You Can’t Always Replace a Professional
Pet owners can do a great deal when it comes to brushing their dogs. However, they can’t always replace a groomer. Very matted dogs would likely benefit from a professional to remove the mats and potentially shave the area. Many long-haired dogs are easier to take care of if you have them trimmed down, a task that only a groomer should do.
If something seems obviously above your pay grade, don’t be afraid to make an appointment with a groomer. Many dogs benefit from an appointment with a qualified groomer, even if they aren’t “high maintenance” dogs.
As a responsible pet parent, you know that at-home brushing between grooming appointments can help keep your dog’s coat clean and mat-free. But understanding how often you should brush your dog for purposes beyond just ensuring their coat does not become tangled, may seem more complicated. The good news is it’s not. Figuring out the length of time between at-home brushings depends on your dog’s coat type and length. Certain dog breeds need to be brushed more frequently than others because their hair is more prone to matting and shedding Don’t become overwhelmed! Dogs do not require daily brushing. Even dogs who require frequent at-home groomings for coat maintenance still usually only need to be brushed a few times each week. You cannot overbrush your dog, but you should be mindful of the types of grooming tools you’re using and watch out for signs of skin irritation such as redness or dryness. Along with helping maintain skin and coat health, brushing your dog regularly can help grow your bond, so feel free to get in some short, off-schedule sessions to connect with your dog and get them more comfortable with the process. Follow this table for an outline of how often you should brush your dog depending on their coat type:
As with many pet-care tasks, brushing your dog is something that can benefit their overall well-being and strengthen your bond with your pet. With a little patience and practice your dog will feel comfortable with the chore and you’ll feel confident in your ability to maintain their skin and coat health. Once you know how to handle brushing your dog at home, Petco has all of the grooming tools and supplies you need to keep your dog looking great between professional grooming sessions. How Often Should You Brush Your Dog? Tips Based on Your Pets Coat 0
Although the exact tools and techniques you’ll use to brush your dog’s coat will vary a bit depending on your dog’s coat type and length, here are a few tips when it comes to brushing your dog at home. Remove mats from your dog’s fur. Before brushing with a regular grooming brush, remove mats with a dematting comb using careful, picking motions to break up the mat. Don’t pull or brush directly into a mat. Do not cut mats from your pet’s fur. Use a Furminator or deshedding tool. If you have a dog with a thick undercoat or a breed that is prone to shedding, you may want to use a Furminator or deshedding tool at home to remove excess hair prior to brushing. Brush in the direction of your dog’s fur. Once mats are removed, brush your dog’s hair in the direction it grows. For long-haired breeds, you may need to work in sections starting close to your pet’s skin to make this task easier. It is recommended that you brush your dog when their coat is dry. Wet hair can make mats worse and more difficult to remove. If you want to brush your dog’s hair following a bath, let their coat dry prior to brushing. To help make brushing easier, you can spray your dog with a pet-safe detangling product prior to brushing. For a more detailed breakdown of the best type of brush for your dog’s coat type and how to brush their hair, consider the recommendations below.
To remove mats from your dog’s fur, you need to first isolate the mat and hold it separately away from your dog’s fur. Spray a pet-safe detangling product on the mat and work it through using your fingers. With your other hand, use a dematting tool or a comb and start to gently untangle the hair at the edges of the mat. Use picking motions—don’t brush or pull too hard. Slowly work your way through the mat until it is untangled. Removing mats from your dog’s fur requires patience, but it’s important to work slowly and avoid pulling at the mat with your brush. Being too aggressive with the mat or your brush can be painful for your dog. If you are unsure of how to remove the mat, or it is a difficult one, consult a professional groomer who can safely remove the mat for you and help with more personalized recommendations for your dog’s coat care.
Curly Coat:
Most curly-coated dogs are low or no shedding. Because of this, they are more susceptible to mats and tangles. Regular brushing is important for these moderately high-maintenance pups. Start with a spritz of detangler and gently use a slicker brush to remove any knots. Keep your dog’s hair at a healthy length to reduce the chance of matting and tangling, which can be painful and unhealthy for your pup.
Teaching Your Dog To Like Being Brushed
Practically every dog will require brushing at some point. Some long-haired breeds will need to be brushed daily, while others are fine with a weekly or even bi-weekly brushing session. It depends on your dog’s breed, haircut, and time of year. Many dogs shed profusely during specific seasons and will require more brushing at these times.
Brushing a dog often isn’t as straightforward as it first appears, though. There are many different dog brushes on the market, each with its own uses and downsides. Figuring out when and how much to brush your dog can be equally as difficult. In this article, we give you a few tips for navigating the sometimes complicated world of dog grooming.