Why is brushing your pet important?

Brushing your pet regularly offers numerous benefits for their health, comfort and overall wellbeing.

Here are some key advantages:

• Prevents Knots & Painful Matting - Regular brushing prevents mats from forming, which can lead to bacterial and fungal infections, hotspots, bruising, areas for parasites to live, and general pain and discomfort. Click here to read more about matting.

• Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat - Removes dirt, debris and loose fur, keeping the coat clean. It also stimulates natural oil production, which moisturises the skin and helps prevent dryness.

• Reduces Shedding - Brushing collects loose fur before it ends up on furniture, floors or clothing, or becomes trapped in the coat causing itching and discomfort.

• Ventilates the Coat - Brushing helps with temperature regulation by preventing the undercoat from becoming compacted, which can contribute to overheating.

• Helps Spot Health Issues Early - While brushing, you might notice lumps, bumps, rashes or parasites such as fleas or ticks.

• Strengthens Your Bond - Brushing provides a great opportunity for quality time with your pet.

By making brushing a regular part of your pet's routine, you'll not only keep them looking their best but also contribute significantly to their overall health and happiness!

How often should I brush?

It's important to brush your dog as often as possible - ideally, every day for fluffy or long-haired breeds and once a week for others!

While this might seem like a lot, regular brushing helps your pet get accustomed to the routine and view it as “a normal part of life.” Many pet owners tell us their dog "hates brushing," which often means the pet hasn't had enough consistent exposure at home.

Think of it like brushing your teeth: while kids may not enjoy it at first, they learn it's a normal part of life. We recommend short, frequent brushing sessions over occasional long ones to make the process easier and more effective.

How do I brush my dog?

Having the right tools for your pet’s specific coat type is essential. Our staff or your groomer can guide you in selecting the best tools for your pet, or you can consult our “Tools” brochure in store for more information.

For pets with short coats, always brush in the direction of hair growth for the best results.

For fluffy or long-coated pets, groomers recommend using a technique called Line Brushing to effectively remove tangles and brush the coat all the way to the skin.

Line Brushing

Line Brushing is a grooming technique designed to ensure the entire coat, including the undercoat, is brushed thoroughly down to the skin.

Many pet owners mistakenly only brush the surface of the coat, leaving the fur underneath tangled and prone to matting. Line Brushing addresses this issue by working systematically through the coat.

HOW TO LINE BRUSH:

1. Start at the Lowest Point - Begin at the lowest part of your dog’s body, such as the legs or tummy.

2. Work in Sections - Lift a small section of hair to expose the fur underneath. This creates a visible “line” where the skin is exposed, making it easier to brush each layer effectively.

3. Brush the Underneath Layer - Gently brush the fur in the direction of hair growth, all the way down to the skin. Hold the section of hair above to ensure you’re working on the exposed layer without tangling the rest.

4. Progress Upwards - Once the current section is brushed, release a little more hair from the section above, creating a new “line.” Repeat the process, working systematically upwards through the coat.

5. Continue Until Fully Brushed - Repeat this method until you’ve brushed the entire coat, ensuring no areas are missed. By working methodically, Line Brushing ensures that both the topcoat and undercoat are properly maintained.

Hot Tips! 

Double-Check with a Comb - After brushing, “check your work” by using a comb through the coat all the way to the skin. If the comb snags, pull the comb out, find the knot and work through it with your usual brush. This helps identify any tangles or knots you may have missed.

Maintain a Calm Attitude - Your pet takes emotional cues from you, so staying calm, confident and in control is key to a successful grooming session. If you’re stressed or frustrated, your pet is likely to feel the same way.

Use Treats Wisely - Treats are a great way to reward your pet for cooperating during brushing. However, avoid using them as a constant distraction. Instead, use them to reward calm behaviour and successful moments throughout the session.

Brush After Getting Wet - Water can tighten existing knots and lead to matting. Always brush your dog’s coat after swimming, getting wet or even drinking sloppily from a water bowl to prevent tangles from forming.

Short, Frequent Sessions - Keep brushing sessions short and sweet to prevent your dog from getting bored or frustrated. Regular, brief sessions are far more effective (and enjoyable!) than occasional long ones.