How often should I brush my dog?

We all want to look at our best which is why most people don’t leave it long between showers and brush their hair daily. So, there is no excuse for not treating your dog with due care. Although grooming them every day is not so necessary with some breeds, there is a sweet spot where you can ensure your pooch always looks their best. It isn’t all for appearances either, there are many benefits to brushing your dog, and we’re going to take a look at a few of them.

So When Should I Brush My Dog?

It is best to brush your dog every couple of days and this goes for all breeds. No matter what season it is, there is always a need to brush your dogs coat. It is even more important in the summer months when shedding becomes a daily occurrence but to prevent knots and matting, it is best to keep up this habit and do it regularly.

Not only will this make it easier as infrequently brushing can make a dog anxious compared to those that are regularly brushed.

Why Should I Brush My Dog Regularly?

Here are some of the main benefits of regular brushing:

They Will Look Nice

This might not be as important as some of the other benefits but your dog will look his handsome best. Whether you are walking or just relaxing at home, it is nice to see a well looked after pooch.

You Can Look For Ticks and Fleas

Some ticks can carry fatal diseases and it is not uncommon for a dog to suffer from a fever among other unpleasant side effects at the hands of parasites. When using a quality dog brush you can inspect their skin by parting their hair as you brush to spot ticks and fleas before they cause a rash and other discomforts.

Another way of keeping your dog free of ticks is by using tick prevention for dogs.

Removes Matting

Regular brushing is important to keep their fur from matting. Not only does this make bath time easier as you can move the shampoo through their coat without snagging and causing discomfort but once matts start to form, they can be difficult to get out. However, if you do find matts in your dog’s coat, there are specific dog brushes that can help to remove them without hurting your dog.

Brushes Are Easy To Clean

Although you can purchase a cheap dog brush that does the job, the times have changed. Now you can buy dog brushes that remove the fur at the push of a button, making them easier to clean. These types of dog brushes tip the excess fur into the trash so you don’t have to pull between bristles.

Keeps Your Home Clean

If you’ve ever had to spend a summer cleaning up after a dog that wasn’t brushed regularly then you will know how frustrating it can be to find clumps around the house. They tend to collate on the stains and in every corner but it doesn’t have to be this way. Regular brushing helps to take the fur from your dog before it falls in random places around the house.

It Moves Their Natural Oils

The natural oils found in a dog’s fur can be found on your fingers after you give them a nice stroke but brushing can push this around their body evenly. This is what will help give a dog a healthy-looking shine.

Brushing Keeps Them Clean

Although your dog might like to do a spot of self-grooming throughout the day, it can be difficult to get small patches of dirt out. A quality dog brush will get this task done easily and upon closer inspection, you can even see if your dog needs a bath.

How To Brush A Dog Properly

Do this right, and your dog will have a much more enjoyable experience that means they won’t mind regular brushing. Start by allowing your dog to smell the brush so they aren’t so anxious. Then, brush down and out, moving the brush away from the skin. As with humans, it is uncomfortable to bruhs a dog backward and not as good for their hair.

The best approach is to go easy, don’t pull too hard, even on matted areas where it is better to take your time than force them out. Use a conditioner on matted and tangled areas and a specific matt removing dog brush with wide teeth. In extreme cases, you could use scissors to make them easier to remove but take care not to cut close to the skin.

The Different Types of Dog Brushes

You could be forgiven for thinking that all dog brushes are the same but this isn’t the case. There is a different brush for every need and some are multi-purpose. Here are some of the most common:

Slicker

Slicker dog brushes have a flat surface and shott fine bristles that are closer than most brushes. They can be used to remove matts and are well suited to long-haired breeds such as golden retrievers. Take caution when using them as the lack of space between the wires can mean they could snag.

Bristle

These are good for dogs that shed a lot and have lots of bristles to pick up excess fur and can feel gentler on the skin that other types. They are better for short-haired types and a lot of small breeds.

Rakes

With a T shape most of the time, these brushes are good for dogs with thick fur that shed a lot. The rounded pins help to make it a more comfortable experience and resemble a razor that can help remove inner layers if you purchase the right length of rake.

Pin

This is probably the most familiar as it looks just like a comb you may have owned at some point. The sounded tips of the bristles and oval-shaped head hep to remove a fair amount of fur but are not as ideal for dogs that shed a lot. To finish off the grooming they make a useful brush but not in the place of another that is better suited.

Flea

As the name suggests, these brushes aren’t designed for regular grooming but it is important to make sure you have one no matter what breed your dog is. by removing fleas you can spot when you might have an infestation and stop your dog from feeling the discomfort that comes with constant itching and irritability.