How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Coat?

24 Apr How Often Should You Brush Your Dog’s Coat?

Grooming keeps your dog healthy and happy. As recommended by pet groomers in Baltimore, MD, brushing your dog’s coat is one of the most significant factors of grooming. Brushing stimulates blood circulation and distributes the dog’s natural oils for a healthy shiny coat. So how often should you brush your dog?

Frequency of Brushing

Regular brushing removes dirt, grass, pollen, and other undesirable matters from dogs’ coats. It also helps prevent nasty tangles and mats from forming, and it is an excellent opportunity for bonding between the owner and the pet. However, dogs differ in their need for brushing because of their type of coat and its length. Smooth, short-coated dogs can generally be brushed once every few weeks to remove loose hair. While short, dense-furred dogs should usually be brushed once a week. Long-coated or double-coated dogs must be brushed weekly to prevent mats and to remove tangles.

Choosing the Right Brush

Woofs & Wags pet grooming in Baltimore, MD recommends choosing the right brush for your breed of dog.

• A slicker brush is suitable for most breeds of dogs. It helps release dirt, break up tangles, and pull loose hair from the dog’s coat.
• A bristle brush has soft, straight bristles on a flat base. Because this brush does not penetrate as deeply as others, it works best for short-haired dogs.
• Pin or wire brushes have straight, wood, or metal bristles on a rubber base. This type of brush provides deep coverage for curly coats and fluff-drying long fur.
• A large tooth comb is suitable for long-coated dogs and dogs with heavy undercoats, as it loosens tangles and removes excess undercoat.
• Fine tooth combs are designed for short-haired dogs and those with thin undercoats to remove excess fur.

Remember, brushing should be something your pet enjoys, so be gentle. Always brush down and out, away from the dog’s skin and in the direction the coat grows. For unruly tangles, apply a coat conditioner and leave it on for several minutes. Then use a wide-toothed comb to get through the tangle. Always praise your dog during brushing and afterwards so your pet will look forward to the next grooming time.

For pet grooming in Baltimore, MD, contact Woofs & Wags. With 50 years combined experience in the industry, our staff can assist you in your pet’s coat care.