daily or every other day schedule of brushing or combing. Young puppies don’t require as frequent brushing but it is a good idea to start this schedule while they are young to help them get into the routine and become used to being handled. Always be gentle with their delicate hair when brushing and give them lots of praise and love. Work from the roots to the ends. You may want to spray the coat with leave-in puppy conditioner before brushing to prevent dryness or static.
Brushing is a good time to get the puppy used to being handled. Gently brush your hands over the more sensitive paw pads, nose, mouth, and legs, the areas they are not used to being touched. Doing this, helps the puppy to feel less stress and more comfortable later when they are visiting their Veterinarian.
*Tip: If you keep your pup in a “puppy cut”, they will require much less brushing and maintenance. This will allow you more time to play with your puppy and less time spent grooming. They are meant to be an easy, low maintenance breed!
*Tip: Use a toothbrush to comb the hair on your puppy’s face! It is safer for their eyes and less intimidating.
Bathing
The Havanese are an indoor breed and are naturally cleaner. The frequency of bathing depends on the puppy’s environment and also their color. Most people bath their Havanese puppy once or twice a month. Bathing too frequently can cause damage and dryness to their soft hair. The puppy may be spot-washed if he has tearing or dirtied paws.
Before bathing, spray on a puppy conditioner and gently brush out the puppy’s fur. Follow the “Puppy Safe Guidelines” to wet and rinse your puppy:
- Turn the bath water on and test the temperature before placing your puppy in his bathing area.
- The water should be warm but never hot.
- Wet your puppy’s body first, with his head very last.
- Press his ears shut so that no water gets into his ears. You can also use cotton balls to be sure.
- Do not spray the water directly into his face. Instead, tilt his head back and allow the water to run down the back of his head. Never allow the water to run down the front of his face or into his nose.
Next you can apply puppy shampoo. Apply gently, without scrubbing. All puppy shampoos are tearless but still try to not to get it into his eyes and also never let the shampoo gather at his nose. We don’t want him to breath in water or soap. Rinse your puppy following the “Puppy Safe Guidelines” above. Next, apply conditioner. Let the conditioner soak into his fur for one minute before rinsing out. Rinse following the “Puppy Safe Guidelines”, until the water runs clear. When you are done bathing, wrap your puppy in a towel and gently squeeze out the excess water. You can either lightly blow dry or air dry your puppy. During the bathing process have a few treats ready and remember to praise your darling Havanese.
*Always use the “Puppy Safe Guidelines” when bathing your puppy!
Ears
Maintaining clean ears is super easy. Simply, put two fingers into the opening of your puppy’s ear, pinch the hair inside, and quickly pull the hair out. If done right, your puppy will not even feel it. You can do this yourself or ask your groomer to do it when your puppy is getting his hair cut.
*Tip: removing this hair will help prevent ear infections.
Mouth
It only takes a minute to quickly brush your puppy’s teeth. The Havanese should have their teeth brushed about twice a week. An appropriately sized puppy toothbrush or finger cap may be used. A circular motion of brushing is recommended. Only use supplies meant for puppies and not for humans.
*Tip: Only feed your puppy hard kibble. This will scrape away any tartar and help prevent infections. You can also give your puppy hard bones to chew on during the day.
Nails
How often you walk your puppy on the sidewalk will change the frequency you trim his nails. They generally need their nails trimmed every 2-4 weeks. Using puppy clippers is the easiest option, but a human nail clipper will work too. Clip below the “quick”. Usually this is at the curve of the nail, but check your puppy’s nails for the “quick”. You can see this area if your puppy has pink nails you will be able to see it, but with black nails you have to guess. For video instructions, please watch my youtube video on grooming.
*Tip: Give your pup a chew toy while you clip his nails. My pups stay preoccupied and don’t even realize I’m even trimming their nails!
Feet
If you notice your puppy’s fur growing between the pads of his feet, you can trim the hair while he is laying down on his back. Trim slowly and carefully. If you notice that your Havanese is bringing stuff from outside into the house on his feet, this is a sign that that it’s time to trim this hair. It will help prevent leaves, etc. from sticking to his fur.
Thank you for reading my Havanese puppy care list! As your puppy grows, go through the grooming process even when unnecessary. This will help your puppy get used to being handled and he will be more comfortable and happy when he visits his Veterinarian. Congratulations on welcoming your new Havanese puppy to your home and please feel free to refer to my Havanese puppy care instructions anytime! Also, please visit my youtube channel for more information on Havanese puppy care.
Love,
Angie