Dogs with long hair need a lot of grooming to avoid tangles, mats, and the very real risk of needing to be shaved if it becomes too severe. However, you can’t expect your dog’s coat to be silky smooth if you aren’t using the right brush for the job. Is there really such a thing as the wrong brush though?
Yes, there absolutely is, and it can be the difference between a dog in grooming discomfort and a coat that is completely free from tangles and mats. But don’t worry, finding the right brush for a dog with long hair isn’t as hard as it seems, and we are here to guide you through the process.
Why Brush Your Dog?
Grooming your dog helps to keep them healthy, removing tangles and mats that could lead to serious discomfort or even infections if left to get worse. It cleans their fur and ensures you can keep an eye on their skin and overall health.
You can also look out for dandruff and skin allergies when you are grooming. Petfoodsherpa.com/ says that a healthy diet can also do wonders for your dog’s skin and coat: “Foods such as eggs which contain vitamin A promote cell turnover and zinc which supports healthy cell division. Chia seeds, coconut and liver are also great for a luscious, shiny and healthy coat”
Brushing your dog regularly is as important as feeding them a good diet. It also improves the bond between you and your dog – boosting those feelings of love and trust between you.
Which Brush is Best?
There are a couple of brushes that you should have on hand for your furry friend, the first of which is the slicker brush. This helps to remove knots and tangles so that your dog can benefit from a truly silky coat. The coated tips of the brush ensures your dog doesn’t feel any discomfort when in use, but remember to be gentle when grooming them.
The rake is also important as this gets rid of all the loose hair that’s right at the base of their coat. It is a bladed brush that essentially cuts the hair to keep their coat smooth. However, you need to pick a rake that has a length to match your dog’s coat. One that is too short won’t reach the end of their coat, and one that is too long could cause them discomfort.
Of course, there are many more dog grooming brushes than just these two – but they are not as effective when used on long-haired breeds. For dogs with luscious long coats, the slicker and the rake are the only two that you truly need in your arsenal.
What if My Dog Has a Double Coat?
For dogs who have a double coat, it is important that you do not use a rake. This is because cutting their undercoat can lead to damage over time that prevents them from correctly regulating their temperature and also weakens the waterproofing that it contains.
This is also why they should never be shaved or have their hair cut. Instead, look for brushes that are not bladed but still remove dead or loose hair.
Does Coat Type Matter?
Yes, coat type does matter. You might have a dog with long hair that’s also curly and wonder what kind of brush to use on that. Thankfully, the answer is simple and a slicker brush is able to cover the grooming expertly. There are different brushes for various situations, coat types, and lengths.
However, the slicker brush remains the perfect all-rounder in this situation and covers all your bases without compromising the health of your dog’s coat. It’s the number one brush to have, and you certainly can’t go wrong with it. Out of all of them, it’s the only one (aside from a flea comb) that can be used on any and every dog.
To Conclude
Finding the right brush for dogs with long hair is simple, and the good news is that there are only really two brushes for the job. Just make sure you take your dog’s coat type into account and choose brushes that are the right length and style to be effective without causing them discomfort. When it doubt, remember that the slicker brush covers all your bases.