How to Select the Right Hair Brush for Your Dog

Brushing the coat of your dog is important canine maintenance which helps in the elimination of mats and tangles. Brushing your dog also helps to lubricate the skin and keeps errant pet hair from your furniture and clothes. Dogs require different types of brushes due to the difference in fur. For example, a poodle and a German shepherd will require different types of brushes due to the difference in their hair. Dog hair brushes come in different shapes and sizes. The bristles are also different as the use of the right brush will keep your dog happy during grooming.

During grooming, your pet may show signs of discomfort or pain. This may be an indication you are using a wrong type of hair brush for dogs. On the contrary, if your dog sits on your laps happily during grooming, you are on the right track. The right type of brush will work effectively on your dog with regards to the length and type of hair coat your pet has. There are different types of brushes for dogs, but this post will look at the four most common dog brushes.

1. Slicker brushes

These are dog hair brushes that have short and fine wires that are close together. Slicker brushes are best suited for medium to long-haired dogs but can also be used to remove mats on curly-haired dogs. There is a wide variety of slicker brushes in the market but the most effective ones have a flexible handle and come in the correct size to make your grooming comfortable. Slicker brushes can be used in a variety of dog breeds including Yorkshire Terries, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels.

When going through your dog’s coat, the angled pins on the slicker brush helps to avoid contact with the skin. It is advisable to be gentle when using the slicker hair brush for dogs to avoid discomfort if too much pressure is used.

2. Rakes

Rakes are dog grooming tools which are specifically designed to penetrate the thick coat of a dog and remove mats, tangles, and dead undercoat. Rakes are characterized by sharp rows of tightly-spaced pins which are shaped like a shaving razor. The brushes are also intended to be used with less pressure in order to avoid injury on your dog’s skin. Rakes are best suited to be used on thick-haired dogs like Chow Chows and German Shepherds.

Most of these breeds are notorious for developing deadly under coats during the shedding season. Furthermore, their coats tend to trap debris. It is advisable to look for a rake with pins that match the length of your dog's hair as rakes that are too long irritate the skin while those that are too short tend to miss the undercoat inner layer.

3. Wire-pin brushes


These are a deshedding brush for dogs that look similar to commonly used brushes. They are characterized by flexible wires that are loosely-arranged and oval in shape. The brushes have pins on top. Pin brushes are the least useful dog brushes which are commonly used by most dog owners. As much as they can easily pull your dog’s loose hair, they have the least benefit to your dog. However, they are commonly used to finish off the grooming of your dog.

Wire-pin brushes are effective when used with a flea comb. Fleas tend to cause irritation, itching, and sometimes can lead to infections of your dog’s skin. One advantage of using a flea comb is that they are universal thereby can be used on any dog species. For pets with medium to long hair, wire-pin brushes are the preferred choice.

4. Bristle brushes


These brushes are universal and can be used on all coat types. Moreover, they vary according to the length of the bristles and the spaces between them. If your dog has a long hair coat you should use a bristle that is longer and more widely spaced. Breed like the Italian Greyhounds, Boston Terries, and Pugs can use bristles hair brush for dogs.

Bristles can be used to remove dirt, loose hair, stimulate the skin, and to brush the top coat of your dog. For short hair, bristles that are short and close together work effectively. The best way to choose the dog hair brush is to determine what coat your puppy has. You need to use a rubber brush for smooth coated dog breeds like Bull Terriers. A slicker brush is best suited for short-coated breeds like Boxers and Greyhounds. The slicker gently remove the mats and knots. Long coated breeds like the Bearded Collies have a coarse coat that tends to mat easily.

A slicker brush can be used to remove mats while the dead hairs can be removed by using an undercoat rake. Some dog breed has a silky coat with long hairs and no undercoat. A bristle brush can be used to add a natural shine while a slicker brush removes matt.

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