The Benefits of Brushing Your Dog

You may be wondering if brushing is good for your dog, especially if you have a short coated dog, or if they even need it. Many short coated breeds seem to stay quite clean on their own as dirt will crumble away with just running your hands over them but just because they don’t get tangles doesn’t mean they still don’t need to be brushed regularly. Brushing is good for all dogs with all coat types, no matter the breed or age of your canine companion. Whether it’s brushing them at home or taking them to the doggy spa for a thorough pampering, grooming is a necessity when it comes to caring for your furry family member. 

Regular brushing offers a multitude of benefits for your canine companion. It helps to distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping the skin moisturized and preventing dryness and irritation. Additionally, brushing removes dirt, debris, and loose fur, reducing shedding and minimising the risk of mats and tangles. By removing all the dead fur and debris, there’s less to tangle into the healthy coat so the more regularly you brush, the less likely they are to get uncomfortable knots. If knots develop into mats, you’re likely going to lose some healthy fur that’s still attached when you brush or cut it loose.

A good brush doesn’t just benefit the coat but it helps to promote blood circulation throughout the body. Stimulating the skin by brushing it is like giving your pampered pooch a little mini massage, blood flow will improve to those specific areas and they’ll feel all the better for it. 

Start by choosing the right brush according to their coat type. Using the wrong type of brush might be uncomfortable for your pup and it won’t do as good a job as a more appropriate tool will do. You should always brush them gently, following the direction of hair growth with long, smooth strokes.  

Focus on areas prone to matting, like behind the ears and under the legs. Take your time, especially if your dog is sensitive or has a thick coat. If they have any tangles or areas they’re sensitive about, you may need to take your time with them and give them regular breaks. It’s always easier to start with the less sensitive areas to get them to enjoy their groom before you tackle the harder to deal with and more sensitive places where the skin is usually thinner.  

Make each brushing session a positive experience by offering treats and praise. It's also an opportunity to check for any skin issues or abnormalities. By incorporating brushing into your routine, you ensure your furry friend stays comfortable and that you have the opportunity to run your hands over them and make sure they’re healthy.  

If you have long hair, you might already be well aware of the hazards and getting through tangles can be both uncomfortable and lead to pulling out more healthy fur than you need to. Brushing a wet coat can be painful and you can wind up making more tangles. Wet fur, just like wet hair becomes a lot more fragile than you initially started with. If you plan on grooming your pooch at home and giving them a refreshing bath, it’s best to brush them before you bathe them. 

Brushing them when they’re dry is much more gentle on the skin and will help to start to remove debris and tangles before you get them wet. If they have any minor matting of the coat, you can remove it at this stage rather than soaking them with mats in their fur. Matted fur gets tighter when wet so it could be something they didn’t really notice before but once wet it will get tighter to their skin and gather, making it harder and more uncomfortable to remove.   

Trying to groom a dog that doesn’t want to be brushed can be challenging, especially if they are in dire need of a groom but it’s not impossible. When your pooch shies away from being groomed, it’s usually a sign that they’re anxious about grooming or have had a bad experience. Sometimes it’s not always a bad experience, but simply a lack of previous exposure that can make them a little bit scared. It’s important to take things slow and gradually get your canine companion with being brushed.  

Grooming sessions for a dog that’s worried about the experience should be kept short and positive. You can build up the time you’re able to groom them over a period until they’re comfortable being brushed all over. Some furry family members find that being able to predict when they’re going to be groomed is helpful.  

You can use a blanket or a crate mat, something that they don’t sleep on or have access to at any other time as a signal that they’re going to be groomed. In cases where it’s not an immediate rush and you have time to build it up gradually, blankets or stations where you always groom them are a great way to offer your pooch the chance to take a break. Consent training for grooming is using a station which in this case is a blanket that your pup learns they always get groomed on. If they move away from it, you don’t chase them but allow them to do so. They quickly learn that it’s only when they’re on this station that they get groomed.  

The trick is to make consenting to being groomed the more favourable choice. With their favourite treats on hand, reward them for making the choice to allow you to groom them and soon you’ll have a canine companion who is excited to jump on their mat to be brushed for a tasty reward. Training is about working with your pup to find better ways to communicate and get the job done painlessly, ideally, you’ll both be having fun too! 

Failure to brush your dog regularly can result in various health and grooming problems. Without proper care, their coat may tangle and mat, leading to discomfort and potential skin issues like irritation or infection.  

 

Excessive shedding can create a mess in your home and may indicate underlying health issues. Neglecting to groom your furry family members increases the risk of infestations by parasites such as fleas and ticks which will quickly spread to your household and any other pets you may have. Without routine grooming, you might miss signs of health problems early on, potentially allowing them to escalate. If you don’t brush your dog at home, they’re more likely to be anxious if they go to the groomers. Brushing at home is a lot more comfortable for them instead of being groomed by a stranger. It helps to develop the learning to understand that it’s a pleasant experience so if they go to the groomers they’re more likely to enjoy it.  

When dogs experience pain, they can develop changes in behaviour. Knotted and matted fur can pull against their skin when you pet them or even as they’re just moving about the house. You could notice an escalation of worried or defensive behaviour like snapping and growling if they’re uncomfortable. It’s their way of telling us they’re not feeling good and they need space.  

Regular brushing is not just about aesthetics, it's a crucial part of your dog's health maintenance, ensuring their coat remains manageable, their skin stays healthy, and they're protected from various health risks. 

