How to brush your dog?
A dog is not just a pet, it is a friend who needs care and attention. Every dog owner knows that their four-legged friend needs to be fed and walked, but the care does not end there, the pet also needs to be combed, and this procedure has many important nuances that must be taken into account.
The correct approach to combing allows you to keep the dog's coat beautiful and healthy, while the owner needs to take into account the length of the coat and its structure, because the coat can be long and short, straight or curly. Taking these factors into account, it is necessary to select combing tools.
- Suitable combing tools
- Which comb is suitable?
- Features of powder puffers
- Hair cutters for dogs
- Other Popular Tools
- Furminator - a modern grooming tool
- Features of combing different types of wool
- General recommendations
Types of Dog Grooming Tools
It turns out that there are not so few such tools. All of them are divided according to the purpose of use:
- for combing wool;
- to remove fleas;
- for cutting.
There are the following options for combing wool:
Outwardly, they resemble a razor for men, but a little larger and instead of a blade, it is equipped with several strong iron teeth. It is very convenient to use, it is reliable, and most importantly, dogs love to brush themselves with this tool. The main function of the furminator is to remove dying undercoat, so this tool is not suitable for dogs without it. Furminators are sold in different sizes and with different teeth, which should be chosen based on the length of the dog's coat and its size. The tool itself must be washed after each combing.
REFERENCE! This device has many advantages, but it also has a disadvantage, which is its high cost.
In essence, this device is an analogue of the previous one, but not as perfect. The slicker comb for dogs is different in that it is only suitable for dogs with abundant undercoat due to the fact that it has long iron teeth. Short-haired dogs will find it unpleasant to brush with it. The undoubted advantage of the powder brush is its low cost, accessible to everyone.
When choosing this device, you need to take into account the size of the animal, the abundance and length of hair and the length of the teeth. Also, pay attention to the presence of balls on the tips of the teeth, so as not to hurt the dog when combing.
This item is needed to give the coat a well-groomed appearance after using the slicker. In addition, the comb smoothes the hair of dogs with thick hair, such as Tira Huskies, Samoyeds, Spitz, and so on. Using a comb, you can remove the resulting tangles.
When buying a comb, it is better to choose a double-sided one, so that on one side the teeth have one length and on the other another. This is necessary so that it can be used for combing both the undercoat and fur. A double-sided dog comb is quite reasonably priced.
- Massage brush
There are different options for brushes on sale - with a handle or a hand strap, with natural or artificial bristles. If you choose a brush with metal bristles, you need to have balls on the ends for the dog’s safety. The main task of the brush is to style the pet's fur, combined with skin massage.
REFERENCE! A massage comb is not used for dogs with long hair, as they have a thick undercoat that it is unlikely to cope with.
- Mitten
Outwardly, it really looks like a mitten, with short teeth located on the inside. These mittens are not suitable for long hair, but they are suitable for short and smooth hair. This device is very easy to use because you just need to stroke your pet in the direction of the fur. Both the owner and the dog like this procedure.
This is a tool in which the teeth are fixed freely and can rotate, effectively cleaning out fluff. A dog comb with rotating teeth is not suitable for dogs without undercoat, as hair can get caught on them and cause discomfort to the dog. It is best to use a rake comb for dogs with a thick undercoat.
Suitable combing tools
People have come up with a large number of devices that will help the owner of a dog maintain its coat in perfect condition. These tools include: combs, tangle cutters, combs, slickers, etc.
Among all this variety, many pet owners choose combs, but this is not an ordinary human comb that can be found in any store. A comb for a dog is selected individually, in accordance with the characteristics of its coat. There are a number of important requirements for this tool.
Which comb is suitable?
A good tool is:
1) The presence of blunt teeth. Choose a comb with very blunt teeth so as not to inadvertently damage your pet’s delicate skin. It is very easy to check the safety of the tool; you just need to rub it firmly over your own palm. If this causes discomfort, or the teeth strongly catch the skin, it is best to refuse to purchase the device, as it is dangerous.
