Brushing up on Dog Brushing

Brushing is a great way to spend some bonding time with your pooch and desensitize to touching and handling. There are a number of different tools in the brush department designed for different types of dog coats.

Always brush away from the skin but ask a professional to explain the importance of technique and why on certain parts of the body you are best to brush in a particular direction.  Also, it is possible to give your dog ‘brush burn’ if you focus on one area too long.

On longer haired breeds using a conditioning spray introduces moisture to the coat helps reduce static electricity and tangling.  Please don’t let longhaired breeds go more than a few days without brushing, as it will lead to more discomfort the longer you wait.  As well as making your groomer’s job easier, brushing between appointments helps fresh air to reach the skin.

Around the face and ears and tail requires special care and technique and a good groomer will have the best tips about how to approach these areas.  Many dogs will not need a brush on their face.  A softer style brush is suited to short or smooth coats and even a pair of rubber gloves can remove a significant amount of loose hair.

Complete grooming involves a lot more than just coat brushing.  But regular brushing is a wonderful way to keep an eye on your dogs skin.

 Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)