Maintaining a shiny coat - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Mueyinter · 08-17-2005, 05:25 AM

Lately it seems that Sango's coat is very dull.

It's still soft but not shiny as I see everyone else's babies here are. Any pointers on how do I keep her coat in good condition? Sango is my first yorkie so I don't know much about long haired breeds.

As for quick reference I am feeding her Purina Puppy Chow 2x a day, pea sized dollop of Nutrical 3x a day. She has fresh water all day long. We have our brushing sessions up to 3x a day, usually 2x a day in the morning when I wake up & before I go to bed. When I've bathed her I've used puppy no tear shampoo (I can't think of the brand off the top of my head atm, I just remember it had a lil' spaniel on the label).

Oh and off the topic a bit, how do you clean your yorkie's ears? When I went to the vet yesterday they put some earcleaning drops on a cottonball dropped it in her ear & smushed it around. OMG she was struggling I almost had a heart attack! I don't think I'd be able to do that to her. How do you guys do it?

Any suggestions & advice would be most helpful! Thanks!

crystalsmom · 08-17-2005, 05:55 AM

Your first problem is the food. The food you feed is the most important for overall
health and good coat. Sounds like it's a new pup so you may want to check with
the vet (not breeder) how long to stay on this food and then change very gradually
over a 7 day period. Start with just alittle in the puppy chow, and ea. day add
a little more. Yorkies eat so little that it's usually not a hardship to feed the
very best. I like Royal Canin but there is lots of good food out there (it's not in
the grocery store but in the pet product stores like petsmart etc. If this is a tiny
pup a gentle shampoo like you are using is fine but you will need a shampoo later
with the correct ph made just for dogs. Some people always use baby no tears
on face. We all try different things. Call jb pets and have them send you a
catalog 1-800-788-5005 They are good to people with 1 or 2 dogs and do not
require you spend $50 before they charge you extra. Coat Handler Shampoo is
a formula made just for silk yorkies (great for some, not for others) It's popular
with yorkie people but now that JB has there own line, they are going to discontinue
it. You could try it there and if they really discontinue , and you like it purchase it somewhere else. The sm
conditioner is 15-1 so don't put on full strength ( it lasts a long time)Good Luck

luzangela428 · 08-17-2005, 06:10 AM

I agree with the above! The most IMPORTANT thing is a good food...and puppy chow is a BAD one!!, not through any fault of your own but you should take a look at the whole dog journal's list of good foods and pick one from there. I feed Innova which is a great food but some others are solid gold, natural balance, wellness etc.. I used to feed Royal Canin but it made Maximus itchy (corn contained in the food) so I put him on Innova. As far as the shampoo/conditoner...I use the chris christensen shampoo and conditioner (day to day) and a no tears shampoo on Maximus head. I spray him with the chris christensen ICE ON ICE leave in conditioner before I brush him, it is very important not to brush their coat dry!!! As far as the ear cleaning I put alcohol on a cotton ball and when Maximus is sleepy I go in an clean...don't go to deep they will shake out the dirt that is that deep. Also be aware that the hair inside their ears has to be plucked (to prevent ear infection)~~ I cannot do this (squeamish) but I bring him to the vet 2x a month to have them pluck it out..Maximus is 7 months and can be squirmy , but you have to get them used to touching any part of them...that way if there ever is a problem you can get to it (tick, cut etc...)

Mueyinter · 08-17-2005, 06:38 AM

Yikes I didn't know Puppy Chow was so bad!

I'm going to the store today & look for another brand. Can you also buy the Chris Christensen brands in any stores? Or is it just online only? This is so helpful to me thanks guys! I really appreciate the info!

crystalsmom · 08-17-2005, 06:44 AM

That is so funny, I was just going to add there that was a thread called "Shampoo"
and there was a shampoo on it that started with two words and started with a "c" that alot liked so you saw it and
did it. No alcohol on the dogs ears though!! Lots of products and they will state
alcohol free.

crystalsmom · 08-17-2005, 06:54 AM

Here's another one I forgot about.

http://www.vellus.com

tmatherly · 08-17-2005, 06:56 AM

You have to order the Chris Christensen systems online. www.chrissystems.com. I got the starter kit that included the Day to Day shampoo,Thick and Thicker Foaming protein conditioner, After Bath, and Ice on Ice for about $10.00. Look under "systems" on the left hand side of the website. I'm still using the small bottles in the kit and have given about 4 baths to 2 dogs. I will definetely buy more when I run out!