2) The length of the teeth is shorter than the dog's coat. Thanks to this feature, even with strong pressure, the teeth will not reach your pet’s skin, and therefore will not be able to harm its skin.
Professionals recommend using at least 2 combs to groom your dog. The first of them will be used for primary combing, to remove tangles, untangling matted wool, etc. The second comb is used for final combing - the final processing of wool.
Owners can buy special combs with private teeth with a distance between them of only 0.5 mm. This makes it suitable for effective control of parasites. The tool is suitable for its intended use only if the dog has thick fur. This device is also suitable for removing old fur during a dog’s shedding process.
For dogs with silky and long hair, massage brushes are perfect, and for pets with short hair, brushes with bristles, which look similar to clothing brushes.
Wire-haired dog breeds
(schnauzer, shorthaired pointer, fox and airedale)
How often?
Many wire-haired dogs have a beard, which is trimmed every time they eat. But they don’t shed at all. This means that the procedure for plucking dead hairs is carried out twice a year. Some owners occasionally use a slicker brush - this is not necessary for the dog itself, but it makes the pet look more presentable.
How?
Metal single-row comb with rounded teeth, slicker brush, trimmer.
Note
You can even pluck out dead hair (or trim it) with your fingers, and this does not cause discomfort to the dog. But trimming requires patience from the owner: it can take about an hour. Therefore, many owners of such dogs turn to specialist groomers, since this procedure does not need to be carried out so often.
Features of powder puffers
We should also highlight such a popular tool among dog breeders as the “slicker”. It makes it possible to comb pets even with the thickest hair, since it is made of durable metal, so it can withstand working with even the thickest hair.
Despite the rather harsh name, the slicker should also be safe. The teeth of the device must be checked for dullness. If they are sharp enough, they can negatively affect your pet's skin and cause damage.
Slickers are presented in a wide range on the market; you can choose a tool with different technical characteristics for your pet. Professionals do not recommend buying the largest slicker brushes, since their use does not help reduce combing time, but using them is quite problematic.
For a medium-sized dog, slicker brushes with a side length of 60-70 mm are perfect; for larger pets, you can use tools with a slightly larger working surface. When choosing a suitable tool, it is also recommended to evaluate the strength of the teeth, which must be securely fastened.
Combs
Combs and combs are the main tools for combing. The main requirement for them is the presence of blunt ends of the teeth, so as not to injure the pet and not create fear in him before the procedure. The teeth should be longer than the fur that will be combed with them. The frequency of the teeth should be chosen depending on how dense the dog's coat is. Just in case, it is better to have two options for combs at home: with rare and frequent teeth.
To rid your dog of fleas, a metal comb or comb with a distance between teeth of 0.5 to 0.7 mm is suitable. Each time after using this comb, it must be disinfected.
Large selection of products for dogs. Buy in the online store inexpensively with delivery.
In general, combs and combs can be grouped according to different criteria:
- by tooth frequency;
- by material (plastic, metal, wood);
- by the number of rows of teeth;
- with rotating or fixed teeth.
Hair cutters for dogs
A mat cutter is a special tool that allows you to effectively deal with the problem of matted wool. This is not the name given to scissors; they are aimed not at cutting, but at untangling tangles, which is why they are perfect for caring for the fur of long and medium-length pets as efficiently as possible. For owners of such dogs, the combing procedure is always associated with the task of combating hairballs.
Knitting cutters are made of high-quality stainless steel. They have comfortable handles and must be selected according to the size of the dog, as well as the length of its coat.
Choosing a comb
When choosing a comb for your pet, you need to take into account the following factors:
- No need to save
A tool for combing your beloved pet's fur should be made of high quality and should not cause harm or discomfort. In addition, you should also feel comfortable holding it in your hand.
