Brushing is an important part of dog ownership. Regardless of your pet’s breed and coat type, regular brushing not only promotes good skin and coat health, but also helps build a stronger relationship with your pet. The frequency of brushing varies greatly between breeds and individual dogs, and how often you should brush your pet depends on the needs of your dog.
The Health Benefits of Brushing
Brushing has many health benefits for your dog. Regular brushing, regardless of coat length or type, helps to keep the coat and skin healthy. Most dogs do not require frequent bathing (once a month or less!), but brushing in between bath times helps keep them clean by removing dead hair, dirt, and other debris. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils from the skin throughout the coat, promoting a healthier coat and cleaner skin.
In addition to the direct benefits for your dog’s coat, brushing allows you to become more familiar with your dog’s body. You may not notice lumps or bumps right away, but regular grooming can help you detect any growths early. A veterinarian should examine any lumps or growths you find to rule out cancer or other potentially dangerous conditions. Early detection can lead to a better prognosis for your pet’s health.
In daily life with your pet, you may not routinely check his ears, teeth, or underbelly. Regular, thorough brushing lets you check these areas for signs of infection or other problems, which can be addressed before they become uncomfortable for your dog.
While all dogs should be brushed at least twice a week, dogs with certain types of coats or lifestyles may need daily brushing to keep their coats tangle-free and clear of debris, dead hair, and dirt.
There are six basic types of coats on dogs, each with its own specific requirements. How often you should brush your dog depends on which of the following categories best describes your dog:
Smooth-Coated Dogs: Dogs like Labradors, short-haired Chihuahuas, and short-haired Dachshunds have the easiest coats to maintain. These dogs shed constantly, and routine brushing with a soft brush can help reduce excess hair.
Curly-Coated Dogs: Dogs like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Kerry Blue Terriers have non-shedding coats that should be bathed and clipped every 8 weeks. The longer the coat, the more it may tangle, and daily brushing towards the end of the clipping cycle may be required.
Short-Coated Dogs: Dogs like Corgis, German Shepherds, and Jack Russells have short but thick coats. These dogs shed, and the dead hair often becomes trapped in the rest of the coat. Frequent thinning and raking of the coat are needed. These dogs should be brushed at least twice a week, more during seasonal shedding periods.
Wiry-Coated Dogs: Dogs like Australian Terriers and Cairn Terriers have stiff, wiry coats that can shed and require frequent grooming to prevent matting.
Long-Coated Dogs: Dogs like Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Lhasa Apsos have long, straight hair with a thick, cottony undercoat. These breeds don’t shed much, but their coats can quickly become matted and attract dirt, foxtails, and branches. Daily brushing is essential, along with regular trimming around the face and ears for hygiene and health. Clipping these dogs short is a popular alternative, reducing grooming needs.
Silky-Coated Dogs: Dogs like Collies, Shelties, and Afghan Hounds have the most challenging coats to maintain. These dogs shed a thick undercoat that easily mats into their long outer hair, requiring daily attention. Brushing with a slicker brush and rake, along with strategic clipping, is needed to maintain their coats.
There are many types of brushes available for your dog, and long-haired dogs may require a variety of tools.
The slicker brush is one of the most commonly used tools for long-haired dogs. It has rows of tiny, bent wire teeth set close together, which help remove mats and dead hair. Slicker brushes are also useful for shedding breeds that need to release large amounts of coat, such as short-coated and silky-coated dogs.
Pin brushes, similar to the ones people use on their own hair, work best for long-coated dogs to brush out tangles, as well as for silky-coated dogs after the undercoat has been thinned.
Grooming rakes have metal teeth with blades on the inside, ideal for dogs that need to shed a large amount of dead undercoat or untangle mats. Use rakes with caution to avoid injuring the skin.
For short-coated dogs, a bristle brush with soft bristles is ideal to prevent skin irritation under their short coats.
In addition to brushes, there are combs and other grooming products that can help with brushing your dog. Consult your groomer or local pet store for the best tools for your pet.
Regular brushing is a vital part of dog ownership that will keep your dog looking and feeling his best, while also fostering a strong bond between you. How often you should brush your dog depends on its coat type, but the positive outcome of grooming will always be the same.
