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Dogs shed all year-round unless you got a hairless breed like a Peruvian Inca Orchid or an American Hairless Terrier. To combat shedding, it helps to brush your pet’s coat daily or weekly using the right brush or comb. Handling the extra fur also helps if you have allergies. While pet hair does not cause allergy, it can attract dander that’s mainly the reason why we sneeze, have rashes, or runny nose.
In today’s post, we handpicked some of the top-rated and most recommended brushes out there to help you find the right grooming tool for your dog. But before we get to that part, read our complete guide to the different types of brushes:
Types of Dog Brushes
Slicker brush
it’s suitable for all types of coat, though it is often used for breeds with long and wiry coat like Poodles. A slicker brush can be used on short coats but you need to be extra gentle in using it to avoid scratching a dog’s skin. The main purpose of a slicker brush is to remove any debris and mats in the fur. It will be very useful for breeds that shed a lot and will also help in detangling. Many pet parents have a love and hate relationship with slicker brushes since they are made of tightly spaced wires that can make a dog uncomfortable. When choosing a slicker brush, choose one made of nylon bristles. They are more comfortable to use compared to brushes made of stainless steel bristles.
Pin brush
Usually comes in plastic or rubber-tipped pins, this brush is ideal for grooming almost any type of coat that’s why they are considered more versatile than slicker brushes. But because a pin brush helps distribute natural oils and leaves the hair shiny, it’s recommended for dogs with long and silky coat. Pin brushes with steel pins are best used for dogs with long and moving hair like Afghan Hounds and Irish Setters. When brushed against the direction of hair growth, a pin brush leaves the coat with a fluffy texture.
Curry brush
Also called rubber curry brush, this one is typically made of soft rubber teeth and because it is soft, it is perfect for massaging dogs. It stimulates the skin to produce natural oils. Many pet parents also use a curry brush before or while bathing their dogs. A curry brush does not only get rid of loose hair but somehow cleans the dog’s skin because it also removes dust. It can be used on all sizes of dogs, from small to large breeds but more recommended for dogs with a short and slick coat like Boxers and Dobermans.
Double-sided/combination
It comes with a soft brush on one side and a pin brush on the other. This one’s worth buying if you have several different breeds of dogs at home because it is useful for all coat textures. A double-sided brush can be used not only for grooming but also for massaging a dog. The pin side is good for detangling and removing knots while the bristle side is ideal for smoothing the pet’s coat after the grooming session.
Rake
It’s specially created for double-coated breeds like Shiba Inus and Siberian Huskies. It is made of small, sharp and curved blades set close together. If your pet has a thin undercoat, it’s best to use a rake not more than twice a week. Using it too much will leave your pooch feeling irritated especially if used on the same spot over and over again. It’s only advisable to use a rake daily for breeds with a thick undercoat. The right rake for your dog should have pins matching your pet’s hair length.
Bristle brush
A lot like slicker brushes, bristle brushes are effective at removing debris and leaving the coat with a nice shine. They are suitable for almost every coat type, making them one of the most versatile grooming tools you can ever find. But because it does not go into the skin too deep, the bristle brush is more suitable for breeds with a short coat. These brushes usually come with a flat base and straight bristles.
Read more: Looking After Your Dog When You Work Full-Time
Our Top 7 Dog Brushes
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Hertzko’s self-cleaning feature definitely won our hearts. Isn’t it time-consuming to remove trapped hair in the slicker pins during grooming sessions? It can even be frustrating when you have to be extra careful just so you would not end up damaging their thin bristles. After brushing, simply click the button so it will retract all the bristles into the grooves. This makes it easy for you to take the hair out and keep it ready for next time use!
It grooms and massages your dog since it’s designed to penetrate deep into the coat and even onto thick fur. Since it’s made of fine bristles, it rubs down the coat without damaging your pet’s skin.
Key features:
- Self-cleaning
- Made of fine bent wires
- Comfort grip and anti-slip handle
PETDURO Pet Undercoat Rake
This dual-sided brush comes with 17 close teeth on one side and nine sparse teeth on the other. The wide-toothed side helps remove any stubborn mats and knots of thick hair. The close-toothed side is ideal for finishing the grooming session to get rid of loose hair and give your pooch a shinier coat.
It allows you to easily brush on any angle or position because it’s made with an angle-adjustable handle. This feature will be helpful if you often go around your pets to do the brush. Simply press the grey button to adjust the angle of the handle.
Key features:
- 2-in-1 Dual Head for Different Use
- Designed for dogs with long and medium hair
- Ergonomic and non-skid grip
- Angle-adjustable handle for different grooming positions
FURminator Grooming Rake
FURminator is best known for their deshedding tool but this time around, we would like to put their grooming rake on the spotlight because it’s just as good as their deshedding brush. First of all, it’s an all-purpose tool which means you can use it for separating and untangling fur. Obviously, this rake is intended for pets with long coats. It can be used for light shedding as well as during seasonal shedding when dogs blow their coat to make way for new hair growth.
