How To Brush Your Short-Haired Dog

What you can't see still exists. This is a good rule to remember when it comes to dogs' coats. Many owners buy short-haired dogs like Labs and Rottweilers with the belief that they'll shed less than double-coated "hairy" dogs like Huskies or Belgian shepherds.

Their dreams of a hair-free couch are quickly shattered. Dogs shed. It's what they do best. Just as we're constantly dropping bits of ourselves in the form of skin flakes and hair follicles, dogs do the very same in a much greater number. A short-haired dog still sheds ... he just sheds smaller hairs! All the better to wedge into the bottom of your foot.

So now it's obvious: Short-haired dogs need to be brushed same as long-haired dogs. This will go a long way in keeping your house clean and reducing allergens. Unfortunately, some people begin their new chore with good intentions and the wrong tools. A wire-bristled slicker brush, for example, is excellent for a poodle with a long coat, but it can scratch a beagle's sensitive skin. As another example, a hound glove is an excellent finisher, but not a good starter because it's meant for buffing the coat, not hair removal.

Here is a small list of tools that are excellent for de-shedding short-haired dogs.

The Furminatior! All the cool dog owners have been talking about this "miracle" tool lately, and for good reason. It's ideal for Labrador retrievers, who tend to have a thick, oily overcoat mixed with some short undercoat. It's easy to use; simply use short strokes across your dog's body and watch out for the spine. Be aware that the Furminator might still be a little rough on a sensitive dog's skin.

Zoom Groom! This excellent rubber "brush" by Kong will not scratch or irritate skin, making it the ideal choice for sensitive pups. The tool is made out of Kong's patented rubber, which, along with its shape, peels dead hair right off the dog's body. Most dogs prefer a rub-down with the Zoom Groom to scratchy bladed and bristle brushes. It also works great for lathering shampoos during bath time.

Shedding Blade! The shedding blade looks a little like a small cross-cut saw that loops to form an ominous-looking brush. The shedding blade is a very effective tool, but it has to be used with caution, as the blade can be sharp enough to cut your dog's skin! Brushing off the flanks is safe enough ... just avoid running the blade along the spine.

Horse Brush! A horse brush or a bristle brush of any kind is a great way to finish up a heavy-duty job with the Zoom Groom or Furminator. Both generate a bit of static electricity, which tends to make some dead hair stick to the dog's coat. A horse brush (which looks a bit like a shoeshine brush) will get rid of that residue and it will also stimulate the natural oils in the dog's coat, giving it a shine and helping to prevent further shedding.

Hound Glove! Now it's time to buff that coat. Use mink oil for extra lustre.

Whatever the length of your dog's coat, a little home grooming is a good opportunity for both of you to relax and bond in front of the television. Enjoy.