The Secret to Beautiful Coats

Ok, so the truth is that there are many secrets to beautiful coats, but the most important one is the least exciting.  It is brushing. It is also combing. Oh all right, it is really lots of brushing and combing.

For dogs with short coats, the goal is reduced shedding. So, a plain old slicker brush is your best bet here. Start at the neck and work your way back.  You’ll find lots of shed coat at the base of the neck, the lower back and the hindquarters, so give these spots extra effort.  When a comb runs easily through these trouble areas without bringing out much coat, you’re done!

For dogs with longer coats, you may still begin with a slicker, but you’ll want to work your way up to that comb.  Use the comb to get down close to the skin, and pull it through to the ends.  If it snags, you’ve hit a mat.  If the mat is not too severe, you can use the comb to gently work it out.  A coat detangler can help with this process. Try to find one that is chemical-free, so that it doesn’t dry out the coat.  Sometimes the mat is large or close to the skin, and your comb can’t get it out without trauma to you and your dog.  You may use a mat splitter, with caution, or clip it out with a clipper. Often, a clipper is the only way to get out large mats.  Some trouble spots include the inside of the legs (both front and back), the collar area, ears, and under the tail.  The face also tends to collect food debris and sometimes unidentifiable junk!  When a comb runs easily through these trouble areas without snagging, you’re done!

A good slicker and a steel comb are low cost tools in the quest for beautiful coats.  Brushing can be a bonding experience for you and your dog. If it is done frequently for brief sessions, mats and shed coat won’t have time to build up. This will make it easier for you and your dog to enjoy. Happy brushing