Why should you brush your dog?

 Regular brushing and combing helps keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy and looking good to achieve full benefits. You will need to brush all the hair and not just the top coat.  Brushing will usually loosen and remove dead hair and stimulates your dog’s skin. Regular brushing can relax the dog and can become a special time to share between owner and pet. A coat free of matts, tangles and dead hair makes the pet feel good.

For any dog, brushing is a necessary part of a healthy grooming routine: it will remove dead hair and skin cells, distribute oils from your dog’s skin, and can also help remove the animal’s seasonal coat.  Regular brushing will help to maintain a knot free coat and prevent matts.

 Is it better to brush a dog wet or dry?
It is recommended to brush your dog when the coat is dry. Wet hair can make matts worse and more difficult to remove.

Can brushes hurt dogs?

No, unless you dig the brush too deep into the dog's skin, or continually brush the same area too many times. In cases of over brushing brush burn can appear but this is in an extreme case and rare. Signs of brush burn include irritated, reddened skin, always contact a vet if in doubt.

What is a slicker dog brush?

Slicker brushes have fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. They are used on medium-to-long-haired or curly-haired dogs to remove matts. 

A puppy can be introduced to brushing from as early age as possible and should be brushed daily, but each session must be a short and pleasant experience. Positively introducing grooming allows the pup to build a nice association with brushes and more.  Let the puppy sit or lie down on his/her side while you brush gently. Brush the hair in the opposite direction of hair growth at first, and then follow by brushing it in the direction of hair growth. Continuously praise your puppy whilst you brush.

 Do dogs like being brushed?Most dogs enjoy being gently brushing.  Regular brushing your dog will help to strengthen your bond but the most important part of brushing will help to maintain a healthy and clean coat. A dog's brushing needs will depend on the length or hair type. 

 As often as you can, every couple of days is ideal whatever the length of the coat. Every day maintenance brushing followed by combing is necessary, depending on the coat and the tolerance of the dog.  Dogs with long hair that can matt and tangle are best brushed daily.

Is a brushing routine the same for all dogs?

Depending on the length of the coat but here are a few examples: 

Shorter-haired dogs: ie  Boxers, Labs, Greyhounds, and Weimaraners, don’t need to be brushed as frequently since their hair cannot tangle or mat. Brush their coat at least a couple of times a month - with an appropriate brush, not a slicker brush

Curly coated dogs - Bichon Frise, Bedlington, Doodles, Poodles,  Water spaniels and more - 3 times per week minimum

Double coat: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain, Chow Chow, Collie, German Shepherd, Husky, Leonberger, Old English Sheepdog, Pomeranian,  Saint Bernard, Spitz and more - 2 - 3 times per week

1. Always using a good slicker brush (unless short haired) which removes loose hairs from the outer coat and any debris trapped in the under coat
2. Start from the back of the dog at the lowest point ie lower or upper thigh and work up and forwards, lifting the hair up brush very gently using the grooming rake or pin brush to brush it back into place.