The Best Dog Grooming Brush to Use
It can always be a bit of a shot in the dark to get the proper home grooming tools for your dog, but we are here to help! Here is a rundown of a variety of brushes and other tools so you can make the selection that is best for your best friend.
Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes have fine, short wires close together on a flat surface. They are used on medium-to-long-haired or curly-haired dogs to remove mats. There are many different varieties of slicker brushes on the market, but choose one that is the correct size and use light pressure as to not cause your dog discomfort.
Slicker brushes are used on many dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and St. Bernards. Longer-haired dogs are more likely to develop mats which will need to be removed. If you find that after you brush your pet you have enough loose hair to make a whole other dog, this is the brush for you!
The Undercoat Rake
Undercoat rakes are brushes designed to penetrate into a dog’s thick coat and remove tangles and dead undercoat near the dog’s skin. The brush looks like a lot of small pins next to each other.
Rakes should be used on thick-haired dogs including German Shepherds, Malamutes, and Chow Chows. These breeds tend to develop dead undercoats, especially during shedding season, and their thick coats also tend to trap dirt.
Note: If your dog is double-coated – don’t have them shaved. Shaving the undercoat damages it and doesn’t actually help your dog regulate their body temperature during warmer months. Also, shaving makes their skin more at risk for sunburn and fleas.
Deshedding Blade
Deshedding blades are used on short-haired, smooth-coated dogs that shed frequently. The teeth of the blade pick up dead hair and dirt.
Bristle brushes can be used on breeds such as Pugs, Italian Greyhounds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Boston Terriers.
Note: Only brush your pet with the blade following the natural direction of their hair. Otherwise, the teeth on the blade can irritate their skin.
Comfort Comb
Combs with long teeth are primarily used to get matts out of long hair. The teeth of the comb rotate in order to make the process as easy as possible for your dog. Combs can be used on any breed that has longer hair or is at risk of matts, including Poodles and Golden Retrievers.
- Elise