As pet parents, it is our responsibility to make sure that our dogs remain in good health. Adequate nutrition and frequent grooming are required to help them stay fit and healthy. Pet parents often wonder how often they should brush their dog’s coat, and there is no one clear-cut answer. It all depends on the dog’s breed and size. Smaller and shorter dog breeds with smooth hair can get away with getting a brush down every once a week. These include beagles, basset hounds, boxers, daschunds, and miniature pinschers.
If your dog has a thicker coat like a lab, brush him twice a week. Dogs with longer and coarser double coats would need to be brushed more frequently, up to three to four times a week. These include dog breeds like golden retrievers, Maltese, collies, Shih-Tzus, and Samoyeds. While brushing your dog understand his coat type, whether it is short and wiry, short and smooth, curly, a single coat, or a double coat. Each coat type requires a specific type of brush, so do your research and find what works best for your dog.No matter the length or quality of your dog’s coat, it has been widely recommended to brush your dog’s fur at least once a week.
Always brush your dog in the direction of his or her fur, once all knots and mats are removed. You may need to start working in sections, closer to their skin to make the process easier. It is recommended to brush your dog when its coat is dry. A wet coat is often messy and difficult to detangle. If you want to brush your dog’s hair following a bath, towel them and air dry them with a dog drier as we have in TCC, before proceeding with the task.
There is no such thing as over-brushing 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. When they are puppies associate time to brush their coat as a fun activity, and your dog will never see it as something they dislike.
Feel free to get in some short, off-schedule sessions to connect with your dog and get them more comfortable with the brushing process.
Types of brushes associated with types of coats: –
1. For short and wiry dog hair- Use a slicker brush and a medium fine-tooth comb.
Method- Brush and comb layers of the skin from outwards in the direction that the dog’s hair grows.
Breeds- Terriers, Airedales, Schnauzers, and Wire-haired DachshundsWeekly brushing- 2 times per week.
2. A short and smooth coat- Requires a bristle brush or a hound glove.
Method- Brush in the direction of coat growth to remove loose hair and spread natural oils throughout the dog’s body.
Breeds- Dobermans, Pugs, Pinschers.Weekly brushing- 1 time per week.
3. Long and silky- A slicker brush and medium fine-tooth comb can be used.
Method- After removing any mats and tangles, brush and then comb the entire coat in the direction of the hair growth.
Breeds- Maltese, Silky Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers Weekly brushing- 3-4 times a week
4. Long and Coarse- A slicker brush, pin brush, and medium fine-toothed comb brush should be used.
Method- Brush the coat in layers from the skin outwards, to help remove mats and tangles. Then use the fine comb to go through layers of the coat…
Breeds- Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus and Tibetan Terriers Weekly brushing- 3-4 times a week.
5. Long and Double-Slicker brush, undercoat rake, and medium/fine toothed comb to be used.
Method- Work on one small section of fur at a time, brushing from the skin outward. Remove any mats and then thoroughly comb next to the skin outward to remove the loose undercoat.
Breeds- Chow Chows, Collies and Samoyeds Weekly brushing- 3-4 times a week.
5. Curly- A curly-coated dog would require a slicker brush and a medium to fine toothed comb brush.
Method- Brush in small, layered sections outward from the skin to remove mats and tangles. Then use a fine comb to run it along your dog’s coat to check.
Breeds- Poodles, Bedlington Terriers and Kerry Blue Terriers | Weekly brushing- 2 times a week.
6. Hairless- Dogs with hardly any hair require a hound glove and bristle brush, for the tiny few hairs they do have on their head, legs, and tail.
Method- Gently brush in the direction the coat grows. This helps distribute the natural oils present on the dog’s skin.
Breeds- Chinese Crested and Xoloitzcuintli | Weekly brushing- every other week.
