When you welcome a pet into your home, one of the things that you will want to know is how to brush a dog. The basics of canine care will help you to keep your dog’s coat clean and tidy between professional grooming sessions or if you prefer total DIY dog grooming. When you brush your dog, you will help them feel and look their best. There are several benefits outside their appearance you should explore, including the medical benefits of proper dog grooming using a rubber brush.
Home Grooming For Your Dog
Even when you take your pooch to a groomer for hair care, you will still need to brush them regularly. Understanding the grooming needs of your pup is the first step towards caring for your dog correctly. Home grooming needs to be high on your list of actions when you embark upon pet ownership [1].
There are several reasons why you need to brush your dog regularly, including building a powerful bond with your pup. By brushing your dog correctly, you will remove loose hair and dead hair that can lead to health issues. For you, the removal of loose hair and cells from your dog’s skin will help limit allergy problems. For your dog’s coat, brushing will help eliminate matted dog hair and identify problems.
Dog Brushing 101
The arrival of COVID-19 changed a lot for our families. In-person dog grooming was no longer a safe option, meaning you had to take on the responsibility for grooming your dog. Before you begin to brush or bathe your dog, you should gather the correct equipment. Your first step will be to choose the right brush for your dog. A metal pin brush is the best option for dogs with curly hair that will tangle. Curly-haired dogs can produce matted coats quickly unless you brush your dog regularly. Double-coated dogs can produce matted coats quickly unless you remain on top of their hair care.
When you brush your dog, you think you are helping to eliminate matting. The matting of your dog’s coat will continue to be a problem when you use a rubber brush or a de-shedding tool for short-haired dogs. A bristle brush is not enough to stop the problem of mats in your dog’s coat completely. Instead, a comb is needed to push through the top layer of hair. Dog owners often think they will harm their dog using a metal comb over a soft bristle brush, but the metal comb remains an excellent tool.
Using a soft bristle brush to brush your dog removes dead hair and a few skin cells. A metal comb pushes through the tangled hair below the surface layer responsible for producing matting on your dog’s coat. Professional dog groomers keep a metal comb in their kit to remove tangles and matted areas. The right tools will make it easier for you to brush your dog, whether whether you are learning how to groom a Shih Tzu or a Goldendoodle.
How Often Do You Brush Your Dog?
The short answer is, this depends on the breed of your dog. Let’s start with long-haired dogs that are usually double-coated breeds. The Collie and the Tibetan Terrier need to be brushed weekly at least. Most long-haired breeds need to be brushed every other day to remove tangled hair. A long-haired dog needs a metal pin brush to reach the lowest level of the coat and remove tangled hair.
A rubber brush is the best option for your short-haired dog. Frequent brushing is not needed for dogs that do not mat or tangle as easily. If you brush your dog every other week, you will stimulate the natural oils of your dog’s skin. The natural oils are needed to produce the glossy coat we all know and love for short-haired breeds.
The third group of dogs you need to be aware of is the short, wiry group. Breeds with short and wiry coats will see problems with matting unless they are brushed every other day. Dachshunds are a wirehaired breed that requires regular brushing to remain healthy. A slicker brush is the best starting point for breeds with short, wiry hair, followed by a metal comb to remove dead cells from your dog’s skin.
Developing the Correct Technique
After choosing the correct tools for your dog, you now need to learn the proper brushing technique. The first step is to identify which way your dog’s hair is growing. Dogs like to be groomed this way. An in-to-out motion will help to push your brush deeply under the coat and make the process enjoyable for your dog.
Before you start to brush your dog ask yourself how much time you have available. Trying to rush through the brushing of an unruly mop of hair is a bad idea. For dogs with tangled and damaged hair, you run the risk of causing a break in the hair follicle if you are too rough during brushing. Your dog should enjoy being brushed and feel they are forming a bond with you during the process. Even when you encounter a tangle, be gentle with your dog to keep them calm and happy throughout the process.
Even experienced groomers sometimes encounter unforeseen problems. A tangle of hair close to your dog’s skin can be hidden from view. As you brush your dog, you may see them flinch as you pass over parts of their body. Your pet may have a hidden tangle or a problem in this area. Use a de-matting tool to split the mat and make it easier to remove. Always be gentle and do not try to force the mat out of its position.
The Benefits of Learning How to Brush Your Dog
There are several benefits to brushing your dog regularly. Firstly, the process of brushing gives your dog a helping hand with staying clean. Unlike cats, dogs are not obsessive about their hygiene and can start to smell if not groomed.
Why does my dog smell so bad? The odor of dogs can be a difficult one to handle unless you are keeping your canine clean regularly. Your dog’s coat can hide dirt, leaves, and debris from your yard or the local park. By brushing them regularly, you will remove these items and limit the development of bad smells.
Secondly, by spending the time brushing your dog, you will learn about the way they look and feel. Your pet will enjoy you spending time with you as you care for your dog’s coat, and you will be able to identify subtle changes in her appearance. You will be able to identify new moles or bumps on her skin and keep track of the growth of any abnormalities you find.
Your dog is a target for all kinds of parasites, from fleas to ticks. Brushing your dog gives you the chance to examine their hair and skin to ensure you identify parasites before they become a problem. A single flea or tick can cause major problems for you and your dog, which can be eliminated through regular brushing.
Lastly, regularly caring for your dog’s coat between professional grooming appointments helps your pup to look and feel good. An unkempt dogs coat will cause them several health problems. Remember that matted hair is uncomfortable and painful for your dog and the potential for double-coated breeds to overheat is high when their undercoat is not brushed out every few days.
Important Health Benefits Of Dog Brushing For You And Fido
As a dog owner, you would definitely feel the benefits of learning how to brush your dog. The problems of shedding and pet dander have been a long-time issue for humans. This is why proper dog brushing helps you to feel comfortable in your home by having less dog hair in your environment. The issue of shedding is reduced when you regularly brush your dog and care for them properly.
Brushing will help your dog feel healthier by stimulating the blood flow to the surface of her skin. Increasing the blood flow of your dog will help stave off any problems with cardiovascular health as they age. The potential for heart problems can be reduced when you spend a few hours each week looking to brush your dog’s coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you brush your dog?
This depends on the type of hair your dog has. Dog breeds with wiry hair and long-haired breeds should be brushed every other day to remain healthy. Short-haired breeds require less brushing to stay clean and tidy.
Is it better to brush a dog wet or dry?
Always brush a dry dog. Brushing your dog when wet can cause pain and make matted hair difficult to remove.
How do you brush a dog who hates being brushed?
When training your dog to be brushed and groomed, you should keep a bag of treats close at hand. A dog who does not like being brushed needs to be reassured throughout the process.
What do you use to brush a dog?
There are many types of brushes available for you to brush your dog. Short-haired breeds require a de-shedding tool to remove dead hairs and skin cells. Rubber brushes and metal pins are good options for long-haired breeds.
