There are lots of reasons we love our Morkies and want to show them off to the world. A large part of this is because they are just so cute! Their sweet little faces and silky long coats mean they take after their beautiful Yorkie and Maltese parents. But, there is a downside to these looks. We have to make sure we take good care of that coat and keep our pets clean and healthy at all times.
So, we need to make sure that we get a good grooming regime in place. It is important to not only keep on top of obvious issues like coat trimming but to also get into the habit of other grooming tasks.
So, how often does a Morkie need to be groomed?
In short, if we are talking about professional coat trimming then only every couple of months. But, we should also make the effort with other Morkie grooming treatments at home, like baths twice a month and daily hair brushing. Regular ear, eye, and tooth cleaning are also important, as is nail clipping.
Once you get into the routine, you will find it much easier to keep your Morkie looking at their best.
First of all, it depends on what you mean by the term grooming.
You might be thinking of the professional grooming that your dogs need in order to manage their coat. But, there is also the grooming you need to carry out yourself on a regular basis. It is important that you figure out the best schedule for both in order to handle your Morkie grooming needs.
Schedule a professional grooming session every couple of months.
Professional grooming means taking your pet to a groomer to get the coat trimmed into a more manageable shape. These dogs can develop quite long coats, especially with a long-coated Yorkie parent.
While this can look cute, especially when you tie up their facial hair in a bow, it isn’t that practical. If you choose a nice shortcut, you can take them in every couple of months to maintain the shape. Longer-haired dogs may need more frequent monthly trims.
Remember that it is best to get professional help for these cuts so that you get the best results. There will be plenty of Morkie owners that think it is fun to buy a pair of clippers and do it themselves. You are just asking for trouble and could end up with some bald patches.
Trimming the coat yourself is a bad idea. Bathing the coat yourself is a good idea.
One thing you can do at home, however, is to get the coat in a better condition with regular baths. You only need to do this once or twice a month to get the dirt out of the hair and help add some condition to their coat.
Make sure to use a shampoo that is gentle on their skin because they could develop skin irritations. Also, massage it into the roots of the coat to promote blood flow and nourishing oils. Please be sure to use only warm water for the entire bath.
It is important that you also dry your dog thoroughly. This can be difficult with long-haired dogs. They don’t towel dry or dry in the sun the same way as short-haired dogs. I’ve found that a simple microfiber towel like this one from Amazon works wonders, sucks up the excess water and is really cute(wife’s words). What this towel doesn’t get Bella will take care of by zooming around the apartment for 10 minutes. If you are really short on time and willing to spend a bit more a doggy dryer is a great option, friends of mine swear by the Flying Pig Dryer.
Then there is all of the regular grooming for the health of your pet.
Next, we need to consider all the other things you can do at home to groom your Morkie. You still need to brush that coat regularly to remove any tangles or anything caught up in the hairs. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets. So, a daily brush goes a long way. During this daily grooming process, you can also perform checks on their eyes, ears, nails, and teeth.
Morkie teeth cleaning:
Dental hygiene is important, so make sure to brush them regularly. You might find that a tiny finger brush is better for these smaller dogs than a larger brush. It takes some getting used to, but it can be more effective. This 10 pack is a great value.
Morkie ear and eye cleaning:
Clean any gunk or discharge from the eyes and ears. If you see anything that looks excessive, or maybe the sign of an infection, contact your vet. You can do this with a warm washcloth, just be careful to be gentle. If you want to spring for something more effective then TropiClean SPA Tear Stain Remover is a great product. It’s soap-free, all-natural, smells great and can help prevent future stains.
An additional issue with eye health is that the long hair in a Morkie’s face can irritate their eyes. It is like when your bangs get too long and start poking you in the eye.
It’s remarkably uncomfortable, so imagine this for your little dog. You might need to get a little pair of nail scissors and trim these yourself. It might not be the neatest job but it will help protect your dog’s eyes.
Morkie nail trimming:
As for their nails, you will probably have to trim your dog’s nails yourself fairly regularly. Many bigger breeds wear down their nails on long walks outside. Smaller apartment dogs don’t have this opportunity as much. So, their nails could become overgrown.
Invest in a good nail clipper or nail grinder. Grinders are more effective for a smoother nail. But, the noise of these machines can spook small dogs like Morkies. Also, make sure not to cut too far and risk damaging the quick. This can be very painful and lead to a little bit of blood. I like BOSHEL Dog Nail Clippers and so do a lot of other people with over 30,000 reviews.
Regular grooming at home is a great bonding experience.
While there is a lot to consider when it comes to the grooming needs of your little dog, think about this as a way to strengthen your bond as well. Your affectionate little dog trusts you and wants to spend time with you.
Getting their coat brushed and face cleaned could be soothing, especially if your actions mimic the response of their mother. Nail clipping may require a bit more patience and positive reassurance. Sit them down on a comfortable cushion and have a treat ready for a job well done.
Conclusion
Remember your Morkie needs regular grooming to not only look better but feel better. I would say let a professional handle the big task of the overall hair cut but you can not neglect the smaller day-to-day grooming that will keep your Morkie happy and healthy. Small steps today will prevent bigger issues down the road.
