As often as you can, every couple of days is ideal whatever the length of the coat. Every day maintenance brushing followed by combing is necessary, depending on the coat and the tolerance of the dog. Dogs with long hair that can mat and tangle are best brushed daily.
Is a brushing routine the same for all dogs?
Depending on the length of the coat but here are a few – There are too many breeds to mention
Shorter-haired dogs: ie Boxers, Labs, Greyhounds, and Weimaraners, don’t need to be brushed as frequently since their hair cannot tangle or mat. Brush their coat at least a couple of times a month – with the appropriate brush, not a slicker brush
Curly coated dogs – Bichon Frize, Bedlington, Doodles, Poodles, Water Spaniels and more – 3 times per week minimum
double coat: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Bernese Mountain, Chow Chow, Collie, German Shepherd, Husky, Leonberger, Old English Sheepdog, Pomeranian, Saint Bernard, Spitz and more – 2 – 3 times per week
- Always using a good slicker brush which removes loose hairs from the outer coat and any debris trapped in the undercoat
- Start from the back of the dog at the lowest point ie lower or upper thigh and work up and forwards, lifting the hair up brush very gently using the grooming rake or pin brush to brush it back into place.
It is recommended to brush your dog when the coat is dry. wet hair can make mats worse and more difficult to remove.
Most dog love being gently brushing. Regular brushing your dog will help to strengthen your bond but the most important part of brushing will help to maintain a healthy and clean coat. AT dog brushing needs will depend on the length or hair type.
No, unless you dig the brush too deep into the dog’s skin, or continually brush the same area too many times. In cases of over brushing brush burn can appear but this is in an extreme case and rare. Signs of brush burn include irritated, reddened skin, always contact a vet if in doubt.
