Why Brush Your Dog

Brushing your dog between visits to your professional groomer is one of the most important things you can do. It not only helps to prevent tangles, it helps remove dirt and spreads the natural oils throughout the coat. Shedding is a major complaint with dog owners and unfortunately you’ll never get a dog to completely stop shedding, but regular brushing will go a long way to help. In addition to brushing, a healthy diet and supplements that contain linoleic acid, Omega 3 and Omega 6 will help achieve a healthy coat.

Make sure you are using the correct type of brush for your dog’s coat type. Use a curved wire slicker (photo 1 here) or pin brush for long haired breeds.  A regular wire slicker on medium or short coats with dense undercoat and a mitt or rubber curry for smooth-coated breeds. An undercoat rake (photo 2 here) is a necessity for dogs with a double-coat. This type of coat, left unattended leads to major matting. Mats are actually hair from the undercoat that has become loose and become stuck in some of the topcoat. The best way to deal with mats is to prevent them by brushing often, especially in warm weather. (photo 3 here)

Brushing must be done thoroughly but gently. The most efficient method is line brushing where the entire coat is brushed in layers from the skin out. Take care not to brush the skin. Scraping the brush against your dog’s skin can cause “brush burn”. Brush gently on tender areas, such as the tummy and inside the legs. With one hand, part the hair to the skin and hold down while the other hand gently brushes through the hair below the part. Once this section is smooth and tangle free, another section of hair is pulled down along the part and groomed in the same way.

These are only general instructions. You can contact Waggers Dog Depot for additional instructions and techniques at 828-271-4741

Email info@waggersdogdepot.com or visit us at 1020 Merrimon Ave, Asheville NC or online at www.waggersdogdepot.com