How to Groom a Beagle: 6 Important Steps to Follow

Beagles are typically considered pretty low-maintenance dogs. However, that doesn’t mean that you can ignore their grooming needs entirely. While these dogs don’t require any special trimming or professional grooming, they still have quite a bit of fur that needs maintenance. 

For the most part, you’ll spend most of your grooming sessions brushing these dogs, as they shed a lot. However, there are some other important grooming steps you need to consider, too. 

Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about this breed’s care needs, including how to groom a beagle. 

1. Brushing

As we stated, brushing is the most important part of grooming beagles. These dogs shed a lot, and brushing helps remove the loose fur before it ends up all over your furniture. It can also help spread the dog’s natural oils through their coat, helping it stay healthier. 

For these benefits, though, you have to brush your dog properly and with the right brush. We recommend using a soft-bristle brush or something to handle shedding. Use it on your beagle at least once a week, though you may need to increase your sessions to twice or even three times a week during shedding season. 

If your beagle still sheds more than you’d like, there’s nothing wrong with brushing them more. Just watch for skin irritation, which can occur with over-brushing.

2. Bathing

Beagles do not require many baths. Their coat does a good job of keeping itself clean, so you generally don’t have to worry about bathing them all that often. That said, you may need to bathe your beagle whenever they get particularly dirty. Aim to not bathe your dog more than once every few months, as too many baths can strip their fur and cause skin irritation. 

When you do bathe your dog, be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo that is designed to be gentle. Dogs have a different skin pH from humans, so you need to use a species-specific shampoo. 

Be sure to dry inside your beagle’s ears well. They’re prone to ear infections, as moisture can get stuck in their ear canal. Dry them gently with your usual towel. Do not stick anything into your dog’s ears. 

3. Ear Cleaning

Beagles are prone to ear infections, as we said above. Therefore, we highly recommend you don’t neglect the dog’s ears when grooming a beagle. Clean them regularly with a damp cotton ball or a dog-specific ear cleaner. Be gentle to avoid hurting your dog, and never put anything deep in their ear, or you may cause hearing damage. 

If your dog has any long fur in their ears, have it trimmed. It can entrap dirt and debris, increasing the chance of an ear infection. 

You also need to watch for signs of infection, including redness and weird smells. Dogs with ear infections need to be treated by your vet, as ear infections can lead to hearing issues in some dogs. 

4. Trim Their Nails

Like with any dog, you should also keep your dog’s nails properly trimmed. Too long nails can lead to serious issues, especially if the nails grow back into the dog’s foot. You also have to watch for the nails breaking and becoming infected, which is more common for longer nails. Plus, it can be increasingly difficult for your dog to walk correctly, leading to them shifting their gait and causing joint issues over time. Luckily, all of this is completely preventable if you trim your dog’s nails regularly. 

Your beagle will probably need their nails trimmed every few months. If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on hard flooring, they likely need them to be trimmed. 

You can do this yourself at home, or you can have a professional do it. Because these dogs typically don’t require professional grooming, they won’t be at a professional groomer often enough for you to not worry about their nails. You’ll either have to make a special appointment for their nails or learn how to trim them yourself. 

5. Teeth

Like all dogs, beagles need their teeth brushed regularly. Brushing can help your canine avoid dental problems later, which can be very serious. Dental issues are exceedingly common in dogs, and they can turn into abscesses and infections if left untreated. Some of these can even be deadly or cost thousands to fix. Therefore, brushing your dog’s teeth is a cheap way to save you tons in vet bills later on. 

We highly recommend brushing your dog’s teeth at least a few times a week. However, daily brushing is the most effective option. Use a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste for the best effect. 

6. Skin and Coat

Beagles typically have pretty good skin and coats. However, they can develop problems in some circumstances. Check your dog’s skin whenever you bathe or brush them to catch problems earlier rather than later. Any rash or lumps should be reported to your vet right away. Otherwise, they may get worse, making treatment more challenging or even impossible. 

If your dog appears particularly itchy, it may also be time to contact your vet. Skin problems can occur due to a range of issues, including food allergies. Your vet can help determine the underlying cause of your dog’s skin issues. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alba Caro/iStock via Getty Images