Keeping Your Furbaby Tidy Between Grooming Trips, Part 1: Brushing

This is the first post in my series about how to keep your precious fuzzy pup beautiful, comfortable, and healthy between trips to your professional groomer.

Brushing and combing your dog is probably THE most important thing that you can do at home to ensure that your cuddly pup's coat stays happy and healthy. I can't tell you how many times I've had to strip a dog "naked" or report skin problems to an owner who either doesn't know better or just doesn't take the time to keep their dog's coat in shape at home. It breaks my heart!

It's very easy to do, especially if you start the routine while your dog is still a puppy. The sooner, the better, but it's still worth the effort even if your dog is 15 years old. Keep plenty of small treats handy and make the experience as pleasant for your dog as possible!

Tools for the job:
-If you have a thin, short haired dog then you will do fine with just a bristle brush and/or a slicker brush. If you opt for a slicker, get one labeled "soft," and be gentle! If you are too rough then you can scratch the skin with this kind of brush.
-If your dog has thin, long hair then you will want to start out with a pin brush, followed by a thorough combing. Be sure the comb goes all the way down to the skin, and pay attention to the "high friction" areas such as behind the ears, armpits, and belly area. Slickers are not a good idea on long hair as it can cause split ends if used improperly.
-Is your furbaby's hair thick and short? Try the pin brush and follow with the comb. Be sure to really dig that comb all the way through the hair to grab as much undercoat as possible.
-Finally, we have the thick, long haired dogs. Use a sturdy undercoat rake to get out as much of that undercoat as possible, follow that with a pin brush and finally a comb. I cannot stress enough how important it is to use a COMB on your long haired dogs. It does wonders for preventing mats.

For the health of your pup, as well as to keep the tumbleweed floaters in your home minimal, you and your pet should have a brushing session at least twice a week. When we bring our puppy home, we plan on making "brushing time" a part of our nightly wind-down routine. I'll be sure to post pictures of little Cameron brushing his puppy when the time comes :)

*Special tip: No matter the coat type of your dog, you can use a bristle brush on his feet to brush out dirt in a snap!

Do you have any special tips to share? How often do your brush your fuzzy one? Is it a family affair? Tell us all about it!