- Choose according to your dog's coat type
The same brush does not suit all dogs. Long-toothed combs are suitable for dogs with long hair. For short-haired and smooth-haired dogs, mittens or fine-tooth combs are suitable.
- Consult with experienced dog breeders
They may have already found the perfect option for that breed of dog and you will just need to buy one tool without trying everything. Read reviews on forums, chat with friends and you can make the right choice.
Other Popular Tools
Today, scratchers of all kinds, also called rakes, are very popular among dog breeders. When choosing, you need to take into account the long-haired pet, a rake with long teeth needs to care for long fur, and vice versa.
Combs are in great demand today because they not only comb out, but also cleanse the skin, allowing you to remove lost hair and dead skin cells.
IMPORTANT! To avoid harming the skin, the instrument should be held at an angle relative to the back, sides or other part of your pet.
To care for pets with short hair, silicone or rubber gloves are often used. They allow you to conveniently and quickly remove old hair formed during shedding. In addition, a special brush is also suitable for solving these same problems.
General recommendations for grooming dogs
Needless to say, almost all dog breeds can be combed, except for a few exotic ones. This is not only bringing the dog into proper shape, but also a hygienic procedure that removes insects that have penetrated the fur, including parasitic ones, and removes old hairs, dirt and dust. And, in addition, this is an excellent massage of the skin, improving subcutaneous blood circulation.
In order for the dog to calmly tolerate combing its fur, it should be introduced to this activity as early as possible. Moreover, many breeds require coat care from an early puppy age. In order not to scare away the animal, it is necessary to use suitable tools, then the dog will feel a minimum of discomfort, and after the event you should not skimp on affection, kind words and, of course, treats.
Here are some recommendations on how to make the procedure as fruitful as possible:
- You need to start the procedure with a wide-toothed comb (this does not apply to animals with short hair).
- In long-haired dogs or breeds with long hair, it is important to pay special attention to certain areas of the body: the ears (applies to spaniels and setters), the muzzle (schnauzers, lapdogs), the hind legs, where the hair forms the so-called pants, and the tail.
- After combing, it is recommended to use a special brush, moving it in the direction of hair growth. You need to start from the head, move the brush along the back, treating the sides and ending on the paws.
- The slicker is most often used for dogs with a normal coat type, but for long-haired dogs it is better not to use this tool.
If brushing your pet seems unattractive and you don’t feel like doing the procedure yourself or don’t have the time, then you can turn to a specialist groomer for help. Armed with a special tool, he is able to tidy up even the most neglected wool.
In addition, a specialist will be able to help if the dog has gotten into thorns, correct the consequences of an unsuccessful haircut and, most importantly, prepare the pet for an important event in a short time.
When getting a dog, few people realize what difficulties await them. The dog needs to be fed, walked with, and also looked after, keeping it clean and tidy. Caring for the external condition of a dog consists primarily of taking care of the condition of its coat. This takes quite a lot of time. Dog hair needs to be combed using special combs and brushes, which we will talk about in more detail in this article.
After reading it, you will learn everything about dog combs - what they are and which one to choose specifically for your dog and its coat type.
Furminator - a modern grooming tool
Technologies are developing extremely rapidly; they affect all areas of human life, including the area of caring for pets. This is confirmed by the furminator - a tool made of stainless steel, which has a plastic handle with a special braid that prevents slipping. According to recent studies, the Furminator allows you to quickly remove 9/10 of all old hair in one combing.
An additional advantage of using a furminator is that the tool is completely safe. During use, it cannot damage the pet's skin or its new coat. Using the device is also very simple, you just need to move it in the direction of your pet’s hair growth.
Operating principle, advantages and disadvantages
The Furminator is a tool that is associatively reminiscent of a rake, with an ergonomic rubberized handle. The working part is made of metal and is a bit like a barber's razor knife. Due to the density and length of the teeth, it effectively captures faded wool and undercoat, carefully pulling it out without damaging the main hair coat. The inventor of the mechanism is an American groomer, so the similarity with a hairdresser's tools is not surprising.
