Whatever your dog's coat is like, we've got a brush to do the job!
© Boryana Manzurova - Shutterstock
What are the best dog brushes in 2024?
A brush is a must-have accessory for any future dog owner. Whether your little companion has short or long hair, you need to brush regularly.
Brushing your doggy of course has the benefit of detangling mats which can easily form in dog fur. It’s also an opportunity to check the state of their skin, making sure there are no pests or cuts.
Brushes come in many different styles, such as vacuum-style, bristlee or slicker. You can find brushes for dogs with short hair and brushes for dogs with long hair. It’s important to make the right choice so that brushing is comfortable for both you and your pet. We recommend going for a brush with a round attachment, which rubs against the skin without scratching it.
Is your companion arriving in their new home soon? We’re sure you’ve already bought them a comfortable cushion and several toys! Finish your preparations by choosing from the different brushes we’ve chosen to promote in this comparison.
Summary
Why buy a dog brush?
Buying a dog brush allows you to take care of your pet’s hygiene. By brushing them, you can also look at the state of their coat and skin, in case there are any cuts. You’ll also get to spend a cosy moment with them.
That’s right, most dogs love being brushed because they have their owner all to themselves. Even better, they get cuddled at the same time.
By using an effective dog brush, you’ll also boost blood circulation, while reducing excess sebum. Brushing eliminates mats, dust and other dirt which inevitably gets caught up in a dog’s fur. It will also help you to see if your dog is infested with pests.
How to brush your dog
To brush your dog effectively, you need to first choose a brush that is suited to their fur type.
It’s best to lie your dog on their side, giving easy access to different parts of their body. Start by brushing their paws, in the opposite direction of hair growth. You’ll quickly be able to remove all accumulated dust.
Then work your way up the chest and stomach, this time in the direction the coat grows, then end with the back and sides. If you come across a mat that’s particularly difficult to detangle, use a comb to take care of it.
Before finishing, polish the fur with a straightening brush, for breeds with long hair, or a rubber glove for short-haired dogs.
Here’s a little tip: spray a small amount of water and your pet’s coat before starting brushing. You can wrap things up once the hairs are no longer wet.
How often should I brush my dog?
It all depends on your dog’s breed and the type of hair they have. After all, the longer a dog’s hair, the more often it needs to be brushed.
If you have a long-haired dog, like a Sheltie or White Swiss Shepherd for example, you should really be brushing them several times a week. That way, you’ll also remove all dead hair and won’t end up finding it all over your living room! Once a week is enough for short-haired dogs like Belgian Shepherds or Labradors.
You should get your dog used to being handled from an early age. They need to see brushing as a game. It’s easy to brush a small dog, but it’s a whole other story for an adult dog who weighs 60lbs!
What brush should I use on a short-haired dog?
The card is an ideal brush type for short-haired dogs. It’s made up of small metallic teeth and a wooden handle. Also known as a needle brush, it detangles mats and removes dust, all the while making the coat softer. It’s particularly suited for after bathtime, to brush your dog while they’re drying off.
The glove brush also works well on short-haired pets. It helps remove dead hair, all the while stroking doggie in a pleasant fashion.
What brush should I use on a long-haired dog?
If your pet has long hair, there’s no need to buy a glove brush. This kind of brush isn’t very effective on thick coats. However a card can remove dead hair without tangling the under coat. Continue with a grooming rake or standard dog brush.
A self-cleaning brush is a good option. You’ll just need to push a small button in order to remove all hair caught up in the comb teeth. Seeing how much hair you’ll be removing from your dog, that will certainly prevent it getting left all over the floor!
Are all dog brushes effective?
Some brushes are very effective on some dogs but not at all on others. It really depends on factors relating to their fur type, such as hair length and style.
You could splash out on a professional dog brush if your pet has very dense fur. It’ll make your life much simpler! Meanwhile, vacuum dog brushes lead to incredible results on any type of hair.
Whether you go for a wooden or metal dog brush, choose a model that’s user-friendly and feels comfortable in your hand. It’s important in order to brush your pet effectively and without hurting them.
