How often should I brush my dog?

Author: The Vet Shed  

We are often asked how often do I need to brush my dog and the answer is not the same for every dog

We all want our dogs to look good, feel good and smell good.    They rely on you for grooming to achieve all these 3 things.   
 We are so lucky to have so many wonderful breeds of dogs.   Depending on which one you choose to have as part of your family will determine your grooming routine.   

 

If your furry family member has a long or curly coat then you are going to be brushing daily to prevent matting and tangling.   Some of these long coated breeds include Bearded collies, Afghans, Old English sheepdog.  
 
Dogs with medium length hair such as border collies and golden retrievers will need brushing a few times a week to keep their coat maintained 
 
If your dog is short haired, trust me they still malt and you will be wanting to brush them at least weekly or your house and clothes will be covered in hair.   examples of short haired breeds are Staffies, Great Danes, Boston Terrier.  
 
We have different brush types depending on your dogs coat  - things to consider are length of coat,  the thickness and if they are undercoated 
 
Things to consider for different hair types 
 
Long Haired dogs  - choose brushes with longer bristles and pins and combs with long teeth 
Medium Haired dogs -  medium length bristle, pin brushes, or combs are great  
Dogs with undercoats - these guys you need to get the undercoat out in shedding time.  Look at furminators and undercoat rakes. 
Short haired - bristle brushes and if you havent tried grooming blocks then do yourself a favour as these are amazing at removing those little moulting hairs that get everywhere 

 

Brushing is important for many reasons.  

  1. Maintaining Coat Health: Regular brushing helps distribute natural oils throughout your dog's coat, keeping it healthy and shiny. This also reduces the chance of mats and tangles, which can be uncomfortable for your dog and potentially lead to skin irritation or infection. 

  2. Monitoring Skin and Coat Condition: Brushing allows you to check for any signs of skin problems such as lumps, bumps, ticks, or fleas. It also helps you notice changes in your dog's coat, which could indicate underlying health issues that might need veterinary attention. 

  3. Reducing Shedding: Brushing helps remove loose fur from your dog's coat, reducing the amount of hair they shed around your home. This is particularly important during shedding seasons for breeds that shed heavily. 

  4. Bonding and Socialization: Regular grooming sessions provide quality bonding time between you and your dog. It helps them become accustomed to being handled and touched, which can be beneficial for veterinary visits and other situations requiring physical contact. 

  5. Preventing Matting and Skin Issues: Dogs with long or curly coats are prone to matting, which can be painful and even lead to skin infections if left untreated. Regular brushing prevents mats from forming and allows you to address them early if they do. 

  6. Promoting Circulation and Massage: Brushing stimulates circulation in your dog's skin, which promotes overall skin health and can be relaxing for your dog. 

Overall, brushing your dog is not just about keeping them looking good; it's an essential part of their grooming routine that contributes to their comfort, health, and well-being. 

Oravet chews not only clean teeth but create a barrier from nasty plaque, tar tar and prevent bad breath. It really is dental care made simple! Dogs love their great taste so they are super simple to give. ...

Oster provides professional grooming products to pet lovers around the world. With products for dogs, cats and horses- Oster has a product for all of your animals. Take a look at the extensive range we have in stock! ...

Outward Hound pet products provides your pets with the ultimate gear, accessories and toys! These products are bound to become your pets favourites. Take a look. ...

Based on a rural family farm, Oxbow was born. Oxbow products are used and recommended by top exotic animal Vets around the world. ...

Paragard treats the common gastro intestinal worms - roundworm, hookworm, whip worm, tapeworm and hydatid tapeworm. It is easy to administer and comes in a variety of different sizes for dogs and cats. ...

Professionals Choice is a leader in producing high quality products for horses safety and wellbeing. Backed up with strong research evidence, the brand has earned respect from top trainers and professionals all over the world. ...

Puppia is a leading distributor of exclusive pet fashion. Combining fashion and comfort, puppia products are perfect for every dog. Easy to take on and off, and clean. What isn't to love... ...

Revolution provides your pets with vet grade protection against fleas, heartworm and other nasties. Your pet is family, and family deserves the best. ...

Rogz is the worlds coolest pet gear! With cool new products coming out all the time - Rogz will always have you covered when it comes to pets. Amazing deisgns and quality to match you cannot go wrong with Rogz! ...

Roudybush is the right choice for keeping your bird happy and healthy. Formulated by an avian nutritionist means that when you purchase Roudybush you know you are providing your pet the best possible nutrition they can get. ...

Scream pet products have a huge range of colourful and enticing products for pets! Their unique toys mean your pets will never get bored and their comfortable bedding means they can sleep like a baby. Take a look at the range we have in stock here at The Vet Shed! ...

Sentinel spectrum is a tasty monthly chewable that protects your dog from fleas, heartworm, intestinal worms and tapeworm. It is easy to give to your pet and is trusted by pet owners around the world! ...

Seresto is one of the leading flea and tick collars on the market. Treating both fleas and ticks for dogs and fleas for cats you know your pet will be covered from nasty parasites. ...

Showmaster is a premium brand of horse gear and supplies that your horse will adore! ...

Simparica is a flea, tick, mite and mange monthly chewable that works fast and lasts! It has no decrease in effectivness as the month goes on and is tried and tested by dogs everywhere, including our own here at The Vet Shed! ...

Simple Solution is perfect for cleaning, disinfecting and destroying urine odours and stains from your pets! ...

Sporn offers a huge selection of pet supplies including dog leashes, harnesses and toys, with a focus on creating a happier and healthier pet. Over 20 million sporn harnesses have been sold worldwide with great reviews on each one! If your dog pulls you need to take a look at these harnesses... ...

Every pup should be a spunky pup! Spunky pup is dedicated to creating unique, durable and innovative toys for your dog.. With their glow range, Launching range and flying range there is a toy for every dog. ...

Tasty bones are always tasty! These lip smacking nylon chews and edible treats are awesome for all different types of dogs. These delicious bones are infused with flavour right through to the core so they stay tasty for longer. ...

Tekna is known for their incredible quality and fits when it comes to equestrian gear all over the world. With a huge variety of saddles, girths, bridles, boots and more - you can be confident when you choose tekna you will be getting quality and style all for the best prices here at The Vet Shed! ...