Key features:
- Comes in rounded pins to eliminate irritation
- Shaped lines follow dog’s contour for best usage
- Can be used before bathing
- Pins can be rotated 360-degree to minimize tugging
HappyDogz Magic Pro Deshedding Tool
A brush like this one is a must-have if your pooch sheds like crazy. This de-shedding tool from HappyDogz promises to reduce shedding by up to 95-percent in just minutes, which makes it ideal for busy pet parents. It can be used for almost all breeds of dogs since it’s gentle on the skin and coat of even the most sensitive pets. They come with a detachable shedding blade, but you should not worry about using them since they are not sharp. It’s ideal not just for professional pet groomers but also for novice pet owners who want to groom their buddies at home.
Key features:
- Suitable for all furry animals regardless of breed and size
- Made of high-quality materials
- With detachable shedding blades for easy clean-up
- Ergonomic handle for added comfort
Four Paws Magic Coat Love Glove Dog Bath Brush
Four Paws has been creating pet products for more than three decades now, and it’s obvious with the range of products they are offering. When you’re looking for a bath brush that can effectively remove loose hair, this one’s a great choice. It’s created with soft rubber nubs to make it easier for the shampoo to get through the coat. It works by stimulating the natural oils in the skin to make it healthier and shinier. This neat little item is easy to use because it can fit hands of all sizes.
Key features:
- With soft rubber nubs
- Lifts dirt, dust, and shed hair from the coat
- Fits well on any hand
- Easy slip-on handle
Furry Fido Deshedding Brush
Comes in ergonomic wood design, this lightweight but durable brush can be used in getting rid of loose undercoat hair, tangles, and dirt. Wood is not just beautiful and elegant. It’s also made to last. Since it’s beautifully packaged, it also makes a nice gift for pet parents. The teeth of this brush are uniformly distributed so you can de-shed quickly. They will not irritate your dog because the teeth are soft and gentle on the skin. You will be surprised how much loose hair you will remove using this brush, mainly because it’s meant for long-haired breeds.
Key features:
- Natural basswood and stainless steel edge
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
- Non-slip design
- Safe and gentle
Read more: Top 6 Dog Bowls Available for Your Pup
Brushing Tips
Brush in the direction of hair growth
It’s the golden rule in brushing any dog’s coat. Obviously, your buddy right there will not like it if his coat is brushed backward. You eventually need to exert more effort if the coat already developed mats and tangles, which always happens to long-coated breeds. If the mats are too bad, you can use a mat splitter or seek help from a professional groomer. Just like how you would use any brush, cut it with the splitting tool in the direction where hair grows.
Be gentle when brushing
Some dogs hate brushing and one of the possible reasons is an unpleasant grooming experience in the past. Don’t force it if your pooch does not want to be brushed. Instead, start slowly until your buddy gets used to the process. One trick most pet parents do is offering treats to somehow distract the pet while they brush. Don’t forget to praise him all the while!
Dry your pet’s coat before brushing
You are not supposed to brush a wet coat unless you are using gloves mat especially created for bath time. It is advisable to give a quick brush before bath time because water can cause matting and knotting if you do it while Fido takes his bath. Mats are not just unsightly. They can also be painful and can be time-consuming to get rid of. If you want to brush your dog after bathing him, make sure he is completely dry first. A microfiber towel helps wick away moisture quickly. Doggie towels may cost the same as human towels but they are worth buying because you will eventually use them time and again. You can use your own hairdryer as long as the nozzle is positioned a few inches away from your pet’s fur.
Use a product specially created for your dog’s coat.
You cannot use your regular shampoo on your dog basically because the acid in it can damage your dog’s skin. If you really don’t have anything on hand, the best one you can use is baby shampoo since it has a lower pH level. If a dog has sensitive skin, invest in shampoos with mild ingredients like oatmeal and tea tree. For dogs with fleas, it is best to use medicated products. They usually contain natural insecticides that control fleas and lice. Use a conditioning spray or a detangling product if needed.
Conclusion
Invest in a brush made for your dog’s coat. The wrong grooming tools can hurt dogs, which may be the reason why he would run away. Brushing is an important part of your dog’s hygiene. But more than that, it’s necessary to get rid of dead hair so you will not see much of them around your house, clothes, and furniture.
If you like this article, please check out more of our content below:
- The Top 6 Coolest Dog Hats for Your Pup
- The Top 7 Most Adorable Dog Bandanas Ever
- 7 Best Vacuums for Dog Hair To Beat Shedding