Brushing a dog is not a science: Just most people start off wrong the very first stroke

Almost every dog needs to be brushed once in a while, even the short-haired ones. If you have a long-haired breed at home, grooming is one of the most basic tasks, but one that many people practice very poorly. People tend to either skip brushing altogether or make a lot of mistakes in it. They brush the dog too roughly, in the wrong direction, or with a tool that is not at all suitable for the type of coat. The result is knots, pain for the animal, damaged hair, increased shedding or even skin problems. It’s not rocket science.

What do people usually do wrong? What things do most dog owners neglect? And how to specifically go about brushing your four-legged pet? Take care of it without stress for you and for him. Besides not having a household full of hair, your pet will be happy and healthy.

Mistake No. 1: Using the wrong tools

Many people settle for the first brush they find in the store without taking into account their pet’s coat type. This is a major mistake, as the wrong brush can damage the coat, pull out undercoat or not comb out knots properly. For example, for coats with a thick undercoat, so-called undercoat rake or slicker brushes are recommended, while a soft-bristled brush will suffice for short coats.

The American website PetMD states that long-haired breeds require daily brushing, otherwise matting and undercoat tangles occur. Another problem isoften brushing technique, where people push too hard on the brush, pulling the dog and pulling out hair that should stay on the body. This causes pain, damages the skin barrier, and the animal starts to refuse to be brushed.

Mistake No. 2: Incorrect direction and method of strokes

A common mistake when combing dog hair is combing without considering the direction of hair growth. This can damage the coat and irritate the skin. The correct way to comb should be to follow the direction of hair growth, using gentle strokes against the direction in problem areas such as the armpits, ears or nape of the neck. The RSPCA recommends combing at least once a week for simple, short coats, while daily combing is recommended for medium or long coats and even more than once a day during periods of heavy shedding.

If the coat is heavily matted, definitely do not pull it with force. Bare spots may result. A better method is to divide each section of hair into smaller pieces, using first a comb and then a finer brush. If you feel resistance or pain when combing, take a step back and gently loosen the matted area. Reward the dog regularly so that it has no resistance to brushing. If your dog’s coat becomes severely matted and you are unable to handle it, do not be shy about seeing a professional to take care of your pet.

Mistake No. 3: Irregularity and lack of a plan

The third big mistake people make is brushing irregularly, often waiting until the coat is unkempt or matted instead of having brushing as a firm part of their weekly or daily routine. Regularity is key. Regular gentle combing prevents matted areas and is a preventative measure for a healthy skin of the animal.

Interestingly, in a survey of dog owners commissioned by PetSmart, only 67% of respondents said that regular grooming was an important part of a dog’s health, but only 37% of dogs were actually groomed regularly. The recommendation is: Set aside specific days to groom your dog’s coat; if he needs to be brushed daily, set a specific time. This way you will never forget and the dog will learn to respond more positively to the task.