The frequency of grooming your dog should be tailored to their specific breed, coat type, and lifestyle. Generally, most furry friends benefit from brushing several times a week to maintain a healthy coat and prevent mats and tangles from forming. For short-coated dogs this can be less but for longer-haired breeds prone to matting and shedding, daily brushing may be necessary to keep their coat in top condition. Your greyhound may just need a weekly once over to make sure their short coat is nice and glossy and free from dirt while a breed like a husky will need daily brushing to keep them healthy and free from tangles.  

In addition to brushing, other grooming tasks such as baths, nail trims, and ear cleaning should also be incorporated into your dog's grooming routine. You may find that you rarely have to trim their nails if they’re going on regular walks on surfaces like concrete. Keeping their gnashers clean is an important part of their care too that should be worked into a regular routine. Brushing may be the best but it isn’t the only way to help remove plaque and keep those pearly whites gleaming.  

Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking and feeling their best but also promotes their overall health and well being. 

Brushing isn't just about maintaining your canine companion’s physical appearance, it's creating an enjoyable experience that promotes relaxation as well. The sensation of being brushed can be deeply soothing, leading to a sense of comfort and calmness afterwards. Beyond the immediate physical benefits, brushing plays a crucial role in enhancing the bond between you and your furry companion. 

As you gently brush away loose fur, dirt, and debris, you're not only keeping their coat clean and healthy but also reducing itching and irritation, thus promoting overall skin and fur health. The rhythmic motion of brushing can provide mental stimulation, helping to keep your dog engaged and even tire them out for a nice nap afterwards,  

To give them a relaxing experience, it's crucial to approach grooming sessions with sensitivity and patience. Using gentle, positive reinforcement techniques ensures that your fluffy friend associates grooming with positive experiences. Being attuned to your dog's body language and comfort level is essential. If they find grooming stressful, they're less likely to reap the full benefits of a clean, tangle-free coat.  

Choosing the right brush for your dog depends on their coat type and grooming needs. Brushes range from combs with solid metal prongs to soft grooming gloves made of rubber and knowing which brushes to use when and where can be a difficult choice to make. Some brushes that are harsh might be too hard for sensitive places like the stomach or under the arms while soft bristle brushes might not get all their knots and tangles out. The type of coat they have also plays an important role in dictating which brushes are going to be best for them.  

For long haired dogs, a slicker brush is often the best choice for removing tangles and preventing mats. Look for a brush with fine, densely packed bristles that can penetrate deep into the coat without causing discomfort. A wide toothed comb can help to gently detangle knots and remove loose fur, leaving your dog's coat smooth and shiny. Regular brushing with these tools will keep your long haired companion looking and feeling their best. 

A brush with a wide set of teeth like The Spa Medium Grooming Pin Rake can help to remove initial tangles before you switch to a more densely bristled slicker like the Ancol Ergo Universal Slicker Brush Large to really get in deep and remove any dead or shredded coat.  

Short-haired dogs typically benefit from a bristle brush or grooming glove to remove loose fur and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. They don’t need anything quite so sturdy to pick up their dead coat as it usually sits fairly close to the surface.  

Look for a brush with soft, flexible bristles that won't irritate your canine companion’s skin. A grooming glove is also a convenient option for removing loose fur and providing a gentle massage at the same time. Regular brushing with tools like The Spa Rubber Grooming Mitt will help keep your short-haired dog's coat healthy and shiny with minimal shedding. 

Curly coated dogs require special attention to keep their coats smooth and tangle-free. A pin brush or detangling rake is often the best choice for these breeds, as they can penetrate the curls without causing breakage or discomfort. Look for a brush with long, sturdy pins like the Ancol Ergo Pin Brush that can reach all the way to the skin to remove mats and tangles effectively. The Ancol Ergo Palm Pin Brush has nice flexible bristles if you’re not battling too many knots and can be held comfortably for longer grooming sessions.  

Dirt and debris can become trapped in curly coats easily so it’s important to keep on top of their grooming. A conditioner or conditioning spray like the Johnsons Anti-Tangle Conditioning Dog Spray can do a lot of the heavy lifting in helping to loosen and tangles to make brushing easier. 

Knowing when to stop brushing your pooch is a vital aspect of responsible grooming. While regular brushing is essential for their overall health, it's equally crucial to recognise their limits and respect their comfort during grooming sessions. Observing your dog's body language and cues is key. Watch for signs of anxiety or agitation, such as tensing up, licking their lips, or trying to move away. If your dog displays any of these behaviours or shows signs of discomfort, like growling or snapping, it's crucial to halt the grooming session immediately. 

Continuing to brush a dog that is distressed or uncomfortable can not only worsen their anxiety but also damage your relationship with them. It's essential to prioritise your dog's emotional well being above all else. By stopping the grooming session when your dog signals that they've had enough, you maintain their trust and ensure that future grooming experiences remain positive. In such situations, it's essential to give your dog space and time to relax before attempting to resume grooming. This might involve offering treats, giving them reassuring pets, or simply allowing them to take a break. Ultimately, respecting your dog's boundaries during grooming is essential for fostering a trusting and harmonious relationship. 

If your pooch is enjoying their grooming session, knowing when to put the brush down can be a little harder. Generally, when their coat is free of tangles and feels nice and smooth to the touch, your job is done. Overgrooming can cause their skin to become sore but if they’re still enjoying themselves you can put down the bristles and give them a relaxing massage instead. If they thoroughly enjoy their at-home brushing, they’re bound to leap at the chance to get a professional pamper with The Jolly Groomer!