You’ve probably heard this sentence a thousand times, but the dog’s coat is the reflection of its health. If you’ve just become an owner of one of Belgian Malinois pups, then you definitely need to know how to bathe their coat. In this blog post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about Belgian Malinois bathing and what products to use.
How often should a Belgian Malinois be bathed?
Belgian Mals weather-resistant coat, so they do not require frequent bathing. Bathing frequency depends on their activity, but also on the dog’s overall coat health. So, on what a Belgian Malinois coat’s health depends?
Well, it depends on the diet, health, and care it gets. By feeding your Mal with cheap dry kibble, you’ll ruin its skin, and coat quality. That’s why our advice is to double-check the label on the back before making a decision. Choose the one that is high in proteins, and low carbohydrates. Since Belgian Malinois are highly-active dogs, they need to get a lot of energy from their food. The best way to achieve it is to feed them with proteins that will also leave a beneficial effect to their coats.
Speaking generally, Belgian Malinois need a bath every 2 or 3 months. In the meantime, you need to brush their fur weekly. The best brush to use on a Belgian Malinois coat is the “FurErase” Two Sided Grooming Brush. It will effectively remove the dead hair and distribute the production of natural skin oils.
Take care during the shedding season
Shedding is a fact of life with double-coated breeds like the Malinois. To make cleanup easier, consider using the VacuGroom grooming kit. This innovative device combines brushing/clipping tools with a vacuum.
As you groom, the vacuum suction collects 99% of the pet hair into a container, so you’re not left with fur all over your floor or bathtub. The VacuGroom kit includes multiple attachments: a brush and de-shedding tool for routine coat care, plus an electric clipper (useful if you ever need to trim fur or tidy up certain areas), and even nozzle heads to clean pet hair off your furniture.
It’s designed to be relatively quiet and pet-friendly, so with a bit of training (and treats as positive reinforcement), your Malinois can get used to it. Using the VacuGroom after a bath while drying/brushing your dog can save you a lot of sweeping – all that loose fur from the bath gets sucked right up!
Applying dry shampoo for dogs can also be helpful. It will refresh the smell of the coat, so in case your Mal lives in the house with you, you won’t deal with a ‘’bad dog smell’’.
What is the best shampoo for Belgian Malinois?
Choosing the right shampoo is important for bathing a Belgian malinois. Always go with a dog-specific shampoo that is gentle on the skin. Here are some tips on what to use (and what not to use):
1. Dog-Safe Shampoo
Look for shampoos labeled for dogs, ideally those with natural ingredients. Hypoallergenic or oatmeal-based shampoos are great for Malinois, especially if they have sensitive or dry skin. Oatmeal shampoos contain colloidal oatmeal which can soothe dry, itchy skin and relieve irritation. They are a popular choice for many dog owners because they moisturize and protect the skin. Aloe vera, chamomile, or coconut-based cleansers in the shampoo are also beneficial for coat health.
2. Avoid Human Shampoo
As mentioned earlier, do not use human shampoos or soaps on your Belgian Malinois. Human products are too acidic or too alkaline for a dog’s skin pH and can cause dryness or irritation. Even baby shampoo, which is gentler for humans, is not ideal for dogs in the long run. Stick to pet products to be safe.
3. No Harsh Chemicals
Steer clear of shampoos with harsh chemicals, sulfates, or artificial fragrances, as these can strip natural oils and potentially trigger allergies. Malinois have a fairly low-maintenance coat, so a mild shampoo is all you need. If your dog has a skin condition, consult your vet for a medicated shampoo recommendation.
4. Oatmeal Bath for Itch Relief
If your Malinois is itchy or has mild skin inflammation, an oatmeal bath can work wonders. As described, you can DIY by blending plain oatmeal into a powder and mixing it in warm water. This natural remedy provides anti-inflammatory relief and forms a protective, moisturizing layer on the skin. It’s especially useful for dogs with allergies or after your Malinois has been running through tall grass (which can cause itching).
5. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Solution
Apple cider vinegar is a beloved home remedy for many dog owners. Diluted ACV (always dilute with equal parts water) can be used as a final rinse or a spray-on between baths. It helps in several ways: it conditions the coat and skin by killing bacteria and fungi (ACV has natural antiseptic properties), it neutralizes odors, and as noted earlier, it can help repel fleas and ticks because pests dislike the smell and taste. ACV can also help if your dog has a minor yeast issue on the skin by balancing the pH. Just be sure any ACV you use is well diluted, and avoid applying it on open wounds or very irritated skin (it can sting).
6. Coconut Oil for Coat Conditioning
Coconut oil is another natural product often recommended for dog grooming. Rubbing a small amount of coconut oil onto your Malinois’s coat (and dry skin patches) after the bath can act as a leave-in conditioner. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, and it’s often used to hydrate dry skin, reduce inflammation, and even has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
It can add a healthy shine to your dog’s coat and soothe minor irritations. To use, take a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil, rub it between your hands to soften, and run your hands through the dog’s coat, especially along the back and any itchy areas. Don’t use too much – a thin, light layer will do. (Note: If your Malinois tends to lick their fur a lot, use coconut oil sparingly to avoid upset tummies from ingesting it.)
