Brushing Your Dog: Essential Techniques for a Healthy Coat

Grooming your pet using brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free. Plus, grooming time is a great time to check for fleas and flea dirt—those little black specks that indicate your pet is playing host to a flea family.

The way you brush your pet—and how often—will largely depend on his or her coat type.

 

Smooth, Short Coats

If your dog has a smooth, short coat (like that of a Boxer or Basset Hound), you only need to brush once a week. Use a rubber brush to loosen dead skin and dirt and follow with bristle brush to remove dead hair. Polish your low-maintenance pooch with a chamois cloth and she’s ready to shine!

 

Short, Dense Fur

If your dog has short, dense fur that’s prone to matting, like that of a retriever, brushing once a week is fine. Use a slicker brush to remove tangles and catch dead hair with a bristle brush. Don’t forget to comb her tail!

 

Long, Silky Coats

If your dog has a long, luxurious coat, like of a Yorkshire terrier, she’ll need daily attention. Every day you’ll need to remove tangles with a slicker brush. Next, brush her coat with a bristle brush. If you have a long-haired dog with a coat like a collie’s, follow the steps above, but also be sure to comb through the fur and trim the hair around the feet.

 

Long Hair That’s Frequently Matted

For long-haired pooches, it’s a good idea to set up a daily grooming routine to remove tangles and prevent mats. Gently tease out tangles with a slicker brush, and then brush your pet with a bristle brush. If matting is particularly dense, you may try clipping the hair, taking care not to come near the skin.

Looking for pet wash service in Calgary?

Call Dog Grooming Calgary @ (587) 328-8066