Selecting a dog brush isn’t quite as easy as strolling down the pet store aisle and choosing one that is pretty color. It is important to consider the type of coat your dog has when buying grooming tools.
Even if you take your dog for regular grooming sessions, you should still buy a brush to use between appointments. Regular removal of loose hair keeps the dog’s coat looking healthy and it makes keeping the house clean a lot easier.
Dogs such as collies, Siberian huskies, Norwegian elkhounds, Pomeranians and Samoyeds tend to shed a lot and benefit from an undercoat rake. The undercoat rake is designed with one row of metal prongs that are used to remove dead fur. When using an undercoat rake, caution is needed because it is easy to scratch the dog’s skin. Gently run the rake through the long hair to remove the shedding masses of hair.
Any dog whose hair tends to mat can benefit from a de-matting rake, which is little more than a smaller version of the undercoat rake. Smaller prongs help to more efficiently part the mats of fur.
Pin brushes come in two styles. One has rubber-tipped brush prongs. The other has metal prongs without any rubber tips. Pin brushes work well with dogs that have medium-length coats, wire coats or wavy and curly coats. Portuguese water dogs, Airedale terriers and golden retrievers all benefit from a pin brush, which is a good tool for dogs with sensitive skin types.
Groomers often recommend pin brushes for removing dead hair and small tangles, especially for dogs that have a medium-length coat. These brushes are a gentle means of dealing with wet fur, which can easily be damaged by tugging and pulling of the hair.
Slicker brushes are a great means of removing dead hair in both the undercoat and the top hairs. Groomers often use slicker brushes after they have finished combing through the fur with an undercoat rake and/or pin brush. The fine wire bristles of a slicker brush make it a good finishing brush. They help move natural oils throughout the coat, creating a shiny smooth finish that looks good and healthy.
Slicker brushes work well with dogs such as Chihuahuas, boxers and miniature pinschers that have short, smooth coats. This type of brush may work well enough that it is the only one you need to own for these dogs.
Bristle brushes come in many styles. Some have synthetic bristles; others have natural bristles, which tend to offer a gentler means of brushing a dog’s fur coat. Bristle brushes work well with all types of hair coats. Not only do they help remove loose fur and mats; they are also good for stimulating the skin. Bristle brushes bring out the shine and make good finishing brushes.
Shorthaired dogs such as pit bulls, boxers and greyhounds do well with bristle brushes because their fur does not tend to mat and clump. This may be the only type of brush you need to use.
Introduce your puppy to a grooming session early on. Make it fun for the dog by stopping to give praise and offer an occasional treat. Regular grooming will pay off for you and the dog.
Related posts:
- How to Get Ready for Shedding Season
- Puppy Grooming
- Different Types of Dog “Coats”
- Common Puppy Grooming Tools
- Bathing Your Puppy
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