Babbie · 08-17-2005, 06:59 AM

You already got great tips on the coat care, yes food is the #1 thing. You can also try to do a conditioning regimen to get back the shine. As per the ear cleaning, there is a lot of products out there, i personally use 2 produts, after the bath i use the ear cleaner to removed excess wax, do not worry if the solution stays in the ear, when you pup shakes his head the solution comes out bringing the wax, just makes sure you dry the ears with a soft tissue after the bath, put the right amount in the ear canal and massage it. When i need to pluck the excess hair i use the ear powder which helps you get a better grip of the hair and you can use your own fingers to pull the hair.

Mojo's ears are cleaned after every bath and the hair are plucked as needed.

Hope it helped!

crystalsmom · 08-17-2005, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babbie

You already got great tips on the coat care, yes food is the #1 thing. You can also try to do a conditioning regimen to get back the shine. As per the ear cleaning, there is a lot of products out there, i personally use 2 produts, after the bath i use the ear cleaner to removed excess wax, do not worry if the solution stays in the ear, when you pup shakes his head the solution comes out bringing the wax, just makes sure you dry the ears with a soft tissue after the bath, put the right amount in the ear canal and massage it. When i need to pluck the excess hair i use the ear powder which helps you get a better grip of the hair and you can use your own fingers to pull the hair.

Mojo's ears are cleaned after every bath and the hair are plucked as needed.

Hope it helped!

I do exactly the same. If your yorkies ears are up and the air can get in you need to
clean often but if the ears are down you must be even more diligent.

luzangela428 · 08-17-2005, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crystalsmom

That is so funny, I was just going to add there that was a thread called "Shampoo"
and there was a shampoo on it that started with two words and started with a "c" that alot liked so you saw it and
did it. No alcohol on the dogs ears though!! Lots of products and they will state
alcohol free.

The alcohol was as per my vet....I am calling now to ask if he is trying to give me a heart attack...lol, thanks for the advice!!!

chewysmom · 08-17-2005, 07:19 AM

You have received great advice. Get your pup on a good food. I chose Natural Balance and it's great. I also use the CC Systems and their Ice on Ice and it has done wonders for Chewy's coat. Regarding ears, my vet says you can use a solution of vinegar (lil bit) water and a couple of drops of tea tree oil and wipe around with a cotton ball.

to buy CC Systems go to Brooke's site: imapreciouspup.com. She gives YT members a discount. The best way to get started is the day to day shampoo and conditioner and ice on ice. Spray ice on ice onto the pup before the daily brushing. It really is better than anything at PETCO or wherever.

Also, Sam: Where did you hear about the alcohol in the ears? I don't know if it's soo good for their ears.

Mueyinter · 08-17-2005, 07:21 AM

Sammantha where do you buy your Innova dog food from?

crystalsmom · 08-17-2005, 07:22 AM

I'm going to get some "Ice on Ice"

luzangela428 · 08-17-2005, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewysmom

You have received great advice. Get your pup on a good food. I chose Natural Balance and it's great. I also use the CC Systems and their Ice on Ice and it has done wonders for Chewy's coat. Regarding ears, my vet says you can use a solution of vinegar (lil bit) water and a couple of drops of tea tree oil and wipe around with a cotton ball.

to buy CC Systems go to Brooke's site: imapreciouspup.com. She gives YT members a discount. The best way to get started is the day to day shampoo and conditioner and ice on ice. Spray ice on ice onto the pup before the daily brushing. It really is better than anything at PETCO or wherever.

