4 Types of Grooming Brushes For 4 Kinds of Dogs
October 12, 2020
With so many people still wary of taking their dogs to the groomers during the pandemic, you may have found yourself faced with the task of grooming your dog at home.
The trick to successful grooming of your dog is to start them early. Get them used to being brushed and make bathtime a happy event.
Another bit of advice is to find the right kind of brush for your dog’s coat. If your dog exhibits discomfort when you’re grooming them, chances are you’re using the wrong kind of brush, or that your technique needs adjusting.
With so many different types of doggie brushes on the market, it’s hard to know sometimes whether you’re using the right one for your dog. So here’s a rundown of the most popular brushes on the market:
- Grooming Rakes
- Pin Brushes
- Bristle Brushes
- Slicker Brushes
It goes without saying that hairy dogs need more grooming than short, smooth-coat dogs. That luxurious coat needs regular grooming. So dog breeds like golden retrievers, huskies, Bernese Mountain dogs, and spaniels.
There are many advantages to brushing your dog’s coat every day:
- It helps to condition their coat by activating your dog’s natural oil glands.
- It helps to keep excess hair and fur down in your home.
- It helps to remove dirt and debris caught in their coat.
- It helps to forge a bond between you and your dog.
Brushing your dog’s coat every day may seem like one more task you need to get done in a day that is already jam-packed full of meetings and appointments. So an easy way to get some regular brushing in every day is to keep a brush by the door. Every time you return from a walk, give your dog a light brush down. You can even take the brush with you on your walk and groom them as you go.
Four popular types of dog brushes
Grooming Rakes – are very popular because they do such a good job on keeping your dog’s undercoat free of shed and malt. One tip is to look for a grooming rake with prongs the same length as your dog’s coat. This will ensure you don’t scrape the skin or rip out healthy hair. These brushes are ideal for dogs with a thick, heavy coat. Furminator is a recognized brand that you can find in any pet store.
Pin Brushes – are not essential to your grooming kit. In fact, most people find these brushes can poke the skin and rip at tangled hair. Pin brushes are a finishing tool to fluff up a dog's long coat.
Bristle Brushes – are a must-have for any pet parent with a dog like a beagle, whose coat is short and smooth. A bristle brush will give your dog’s coat a good conditioning and remove any loose hair. It can be used anytime on your dog’s coat and is available in natural and synthetic bristles.
Slicker Brushes – are tricky to use because there is a tendency to apply too much pressure, which can result in poking and scraping your dog’s skin. Use this brush gently and focus on removing shed from the top coat only. Slicker brushes work especially well on golden retrievers and other feathered breeds.
It only takes about 10 minutes a day and it’s a great way to bond and spend some quality time with your dog, so make grooming a necessity and enjoy the rewards of a shiny, happy dog, and a house free of fur.