How often should I brush my dog? [Infographic]
Brushing your dog can help to keep their coat clean, mat-free and even help identify skin conditions or parasites. However, you might be wondering “How often should I brush my dog?” or “Can I brush my dog too much?” Read on to find out how frequently you should brush your furry friend to keep their coat in optimal condition.
How often to brush your dog
How often your dog needs brushing depends largely on its coat type and length. Some dog breeds need to be brushed more regularly than others because their hair is more likely to become matted. For example, dogs with a short and smooth coat like Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs may only need brushing once a week. Those with short and wiry coats such as Terriers and Airedales benefit from being brushed twice a week. The same goes for curly-haired dogs like Poodles and Bedlington Terriers.
However, dogs with long and silky or long and coarse coats like Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus and Tibetan Terriers may need to be brushed as often as four times per week. These breeds have hair that is more likely to become tangled and matted. This can leave them feeling uncomfortable and put their health at risk.
Your dog’s lifestyle will also be a deciding factor in how often you need to brush them. For example, if they often go out for muddy walks or they enjoy splashing about in the river, chances are that they will need more brushing than a pooch that spends more time walking on the pavements. You can relax in the knowledge that your dog doesn’t need to be brushed every day. Even dogs with longer, more challenging locks only need to be brushed a few times each week to keep them in good condition.
The benefits of brushing your dog
Now you have the answer to the question “How often should I brush my dog?”, you may be wondering why it’s so important. The key benefit of brushing your dog’s coat regularly is that it helps to prevent painful mats. Matting happens when fur becomes tangled and knotted around itself and is usually more common in breeds with curly, fine, or double coats. Sometimes, the coat will become “pelted” which is when matting is very tight to the skin, stopping proper airflow.
Another reason why brushing your dog is so vital is that it allows you to spot any skin conditions. These can be lumps, bumps or parasites. Regular brushing allows you to get to know their skin and detect any issues sooner rather than later, allowing you to get them any medical help they need at an early stage. Brushing your dog not only helps them to feel more comfortable and identify any health conditions early on but also helps to look their best. Brushing them helps to distribute the natural oils in their coat, leaving it looking shinier and glossier whilst preventing grease build-up. A dog that’s brushed regularly certainly looks happier and healthier than one that isn’t.
Can I overbrush my dog?
Many people wonder if they can brush their dog too much. Whilst a few extra strokes isn’t going to do them any harm, brushing that’s too aggressive or lasts too long can be damaging to their skin and cause them pain. If you notice any signs of skin irritation such as dryness or redness or they appear to be in distress whilst you’re brushing them, it’s time to reassess how often and with how much pressure you’re brushing your pet. When you first get your dog, it’s important to learn how to properly brush them.
How to brush a dog’s coat
Knowing how to brush your dog’s coat isn’t always easy. The tools and techniques you should use to brush them will vary depending on their coat type and length. This is something we can advise on here at Jaycliffe Pets. As experienced dog groomers in Rotherham, we can offer expert guidance on how to brush your dog’s coat to keep it in optimal condition.
Before you begin brushing your dog’s coat using a regular grooming brush, we recommend removing mats with a de-matting comb. Use careful, picking motions to break up the matted fur, avoiding brushing directly into it or cutting it out.
If your dog has a thick undercoat or is prone to shedding, you might opt to use a FURminator or other de-shedding tool to remove excess hair before brushing them. Once you’ve removed the mats and excess hair, brush the coat in the direction it grows.
If your dog has long hair, you might need to work in sections beginning close to their skin. Brushing your dog whilst their coat is dry is best since wet hair can make the mats worse, making them more difficult to remove. If you want to brush their hair after a bath, allow their coat to dry before you begin brushing.
To make brushing your dog’s coat easier, you may want to spray them with a detangling product beforehand.
Dog grooming in Rotherham
Brushing your dog at home is a simple task. However, your pet could also benefit from professional grooming to keep its coat in great shape. At Jaycliffe Pets, we provide dog grooming in Rotherham, catering to dogs of all breeds and sizes. Our groomers can provide a wide range of services, from thorough brushing of your dog’s coat to bathing and trimming them and even clipping their nails. We can also check your pet for skin conditions, ticks or lumps, helping them to stay as healthy as possible.
Contact us
“How often should I brush my dog?” is a question we often get asked often here at Jaycliffe. To book dog grooming in Rotherham, get in touch today. Call us on 01709 645 046 to discuss your pet’s grooming needs or to get a quote. You can also send us a message via the website or email us at enquiries@jaycliffepetsrotherham.co.uk. We’ll aim to get back to you as soon as possible.