Also, Sam: Where did you hear about the alcohol in the ears? I don't know if it's soo good for their ears.

The vet told me to put alcohol on a cotton ball and then squeeze out the excess then clean inside the ear....I just called and he said that it is okay to do...just make sure that all the excess is squeezed out

, but I am buying some ear cleaner and the powder suggested by Heather (HeatherHamptons)...just to be sure

Mueyinter · 08-17-2005, 07:28 AM

I'm using OtiRinse for Sango's ears recommended by the vet.

And I just ordered that systems pack! I'm so excited can't wait to get it!

08-17-2005, 05:55 AM	#2
crystalsmom Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,946	Your first problem is the food. The food you feed is the most important for overall health and good coat. Sounds like it's a new pup so you may want to check with the vet (not breeder) how long to stay on this food and then change very gradually over a 7 day period. Start with just alittle in the puppy chow, and ea. day add a little more. Yorkies eat so little that it's usually not a hardship to feed the very best. I like Royal Canin but there is lots of good food out there (it's not in the grocery store but in the pet product stores like petsmart etc. If this is a tiny pup a gentle shampoo like you are using is fine but you will need a shampoo later with the correct ph made just for dogs. Some people always use baby no tears on face. We all try different things. Call jb pets and have them send you a catalog 1-800-788-5005 They are good to people with 1 or 2 dogs and do not require you spend $50 before they charge you extra. Coat Handler Shampoo is a formula made just for silk yorkies (great for some, not for others) It's popular with yorkie people but now that JB has there own line, they are going to discontinue it. You could try it there and if they really discontinue , and you like it purchase it somewhere else. The sm conditioner is 15-1 so don't put on full strength ( it lasts a long time)Good Luck __________________

08-17-2005, 06:10 AM	#3
luzangela428 Maximus "Lily's Love Slave" Join Date: May 2005 Location: san ramon, ca Posts: 2,368	I agree with the above! The most IMPORTANT thing is a good food...and puppy chow is a BAD one!!, not through any fault of your own but you should take a look at the whole dog journal's list of good foods and pick one from there. I feed Innova which is a great food but some others are solid gold, natural balance, wellness etc.. I used to feed Royal Canin but it made Maximus itchy (corn contained in the food) so I put him on Innova. As far as the shampoo/conditoner...I use the chris christensen shampoo and conditioner (day to day) and a no tears shampoo on Maximus head. I spray him with the chris christensen ICE ON ICE leave in conditioner before I brush him, it is very important not to brush their coat dry!!! As far as the ear cleaning I put alcohol on a cotton ball and when Maximus is sleepy I go in an clean...don't go to deep they will shake out the dirt that is that deep. Also be aware that the hair inside their ears has to be plucked (to prevent ear infection)~~ I cannot do this (squeamish) but I bring him to the vet 2x a month to have them pluck it out..Maximus is 7 months and can be squirmy , but you have to get them used to touching any part of them...that way if there ever is a problem you can get to it (tick, cut etc...) __________________ http://www.dogster.com/?148186 Maximus' Album: http://www.yorkietalk.com/gallery/sh...=1&ppuser=2303 Maximus Woves Lily

08-17-2005, 06:38 AM	#4
Mueyinter Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 944	Yikes I didn't know Puppy Chow was so bad! I'm going to the store today & look for another brand. Can you also buy the Chris Christensen brands in any stores? Or is it just online only? This is so helpful to me thanks guys! I really appreciate the info! __________________ Sango , Vash http://www.dogster.com/?180653 Sango's Dogster

08-17-2005, 06:44 AM	#5
crystalsmom Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,946	That is so funny, I was just going to add there that was a thread called "Shampoo" and there was a shampoo on it that started with two words and started with a "c" that alot liked so you saw it and did it. No alcohol on the dogs ears though!! Lots of products and they will state alcohol free. __________________

08-17-2005, 06:54 AM	#6
crystalsmom Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,946	Here's another one I forgot about. http://www.vellus.com __________________

