Finding the perfect dog grooming brush can be a tiring task since the kinds of brush vary to cater to every type of dog hair. Considering the countless number of breeds that exist, selecting one that suits your dog can be confusing.
Here is a list of different type of brushes, their uses and what dogs are they recommended for. Giving this a read will definitely help you find “the right one”.
1. Slicker Brushes
Slicker brushes are the most commonly found brushes, which you definitely would have seen at any supermarket or pet store. These brushes are made of fine metal bristles and are covered with nubs so that your dog’s skin isn’t damaged by the pins.
Slicker brushes are very useful when it comes to removing knots and tangles from their fur. Once loose hair and undercoat is removed, you will notice a shine in their fur. Slicker brushes can be used for all dogs with medium and long hair lengths, curly coated dogs and those who shed a lot.
2. Rakes
We could go on and on about the further sub categories of grooming brushes for dogs, but for now all you need to remember is that rakes are broadly of two types: standard and undercoat.
Rakes are specifically designed for long haired dogs and breeds that shed a lot (double coated and thick coated). Standard rakes remove dead skin cells from your dog’s coat and gently removes the tangles that worsen over time due to the length.
Undercoat rakes, on the other hand, are an amazing invention when it comes to breeds who shed hair in clumps. These brushes have wide teeth that effectively remove loose fur, pulling out the undercoat hair. With undercoat rakes, you can say goodbye to clusters and clumps of dog hair that you used to find everywhere in your house.
3. Bristle Brushes
Bristle brushes are the kind you can never go wrong with. They smoothen the fur by removing tangles and help in distributing skin oils that their bodies produce, creating shine. For most short haired dogs, this is the only brush you will be needing.
Bristle brushes also cater multiple types of dogs. Those with longer bristles are best suited for long haired dogs while shorter bristles are for short haired dogs. Stiffer bristles will be needed for pooches with wiry coats.
4. Mat Breakers
Dogs with longer hair often result in complex hair knots called mats. These are hard to break with ordinary brushes, which is why getting a mat breaker for your dog is a must, since its not just uncomfortable but also painful for dogs.
Mat breakers are made from sharp blades that cut through the mats by breaking them into manageable sections without compromising on their hair length. Since mat breakers are very sharp, you will need to be careful not to hurt your dog’s skin while removing the mats.
5. De-shedders
Some dog breeds shed a lot and cleaning around your house all day can get frustrating very soon. De-shedders remove the loose fur from the top coat of your dog’s hair, reaching the undercoat at the same time to remove dead fur smoothly.
De-shedders look a lot like razors we use but are extremely beneficial when it comes to getting rid of large amounts of hair.
If you’re not looking for tools that get rid of excess hair, you can always get grooming combs that will gently untangle your dog’s hair without breaking them.