7. Nail Trimmers or Grinder
Although not part of bathing, don’t forget nail care as a part of grooming. Many owners find it convenient to trim nails after a bath because the nails are a little softer and the dog is calmer. Use a clipper or a grinding tool (whatever you’re comfortable with) to keep those nails short – typically about once a month is needed.
8. Ear Cleaner
After baths, it’s a good idea to clean your Malinois’s ears (especially if water might have gotten in). A canine ear cleaning solution and cotton pads can gently wipe out any moisture or wax. Keeping ears clean and dry helps prevent infections.
How to bathe a Belgian Malinois?
Before you start bathing your Belgian Malinois, make sure you prepare the following items:
- dog shampoo
- towel
- cotton balls for ear cleaning
- non-slip mat to prevent falling in the bathtub
- treats and toys
Since bathing should become a regular grooming routine for every dog, we recommend you to start teaching your pet to get used to it from an early age.
When to bathe a Belgian Malinois for the first time?
The time to bathe a Belgian Malinois for the first time is around 8-12 weeks of age. It’s not advisable to bathe your Mal earlier because these pooches have sensitive skin in their puppyhood. Shampoos can ruin their natural skin barrier and cause irritations.
At this age, your Mal will have had at least one round of vaccinations, reducing the risk of illness from stress-related immune responses.
Bathing a Belgian Malinois: Step-by-step
1- Brush your dog’s coat before bathing
Before getting your Malinois wet, give them a thorough brushing. Use a slicker brush or a de-shedding tool to remove loose fur from the undercoat. This is where the FurErase Two-Sided Grooming Brush comes in handy – use the knot-cutting side on any tangles and the shedding side to rake out loose hair.
2- Choose a quiet place in the house
Place your dog in the bathtub or, if the weather is warm, an outdoor bathing area. Many Belgian Malinois owners use a tub with a handheld shower sprayer. If indoors, ensure the bathroom door is closed (in case your pup tries to dash out). Make sure the area is calm and free of anything that could startle your dog during bathing.
3- Wet your Belgian Mal’s coat
Use lukewarm water (not hot) to soak your Malinois’s coat. Start from the neck and work your way down the body. Avoid spraying water directly on their face. Make sure the dense undercoat is fully wet – with a double coat, it takes a bit of time for water to penetrate to the skin. Speak in a soothing tone as you wet them, to keep your dog calm.
4- Apply a dog-friendly shampoo
Pour a bit of dog shampoo into your hand and lather it into your Malinois’s coat. Use only shampoos made for dogs, ideally a gentle formula. An oatmeal dog shampoo is great for dogs with sensitive or itchy skin, as oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation.
Work the shampoo in from neck to tail, gently massaging in circular motions. Don’t forget areas like the chest, belly, tail, and legs. Avoid the head and ears; you can clean your dog’s face with a damp cloth instead of direct soap and water. If your Malinois has any particularly dirty spots (mud or grime), concentrate on those areas. Let the shampoo sit for a couple of minutes (especially if it’s medicated or oatmeal shampoo) so it can do its job.
5- Make sure you rinse the coat well
Since Mals have double coats, you have to double check whether you rinsed their coat well. Lift each leg, rinse the belly, check armpits, and make sure to get the undercoat. If you’re unsure whether you’ve rinsed enough, rinse one more time to be safe. Leaving a shampoo on your dog’s coat can lead to itchiness, dandruff, and allergies.
6- Dry the dog
Now it’s time to dry off. Put a dry towel around your dog’s body to pick up excess water.
Your dog might do the classic “shake”, so you should be prepared to get a bit wet! You may also use a blow dryer on the cool or low-heat setting. Keep the dryer nozzle moving and not too close to avoid burning the skin. Many Malinois actually enjoy a cool blow-dry, and it can help fluff and dry that dense undercoat more quickly. Make sure to dry inside any skin folds and between toes to prevent moisture irritation.
7- Brush Again After Bath
Once your Malinois is mostly dry (even if slightly damp), give them another good brushing. Bathing often loosens a lot of fur from the undercoat, especially during shedding seasons. Brushing now will remove any loose hair and leave the coat smooth and tangle-free.
This is also a good time to check the skin for any issues (redness, bumps, or parasites) and ensure the ears are clean and dry. For an extra help in managing shed hair, you can use the VacuGroom tool during this post-bath brushing.
8- Reward and Praise
After the bath and grooming session, reward your Belgian Malinois with praise, petting, and perhaps a tasty treat. Positive reinforcement will help your dog associate bath time with good things. A play session or a nice walk after drying off can also be a great reward.
Bathing a Belgian Malinois: Wrapping Up
Bathing is an important grooming routine that should be implemented from puppyhood. Therefore, make sure your Mal thinks of it as a pleasant experience. Create a positive association with bathing, and carefully choose dog shampoos. Prepare all the items you need for bathing, and don’t forget to reward your Mal for being obedient.
No products in the cart.