08-17-2005, 05:25 AM	#1
Mueyinter Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 944	Maintaining a shiny coat Lately it seems that Sango's coat is very dull. It's still soft but not shiny as I see everyone else's babies here are. Any pointers on how do I keep her coat in good condition? Sango is my first yorkie so I don't know much about long haired breeds. As for quick reference I am feeding her Purina Puppy Chow 2x a day, pea sized dollop of Nutrical 3x a day. She has fresh water all day long. We have our brushing sessions up to 3x a day, usually 2x a day in the morning when I wake up & before I go to bed. When I've bathed her I've used puppy no tear shampoo (I can't think of the brand off the top of my head atm, I just remember it had a lil' spaniel on the label). Oh and off the topic a bit, how do you clean your yorkie's ears? When I went to the vet yesterday they put some earcleaning drops on a cottonball dropped it in her ear & smushed it around. OMG she was struggling I almost had a heart attack! I don't think I'd be able to do that to her. How do you guys do it? Any suggestions & advice would be most helpful! Thanks! __________________ Sango , Vash http://www.dogster.com/?180653 Sango's Dogster

08-17-2005, 06:56 AM	#7
tmatherly Razorback Yorkie Lover Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bentonville, AR Posts: 2,056	You have to order the Chris Christensen systems online. www.chrissystems.com. I got the starter kit that included the Day to Day shampoo,Thick and Thicker Foaming protein conditioner, After Bath, and Ice on Ice for about $10.00. Look under "systems" on the left hand side of the website. I'm still using the small bottles in the kit and have given about 4 baths to 2 dogs. I will definetely buy more when I run out! __________________ Tiffany Pippa, Scout, and Ranger's Mom http://www.dogster.com/?198523 http://www.dogster.com/?198525

08-17-2005, 06:59 AM	#8
Babbie Got Mojo? Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Miami Posts: 1,117	You already got great tips on the coat care, yes food is the #1 thing. You can also try to do a conditioning regimen to get back the shine. As per the ear cleaning, there is a lot of products out there, i personally use 2 produts, after the bath i use the ear cleaner to removed excess wax, do not worry if the solution stays in the ear, when you pup shakes his head the solution comes out bringing the wax, just makes sure you dry the ears with a soft tissue after the bath, put the right amount in the ear canal and massage it. When i need to pluck the excess hair i use the ear powder which helps you get a better grip of the hair and you can use your own fingers to pull the hair. Mojo's ears are cleaned after every bath and the hair are plucked as needed. Hope it helped! __________________ Thati & Mojo

08-17-2005, 07:19 AM	#11
chewysmom My Precious Pup Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York City Posts: 2,092	You have received great advice. Get your pup on a good food. I chose Natural Balance and it's great. I also use the CC Systems and their Ice on Ice and it has done wonders for Chewy's coat. Regarding ears, my vet says you can use a solution of vinegar (lil bit) water and a couple of drops of tea tree oil and wipe around with a cotton ball. to buy CC Systems go to Brooke's site: imapreciouspup.com. She gives YT members a discount. The best way to get started is the day to day shampoo and conditioner and ice on ice. Spray ice on ice onto the pup before the daily brushing. It really is better than anything at PETCO or wherever. Also, Sam: Where did you hear about the alcohol in the ears? I don't know if it's soo good for their ears.

08-17-2005, 07:21 AM	#12
Mueyinter Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 944	Sammantha where do you buy your Innova dog food from? __________________ Sango , Vash http://www.dogster.com/?180653 Sango's Dogster

08-17-2005, 07:22 AM	#13
crystalsmom Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,946	I'm going to get some "Ice on Ice" __________________

08-17-2005, 07:28 AM	#15
Mueyinter Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 944	I'm using OtiRinse for Sango's ears recommended by the vet. And I just ordered that systems pack! I'm so excited can't wait to get it! __________________ Sango , Vash http://www.dogster.com/?180653 Sango's Dogster Last edited by Mueyinter; 08-17-2005 at 07:31 AM.