
The Norwegian Elkhound is a beautiful breed with a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to stay healthy and looking its best. They shed heavily, so be prepared for regular brushing.
Their coat is made up of a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat that sheds water and protects them from the elements. Regular brushing helps to prevent matting and tangling.
To keep their coat in top condition, brush your Norwegian Elkhound at least twice a week, paying special attention to areas where matting is most likely to occur. This will help to prevent painful skin irritation and keep their coat looking its best.
Brushing also helps to distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.
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Grooming Essentials
To keep your Norwegian Elkhound looking its best, you'll need to brush its coat regularly. This breed has a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat, so it's essential to brush in the direction of the fur to prevent matting.
Brushing should be done at least 2-3 times a week, and daily during shedding season. This will help remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Norwegian Elkhound Coat Care Essentials
The Norwegian Elkhound's coat is a thick, weather-resistant double coat that requires regular brushing to stay healthy and looking nice. Brushing once every seven days is a good rule of thumb, but during shedding season, you'll need to brush more often to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
To brush your Norwegian Elkhound effectively, use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake. Wet the coat with a spray bottle first, then go through the coat section by section with the brush. Once a week, use the rake first, then the brush, making sure to put enough pressure on the rake to reach down to the undercoat and collect dead hairs.
Daily brushing during shedding season is a must, and you'll need to use both tools daily to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Don't forget to give your Norwegian Elkhound a thorough brushing after a bath, as the coat's natural oils can be stripped away.
Here's a quick rundown of the tools you'll need for brushing:
- Slicker brush
- Undercoat rake
- Spray bottle
Regular brushing will help prevent matting, reduce shedding, and keep your Norwegian Elkhound's coat looking healthy and shiny.
Teeth
Brushing your pet's teeth is a crucial part of their grooming routine. Many owners don't realize how important it is, but it can help prevent dental problems and sensitive teeth.
Some dogs are prone to dental issues, especially small dogs with tiny teeth and those with special diets. They can easily develop cavities and gum disease caused by tartar buildup.
Daily brushing is ideal, but doing it on a weekly basis can still make a big difference. This can help avoid the need to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a cleaning, which usually has to be done under sedation.
Regular brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush formulated specifically for dogs is essential to prevent gum disease.
Paws
Paws are a vital part of your furry friend's overall health, and they need regular care to stay happy and healthy.
Rubbing paw balm on the pads of your dog's feet is a must, especially for active breeds that require daily exercise. This simple step can protect and condition the pads, keeping them soft and supple.
Common Problems

Hot spots are a common problem for Norwegian Elkhounds, especially during the summer, and can be prevented by removing the dead undercoat to allow air to reach the skin.
Fleas and ticks are another common issue for this breed, which is why regular grooming and use of flea and tick prevention products are essential.
Hot Spot Foam is a highly effective treatment for hot spots, and can be used to quickly alleviate the condition.
Flea and Tick Shampoo and Flea and Tick Pet Spray are popular choices among groomers and pet owners alike, and can keep fleas and ticks at bay for up to twelve days.
Flea and Tick Repellent Wipes offer a convenient solution for between baths or before outdoor adventures, providing extra protection against fleas and ticks.
Consider reading: How Long after Flea Treatment Can I Bathe My Dog
Norwegian Elkhound Care
Brushing your Norwegian Elkhound's coat is a crucial part of their grooming routine.
You'll need a slicker brush and an undercoat rake to get the job done.
To brush your Norwegian Elkhound, start by wetting their coat with mist from a spray bottle, then go through the coat section by section with the brush.
Daily brushing during shedding season is a must, using both tools to collect dead hairs and prevent matting.
Don't forget to brush your Norwegian Elkhound once or twice a week for the rest of the year, as they shed moderately most of the time.
Bathing your Norwegian Elkhound is not a frequent occurrence, but when it is necessary, make sure to give them a thorough brushing first.
Use high-quality canine shampoo and avoid human shampoo, as it can irritate their skin and remove the natural oils from their coat.
Bathing your Norwegian Elkhound in a bathtub or outdoor kiddie pool with a garden hose is a good idea, and be sure to rinse them completely and towel-dry before giving their coat a quick brush-through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I bathe a Norwegian Elkhound?
Bathing a Norwegian Elkhound 2-3 times a year is recommended to maintain its coat health. Regular bathing helps remove dead coat and promotes new hair growth.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds high maintenance?
Norwegian Elkhounds have a high-maintenance coat, but their overall health is generally good. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are essential to maintain their skin and overall well-being.
Why is my Norwegian Elkhound shedding so much?
Norwegian Elkhounds shed heavily twice a year due to shedding season, requiring extra grooming attention. Regular brushing can help manage shedding, but daily brushing for several minutes is essential during this time.
Sources
- https://www.dog-learn.com/dog-breeds/norwegian-elkhound/grooming
- https://biterbite.com/animals/norwegian-elkhound-grooming
- https://wahlusa.com/pet-grooming/product-selector/dog/norwegian-elkhund
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/norweigan-elkhound-breed-profile-4686609
- https://espree.com/BreedProfiler/norwegian-elkhound-grooming-bathing-and-care
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