Coat Maintenance for Pet Parents: Brushing Made Easy

Brushing is a necessary process for all dogs. But with dozens of choices, how do you know what brushes are best for your dog? Let's break it down.

Short Coat

Dogs like Dobermans or short haired chihuahuas require routine brushing to keep their skin and coat healthy! These dogs often have dryer skin, as there is not as much oil produced by the sebaceous glands, since they have less hair that needs moisturizing. This is why it is so important to brush them, as it will stimulate the follicle to produce more oil. Using a rubber curry brush or a boar-hair brush will best suit their needs. These breeds require routine grooming every 4-8 weeks for optimal skin and coat health.

Long Coat

Breeds like Shih-Tzus, Maltese, and Yorkies have long, drop coats. These require daily brushing with a slicker brush and a greyhound comb to maintain and prevent tangles or matting. These breeds require routine grooming every 4-6 weeks for optimal skin and coat health.

Double & Triple Coats

Breeds like Australian Shepherds, Huskies, and Pomeranians have an extremely dense coat, comprised of a topcoat, undercoat, and tertiary coat, which all need daily maintenance. A combination of a slicker brush and an undercoat rake will effectively remove dead coat. These breedsw require routine grooming every 4-8 weeks for optimal skin and coat health.

Curly Coat

Poodles, Doodles, and similar breeds or mixed breeds will have coats that are extremely prone to matting. These coats require daily brushing with a combination of a slicker brush and a greyhound comb (research: line brushing). They also require routine grooming every 4-6 weeks for optimal skin and coat health.

Conditioning Sprays:

You may also want to add a conditioning spray to your dogs brushing routine!

A light mist of a lightweight, non-greasy spray will help aid in tangle prevention, as well as hydrate the hair shaft, follicle, and skin.