Brushing a Dog

Dogs tend to lick their coats or roll on the ground to keep themselves clean. However, they still require regular brushing to remove dirt, debris and loose hair. Brushing also prevents the coat from getting tangled and matted. Brushing a dog should be an enjoyable experience for the dog as well as the owner. It is when the dog relaxes under the loving ministrations of its owner and the two spend some quality time together to bond.

  1. How to Brush

    • Get the dog to lie down on the floor. Leash it if the dog is not used to being brushed. Start brushing on one side all the way from the head to the tip of the tail. Brush against the growth of the hair to get rid of loose and dead hair. Make sure the brush reaches all the way to the skin. However, be gentle, so that the skin does not get scratched or hurt. This will ensure that the fur closer to the skin is brushed properly and the hair does not mat. Turn the dog over and repeat the brushing on the other side. Pay special attention to the flanks and behind the hind legs, as fur in these places gets knotted and matted easily. After you finish, begin brushing from the tail and move forwards, but this time brush in the same direction as the growth of the hair.

    Brushing Short-haired Dogs

    • Dogs that have short and smooth coats, such as boxers and basset hounds, require brushing to remove dirt and dead skin. A rubber brush should do this task. Removal of dead and loose hair requires brushing with a bristle brush; and you can give the coat a sheen by rubbing it with a chamois cloth, according to the ASPCA.

      Dogs with thick and short coats easily get tangles and mats. A slicker brush will help remove the tangles and knots; while the bristle brush will remove the dead hair.

    Brushing Long-haired Dogs

    • Dogs that have long hair require extensive brushing to keep the coat tangle-free. A slicker brush will remove the knots and tangles, while a bristle brush will get rid of loose hair. Some long haired dogs, such as collies and Afghan hounds, require thorough combing of the coat after the brushing session.

    Frequency of Brushing

    • How often you brush your dog depends on the type of coat it has. Short-haired dogs with silky coats require brushing once a week, while those with thick and short coats need brushing two to three times a week. Increase the number of brushing sessions during the shedding season, primarily fall and spring. On the other hand, dogs with long hair, regardless of the texture of the hair, require daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats.

      If in doubt about how to brush and the frequency of brushing, get advice from a vet or professional dog groomer.