The positive properties of the comb include the following:
- Painless removal of dead hair.
- Only removes undercoat.
- The inventor claims that it is suitable for hair of any length, but this is not entirely true: there are breeds for which the tool will not suit.
- Prevents the formation of tangles.
- Performs massage and evenly distributes fatty lubricant over the surface.
- Shedding goes much faster.
- The processing time for the animal is reduced, which is important for restless dogs.
No shortcomings were found with the brush, except for one, it is not suitable for all breeds. There is an addition that is a nice bonus. Some types of furminators have a button that quickly and cleanly removes the combed wool. This saves owners time.
To use the comb correctly, you need to follow a number of rules:
- the procedure begins with bathing and combing with a regular comb;
- tangles and tangled areas are cut out and sorted by hand;
- Check to see if the dog has any wounds or inflammations on the skin.
Smooth-haired dogs are scratched in the direction of hair growth from the muzzle to the tail and along the back towards the stomach. Long-haired animals begin to be combed from the back, moving forward, that is, first the area of the hind legs and tail, gradually moving to the stomach and neck.
Who is not suitable for?
The Furminator is not suitable for dogs with long, straight hair, such as the Australian Silky Terrier. For curly dogs - American Water Spaniel, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frize. Smooth-haired breeds - bulldogs, foxhounds, terriers, Dobermans.
Difference from the furminator for cats
There is no specialized tool designed for cats or dogs. These are the same Furminators, differing in size and divided according to the length and thickness of the coat.
So, for cats, the smallest width scratchers are purchased. If you choose by hair type, then look at the length of the teeth. The length of the coat is directly proportional to the size of the teeth and inversely proportional to their frequency. That is, for a thick coat, use a sparse comb and vice versa. The selection of tools for dogs is carried out in a similar way.
Features of combing different types of wool
Experts usually divide dog hair into several main types:
1) Normal. Standard coat, not characterized by increased length or density. It is typical for many dog breeds, including Labradors and even Spitz dogs. Their coat is characterized by a high roughness on the outside, but the inside is much softer and shorter (that is, the coat and undercoat). These breeds
They shed twice a year, so they require careful brushing during these periods. The rest of the time, it will be enough to comb it no more than once every few days.
2) Non-fading. In the process of evolution, some breeds have lost their original ability to shed. These include terriers, schnauzers and others. However, the old wool gradually falls out and is replaced with new ones; to simplify this procedure, many owners use plucking means.
3) Smooth. Many short-haired breeds have this coat, including Dobermans, Dalmatians, dachshunds and others. Although the coat is quite sparse, dogs can shed heavily, and their hair is quite problematic to remove from carpets, so it is advisable to comb them out more often using rubber brushes and slicker brushes.
4) Curly. Characteristic of poodles and some terriers. For them, the best means of care is timely haircut. However, during shedding, the dog may also need to be combed using a slicker or brush.
5) Long. Characteristic of very aesthetic and spectacular breeds, including setters, spaniels, etc. However, this beauty requires very careful care from dog owners. It is best to use wide-toothed combs for grooming.
IMPORTANT! Some exotic dog breeds have hair that cannot be classified as one of the named types. In this case, owners should definitely consult with professionals who will help them choose the best products for caring for the hair of their beloved pet.
Short haired dogs
(pug, doberman)
How often should you brush?
Every day in a gentle manner and twice a week thoroughly.
How?
A natural bristle brush, a massage mitten; Some owners wipe their pet with a flannel cloth to make the coat shine. Twice a week you need to use a metal comb to “pull out” dead hairs.
Note
At first glance, the fur of these dogs is the easiest to care for, but without regular brushing, they are the ones who are more active than others in leaving hair all over the house. This can be especially noticeable during the molting period. If the dog is very small (for example, a toy terrier), then it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth.
