Brushing and Combing Tips For Dog Owners

Brushing or combing a dog’s coat is very important for good grooming. Long haired dog breeds need every day brushing while short-haired dogs may require combing at least once or twice a week. Here are tips on how to make grooming a fun and enjoyable time for your dog:

Start early. It’s best to train them while they’re young. If you adopted an older dog who wasn’t trained for grooming, it’s never too late to start training.

Sit or stand your dog in a comfortable spot. Run your fingers through his fur. Brush his paws or legs first so he can see what’s happening.

Praise your dog if he’s behaving well. If not, don’t give up. Introduce the brushing or combing routine every day for just a few minutes. It shouldn’t take long before your dog realizes that grooming is not a bad time after all.

Don’t give yourself a hard time. Find a suitable place for your pup or dog to sit or stand on while you brush his/her coat. Make sure that it would be the same spot for grooming even when your dog gets older. Use a non-slip mat for your dog to stand on. If you have a large dog, don’t lift your puppy to a spot that wouldn’t be able to carry his weight when he grows up.

Be consistent. Brushing or combing should be done regularly not just to make the coat shiny but to avoid mats and tangles. Combing is also an effective way to remove dander.
Comb or brush properly. Always comb or brush according to the direction of the fur. Be gentle especially when there are mats or tangles.

Don't scrape it! Be very careful not to scrape the skin.

Use the right dog brush. Dog brushes and combs are made differently. Soft bristle brushes are ideal for short-haired breeds while a pin brush with metal bristles are recommended for long-haired breeds. For dogs with wavy and curly hair, a wire slicker brush is best.

Comb one small section at a time. Make sure that all tangles have been removed before moving on to the next section.

Stick with a pattern. Always start from the legs and work your way up leaving the head and ears for last. Follow the same pattern every time so your dog will get used to the routine.

Examine every spot. Check the skin for fleas, wounds or cuts. Check for lumps. If you find anything weird, see your vet right away.

Praise. Praise your dog for staying still and behaving well.

Comb before and after bath. It’s a good idea to do the combing before bathing to make shampooing easier. After bathe, the fur should also be easier to comb.

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