All pet owners would agree that most dogs require a certain level of grooming on a regular basis. Brushing has generally been acknowledged by dog groomers to be one of the most important steps in grooming at home. Learning how to brush a dog correctly can enhance the physical condition of your pet’s coat and naturally increase her comfort level. It can also influence how he/she behaves and responds to you, not to mention how you respond to her.
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Is There a Wrong Way to Brush a Dog?
The short answer is yes.
Even if you know how absolutely important brushing is for your dog’s health, well-being and good looks, we all know that there is a right way and a wrong way to approach anything.
Then what exactly constitutes wrong brushing when it comes to dogs?
For starters, brushing the coat in the wrong direction is to be avoided. Similarly brushing too harshly or using the wrong tools can harm the dog’s skin. And it goes without saying that infrequent brushing will most likely lead to troublesome matting.
What is the Right Way to Brush a Dog?
So, what exactly is the better way to go about brushing a dog?
Brushing correctly would first and foremost be dependent on the right kind of brush; always a dog brush rather than a human brush.
Secondly, after removing loose hair, finish off by brushing in the direction of the coat growth.
Finally, it is most important to brush all areas of the coat, not just the superficial outer layers.
5 Dog Brushing Steps to Follow
Here are 5 steps that you can follow to better manage brushing your dog (affiliate links included):
- First remove loose hair by brushing against the growth of the hair with a slicker brush.
- Then use a medium or a wide-toothed comb to tease out any tangles.
- Next use a top-quality dog brush to brush along the growth of the hair.
- Make sure you go deep when brushing this way.
- Now we move onto using a flea comb.
Part the coat and start from the roots out.- Comb over the coat to get any possible fleas that have made themselves at home.
- This also serves to remove any remaining tangles.
- You can now brush the hair around your dog’s paws.
- If the paw pads are extra hairy, then you could clip them using electric clippers, like the ones pictured below. However, do not clip the hair in between the pads, only the long hair on top.
- If your dog is sensitive about anyone touching her paws, then you can leave this part for the next time you visit your groomer.
A Catalog of Dog Brushes (affiliate link)
Why is Dog Brushing So Important?
The benefits of brushing are many. To name just a few:
- Better circulation
- A shinier coat
- A healthier coat
- Reduction in shedding
- Detection and elimination of fleas
- Prevention of Matting
- Less hair accumulating on furniture
- Quality time with your dog
How Often to Brush Your Dog?
The frequency of brushing a dog naturally depends on the breed, coat type, and on how active he/she is.
Generally, most dogs benefit from being brushed at least a few times a week to help remove loose fur and keep the coat in good condition. This goes a long way towards prevention of matting. Frequency makes for a more pleasurable experience, one not associated with hair pulling.
It also pays to introduce your puppy to gentle brushing from an early age.
Dogs with longer or thicker coats may require more frequent brushing, potentially on a daily basis, to prevent tangles and matting.
It’s important to establish a regular grooming routine based on the specific needs of your dog’s coat. Regular brushing not only helps maintain the health of the dog’s coat but also provides an opportunity to check for any skin issues or parasites.
A pleasant brushing experience provides yet another avenue to bond with your pet. Your dog will love the attention and look forward to each brushing session, especially if it is done frequently and associated with fun and treats.