Part of being a responsible dog owner is maintaining proper grooming practices, including regular brushing.   Long-haired breeds, especially, need lot of attention paid to their coat to prevent tangles, mats and discomfort.  This article will illustrate how easy it can be to keep dogs looking their best, with minimal time and effort on the part of the owner.

Brushing Your Dog’s Hair

No matter the length of a dog’s fur, regular brushing is necessary to ensure a healthy coat.  Some long-haired breeds will require daily attention, but pet owners may only need to brush a short-haired dog a couple of times per week.  The best practice for owners who do not want to devote a huge amount of time to grooming is to keep a long or medium haired dog’s coat trimmed.

Several types of brushes are available at pet retailers.  Bristle or rubber brushes are great for loosening dirt and removing dead hair on smooth coats.  Short coats can be detangled with a pinhead brush, followed up with a bristle brush.

When brushing a long-haired dog, start with a comb or pinhead brush for detangling, then use a comb to smooth the fur.  Silky coats respond well to being combed or detangled with a pinhead brush before using a bristle brush to enhance shine.

Other Types Of Brushes And Combs

There are several other types of brushes available, each with a specific purpose.  Nylon brushes are good for everyday use and do a great job of removing mats and old, dead fur.  There are special combs made especially to help remove dead fur before a pet sheds.  Massage brushes are wonderful for nervous pets, as they are very calming.  A massage brush is a nice treat for any pet, and may be a nice way to finish all brushing sessions. A brush called a soft pin slicker is designed for dogs with silky coats or sensitive skin and is made to be especially gentle.

Small or toy breeds may need a long-coat comb.  Dogs with thick undercoats or coarse fur may need an oblong pin brush, while a regular pin brush uses wire pins to untangle mats.  Flea combs loosen any fleas, larvae or eggs from a pets fur.  Another handy tool is the de-matting rake which removes old fur and dead skin from deep within a pets coat without affecting the outer coat.

What About Odor Prevention?

New advances in pet brushing supplies utilize bristles made from a stainless steel alloy which allegedly neutralizes the odor causing particles in a pet’s coat.