Dog Coat brushing tips and advice

 

Brushing your dog at home minimises matting happening massively.

It allows us groomers to groom your dog how you request with understanding by following out tips and advice.

By Prevention is much pleasanter for your dog. Excessive friction over a small or large area will cause hair to matt and tangle, Dogs can get knots behind their ears, tails, hips, groins and underarms.

Your dog will also benefit from brushing as it will help regulate body temperature and reduce itching as you remove dead hair and distribute natural oils.

• You can work from the tail to head or the head to tail, as long as you ensure you brush all the hair, not just the top coat.

• One popular technique is to brush backward against the lay of the fur, then brush it back into place. This loosens and removes dead hair and stimulates the skin.

 

Brushes to use on Smooth/ Short Hair coats:

Example Breeds: French Bulldog, Greyhound, Weimaraner, Boxer, Pug, Dachshund.

• Use a Double Sided Soft Brush all over to remove dirt and hair. The bristle side can be used to remove mud.

• Alternatively, a Slicker Brush can be used.

• During shedding, a Double Row Rake and Shedding Blade can be used.

 

Brushes to use on Long/ Silky Hair coats:

Example breeds: Cocker Spaniel, Silky Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Afghan Hound

• Using a Pin Brush, groom the coat through, starting at the top and working down. If the dog is shedding coat, a Slicker Brush will assist in removing any dead hair. Brush the hair through in the direction of the natural growth.

• Move through the entire coat using this technique and ensure the tummy area and between the legs is not missed. These areas are prone to tangles which if left unresolved, will become difficult to remove.

• Once brushed through with the slicker or pin brush, use a Grooming Comb to comb the coat and remove any remaining loose hair. This will also identify remaining knots or mats in the coat.

• It is essential to remove these knots on a regular basis to reduce the chances of large mats forming and causing increased problems.

Brushes to use on Double coating Hair Coats:

Example Breeds: Husky, Retriever, Spitz, Terrier, Sheepdog.

• With your hand, or a comb, part the fur creating a vertical line and use a Slicker Brush to brush through the soft undercoat. This will remove any loose hair reducing the opportunity for mats and tangles to develop. Many people find it easier to start at the lower part of the of the dog and work upwards until the main body and back is completely brushed.

• Move through the entire coat using this technique and ensure the tummy area and between the legs is not missed. These areas are prone to tangles which if left unresolved, will become difficult to remove.

• Many people use an undercoat Rake to remove any hairs that are about to be shed. This is an excellent tool which will glide through the upper coat and remove loose undercoat hairs.

• For heavy coats, the use of a Shedding Blade can increase the hairs removed and improve the overall finish.

• Once brushed through, use a Grooming Comb to comb the coat and remove any remaining loose hair. This will also identify any remaining knots or mats in the coat.

• It is essential to remove these knots on a regular basis to reduce the chances of large mats forming and causing increased problems.

 

Brushes to use on Curly Hair Coats:

Example breeds: Bichon Frise, Curly Coated Retriever, Spaniel and Poodle.

• Using a soft Slicker Brush, gently brush against the direction of the hair growth.

• The tummy, ears and between the legs can be very sensitive and will tangle easily so ensure that these areas are brushed through carefully every day. Be gentle when grooming this area as knots can be painful for the animal.

•  Once finished with the slicker then a medium-tooth comb should be used to ensure no tangles or mats remain.

•  It is essential to remove these knots on a regular basis to reduce the chances of large mats forming and causing increased problems.

• If you encounter knots that will not brush out without causing discomfort to the dog, it may be necessary to comb the coat through with a Dematter Comb.