- We will specifically be talking about brushing and adding it into your dog's home grooming schedule!
- Also utilize our coupon code (2NQ8ES2) for Ren's Pets and receive $10.00 off of your next purchase click HERE to start your shopping!
- If you have any further questions on your dog's coat type, what brushes to use and how often, feel free to send HolliePaws a message!
Brushing:
Dog Coat Types:
Smooth
Smooth coats are very short coats where the hair is close to the body. If you own a dog with a smooth coat then you are in luck, because they don’t need much grooming. However, regular grooming is good for removing their dead coat and it gives them a lovely shiny, glossy finish. Examples of smooth coated dogs include the Weimaraner, Doberman and Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Double
A double coat is characterized by a thick undercoat which is hidden under a longer top coat. Double coated breeds will require a fair amount of grooming as they can mat a lot and produce a lot of dead excess hair. This coat needs to be brushed out regularly to remove the dead undercoat. Some double coats do not require trimming at all and can be left virtually untouched, whereas other longer ones are regularly trimmed to keep them shorter. Examples of double coated dogs include the Old English Sheepdog, Husky and German Shepherd.
Silky
Silky coats are a lot like human hair; they have a distinctive texture and can tangle very easily. These coats have a softer, silky texture and can look fantastic when groomed. Some silky coats need a lot more grooming, whereas others just need an occasional trim. Examples of silky coats include the Cocker Spaniel, Afghan Hound and Yorkshire Terrier.
Wool
Wool coats have a cotton wool like texture and have very specific grooming requirements. Wool coats need to be ‘fluff dried’ so that their coat can be straightened and when they are finished they look very fluffy. Wool coats need to be groomed regularly as they require trimming and a good brush out. Examples of wool coats include the Bichon Frise and the Poodle.
Wire
Wire coats have a much harsher feel than most other coat types, they feel a little rough. They have a distinctive harsh wire texture and this type of coat is best hand stripped. It has a softer undercoat and a rough topcoat. All show dogs with wire coats should be hand stripped, but this is often too difficult for pet owners to maintain so some wire coats are clipped. Examples of wire coats include the Fox Terrier, Border Terrier and Mini Schnauzer.
Combination
Due to many different types of dogs being bred together we are seeing many more combination coats these days. If your dog is a cross breed and doesn’t fall into any of the above categories then it probably has a combination coat. Examples include the Cavapoo and Labradoodle.
If you have any further questions about what coat type your dog has, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help!
Brushing Tools:
There are four main types of brushes you can use for grooming and de-shedding your dog:
- Brushes
- Combs
- Rakes
- De-shedding tools
Brushes
This is the most common tool people think to use when it comes to grooming their dog. There are several different kinds of brush though and it pays to know what each are designed to do.
Pin Brushes:
The pin brush is a very common all round brush when it comes to getting out minor matts and tangles from medium-long haired dogs. They have rubber or plastic tips on them and are gentle on thick or curly coats which is why many use these as a first resort for minor knots and matts. They are generally quite kind to your dog's skin and are safe to use on most breeds.
 |
Q Vase Handled Pin Brush On Sale $6.29 – $6.99 Purchase from RensPets.com |
Bristle Brush:
Regularly brushing with a bristle brush can increase the oil production in your dog's skin, which can help to reduce excessive shedding and improve your dog's overall coat shine. So these are always good to have on hand, no matter what type of dog you have.
*TIP* Choose a bristle brush that matches the length and texture of your dog's coat. For example, longer, softer bristles work better for silky long haired dogs, while shorter, tougher bristles work better for shorter haired dogs.
 |
Miracle Care $15.99 |
Rubber Brush:
A rubber brush is an easy and cost effective way to remove loose surface hair, as well as massage your pup's skin. While some dogs love being brushed, some can't stand it, so these can be a great alternative to a bristle brush for dogs that simply hate being brushed!
They are about the size of your hand and have rounded rubber knobs on the end, some come in a glove format, while others look more like a rubber block. And they are sometimes referred to as a 'curry comb'. The main consistent feature is they're a rubber brush.
 |
JW On Sale $14.99
|
Slicker Brush:
The Slicker brush is a very common brush and is typically used on medium to long haired dogs for removing matts and tangles, and loose hair from the undercoat. They are made up of fine, wire bristles which are normally angled in a certain way and/ or have protective tips to reduce irritation to your dog's skin. They tend to work great, but it pays to be careful with how much pressure you apply and it pays to brush with the direction of the coat.
 |
Wahl On Sale (different sizes available) $12.59 – $13.49 |
Combs
There are several types of combs to choose from, some are more useful for general grooming, others are better for removing matts and tangles, and some will even help to fend off fleas.
General Grooming Combs:
These are kind of like the 'comb version' of the pin brush, and are used for longer, thicker haired dogs and those with an undercoat to help with knots and tangles.
The length and spacing of the teeth vary depending on the brush, and which one is right will depend on your dog and what you are trying to achieve.
As a general rule, wider spaced teeth are better for removing knots and tangles, while more tightly spaced teeth can be used after the main knots are removed. As you can see with the comb pictured below, it has both styles in one to make life easier.
 |
Q On Sale (different sizes available) $9.09 – $10.49 |
De-matting Comb:
These are useful for removing matts in long haired dogs with heavy, thick coats. Rather than tearing or ripping the fur, it actually cuts out the matts.
We want to ensure that this comb is used correctly because it can be harsh, but can be a great tool to get mats out on the right coat. Click on the video HERE to see how to use a de-matting comb correctly!
 |
Q On Sale (different sizes available) $7.69 – $8.39 |
Flea Combs:
Instead of relying solely on chemicals, these combs can make the world of difference when it comes to identifying and removing those nasty little fleas. They consist of tightly spaced teeth that catch fine dirt and fleas in one motion to remove fleas naturally. You can also use these after treating your dog to get rid of as many fleas as possible, before they jump onto the carpet, only to re-infest him later.
*TIP* It's important to work in the natural direction of your dog's coat when using brushes, combs and rakes to avoid unnecessary ripping or tearing of her fur. This matters because it can lead to skin irritation and discomfort, as well as excessive shedding.
We have included both flea comb and treatment options below:
 |
Q On Sale $5.59 |
 |
Zodiac $15.99 |
Rakes
There are a number of different types of rakes you can use to groom and de-shed your dog, but you really only need to understand the following two types of rakes.
Standard Rakes:
These look a bit like a miniature version of a standard garden rake. They have rounded ends to avoid causing irritation and are designed to remove dead fur from your dog's coat. These are more suited to longer haired dogs and can work to gently remove knots and tangles.
|
JW On Sale $10.39 |
Undercoat Rakes:
Not all breeds have an undercoat, but for those that do, these work very well to remove matts, tangles and loose fur from the undercoat. Especially for thick, long and heavy coated dogs.
Undercoat rakes have small, curved and sharp blades on the end that work through matts and tangles with ease, while effectively removing loose fur from your dog's undercoat. The blades are located inside the curve at the very end which means they won't irritate your dog's skin.
They will cut the coat to some extent where matts appear, but generally not as much as a de-matting comb does. Either way, the work well and are very safe to use.
 |
Q On Sale (different sizes available) $13.99 – $20.29 |
De-Shedding Tools:
If you have a dog that sheds and you are sick and tired of all that fluff and hair throughout your home, these are considered the holy grail of all shedding tools. They remove loose fur from the topcoat, while penetrating the undercoat to remove dead fur in one smooth motion.
 |
Wahl $12.99 |
Thank-you to the following sites for their information: STOPMYDOGSHEDDING.COM topdogtips.com timeforpaws.co