Does brushing a dog hurt them?
Brushing your dog regularly not only keeps his coat looking good, it helps release dead hair, cuts down on excess shedding, removes mats, and distributes the natural oils in the skin to keep your dog healthy. To make brushing safe and comfortable, teach your dog the stand command.
Utilize Coat Conditioner and Mat Spray
If you come across any mats, use a good mat spray or coat conditioner. Follow the directions on the package, which usually involves leaving it on for a few minutes. This will help loosen the mat and make it easier to remove. Be sure to check for mats under the limbs, behind the ears, and underneath the collar. We rarely think about these places, but mats are common there.
A good mat spray can save you from needing to cut out mats or visit the groomer.
You should start grooming your dog when they’re young, before they really need it. This will prevent potential problems when they get older and need to be brushed. Take your time warming up your dog to the routine. Many will start out not liking to be groomed at all. However, over time, many will calm down and begin to enjoy the routine.
Use plenty of treats and vocal praise when brushing your dog. Even after they become used to the process, praising can prevent them from reverting.
Brush Your Dog the Right Amount
All dogs will need to be brushed a different amount. Often, this will change as the seasons change and the dog grows older. If your dog has long hair, it will also depend on the current cut that you have on them. Puppy cuts require less grooming, while full show cuts will often require daily brushes.
A short-haired coat often only needs to be brushed once a week. This will help remove any excess hair and can cut back on the number of baths that your dog requires. When the seasons change, your dog may “blow” their coat, which will require daily brushing. This only occurs in some dog breeds. Others don’t shed much at all and won’t blow their coat.
Generally, if you notice large mats in your dog’s coat when you brush, you should increase their brushing routine. If you notice tons of hair around your house, you should probably increase the amount that you brush your dog.
Be flexible and change your routine as necessary. Some dogs may not need to be brushed that often and then suddenly blow their coat and need to be brushed daily. It all depends on the dog.
How To Stop Dog Shedding (Easy Tricks from A Vet)
Grooming keeps your dog healthy and happy. As recommended by pet groomers in Baltimore, MD, brushing your dog’s coat is one of the most significant factors of grooming. Brushing stimulates blood circulation and distributes the dog’s natural oils for a healthy shiny coat. So how often should you brush your dog?
Regular brushing removes dirt, grass, pollen, and other undesirable matters from dogs’ coats. It also helps prevent nasty tangles and mats from forming, and it is an excellent opportunity for bonding between the owner and the pet. However, dogs differ in their need for brushing because of their type of coat and its length. Smooth, short-coated dogs can generally be brushed once every few weeks to remove loose hair. While short, dense-furred dogs should usually be brushed once a week. Long-coated or double-coated dogs must be brushed weekly to prevent mats and to remove tangles.
Woofs & Wags pet grooming in Baltimore, MD recommends choosing the right brush for your breed of dog.
Remember, brushing should be something your pet enjoys, so be gentle. Always brush down and out, away from the dog’s skin and in the direction the coat grows. For unruly tangles, apply a coat conditioner and leave it on for several minutes. Then use a wide-toothed comb to get through the tangle. Always praise your dog during brushing and afterwards so your pet will look forward to the next grooming time.
For pet grooming in Baltimore, MD, contact Woofs & Wags. With 50 years combined experience in the industry, our staff can assist you in your pet’s coat care.