Grooming & Health & Mouth Care
- Meir Shilo
- Nov 5, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 28
Grooming & Health & Mouth Care
Basenjis require minimal grooming thanks to their short, fine coat and inherent cleanliness. Much like cats, they are obsessed with staying clean and regularly groom themselves. Here's a basic guide to maintaining your Basenji.
Watch as Moka, the most beautiful and best Basenji "Aunty," lovingly cleans Mika's puppies. Such tenderness and affection.
Brushing
Frequency: Weekly brushing is sufficient.
Purpose: Removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny.
Tool: Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt.
I am using the basic Hand Rubber Comb shown below. Mika & Moka did not permit me to use the one on the right.
2. Bathing
Frequency: Once every 3-4 months or as needed (e.g., if they get dirty).
Tip: Over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils.
Shampoo: Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo.
3. Nail Trimming
Frequency: Every 3-4 weeks.
Signs: If you hear clicking on hard floors, it's time for a trim.
Tool: Use a dog nail clipper or grinder.
Please see the following chart that very clearly explains how to trim the dog's nails.
Please note that my dogs are often exercised outside or at the dog park, so their nails naturally wear down.
I never had to trim their back nails, only a little of the forward ones.
4. Ear Cleaning
Frequency: Check weekly and clean as needed.
Tip: Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls (never cotton swabs).
Sign of Issues: Redness, odor, or excessive wax may indicate infection.
Coat Care
Basenjis are minimal shedders, and their short coat requires little maintenance.
They groom themselves much like cats, keeping themselves relatively odor-free.
Eye Care
Wipe away any tear stains or debris with a damp, soft cloth as needed.
By maintaining this grooming routine, your Basenji will stay clean, healthy, and comfortable!
Dental Care - The essential treatment you must not overlook
I’d like to talk about an important issue: mouth care for our Basenjis. Even though Basenjis are a medium-small breed, their teeth still require regular attention. Like all dogs, they have 42 teeth, but in a relatively small jaw this can lead to crowding.
Crowded teeth create narrow spaces where food particles and bacteria get trapped, which can cause plaque, tartar, and eventually gum disease or tooth loss. Good oral care is essential not only for their teeth but also for their overall health, since oral infections can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
I’ve been using enzymatic dental gel with my Basenjis since they were about six months old. These gels are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar without requiring the same type of brushing techniques we use as humans. They work mainly through special enzymes that break down plaque and bacteria, rather than relying on mechanical scrubbing.
My own vet advised me to apply the gel directly with my finger -without any brush. According to him, it still works effectively this way and greatly reduces the risk of injuring the dog’s gums, which are much more sensitive than ours. I’ve followed his advice consistently, and so far the results with my Basenjis have been excellent.
Here, you can observe the results on 4-year-old Mika's teeth.
I recommend the following dental gels for dogs. These products are user-friendly: apply the appropriate amount according to your dog's size onto your finger and gently apply it directly to the teeth, concentrating on the area between the teeth and gums. There is no requirement for a toothbrush or any additional tools. Simply ensure the paste is administered into the mouth.
The last option, Orazime, can be administered orally or mixed with a small amount of food, providing an effective solution for dogs that resist direct gel application.
