Easy Dog Grooming Tips (What is The Best Dog Grooming Brush?)

Brushes & Combs: What Is The Best Dog Grooming Brush?

There are specific brushes and combs to use on dogs, all based according to what you need to accomplish. It's not too different than when people need a round brush for curling with a blow dryer versus a natural bristle brush for normal dry brushing, etc.

Top tip: If you clip your own dog's coat - ensure your equipment is full up to scratch. Find out more about clipper blade sharpening...

If you do not plan on showing your dog then there is no need to get lost in too many details on the perfect brush. For example you might use: a pin brush or slicker brush for the same purpose – or - a curry comb instead of a hound glove.

To better help you make the best choice as to what brush or comb you need to get your dog properly groomed and looking nice, below is a quick-starter guide on all types of brushes and what hair type is best to use them with. All you have to do is choose the right tools that match the individual breed type and hair texture of your dog.

Bristle Brush

This brush has soft and gentle bristles, and are usually made of all-natural material. It is a lot like natural bristled brushes that are sold for people. They result in less electricity in your dog's hair, whereas nylon will let the static electricity build up within the coat. These brushes distribute natural oil though the hair and smooth out the hair. They are an all purpose type of brush, perfect for any dog, especially the long-haired types.

Slicker Brush

This brush is made up of “teeth” type bristles that can be very harsh, but they are very close together and are essential for some dog's coats. The brush readily removes all dead hair from the fur and can remove mats when used properly. These brushes are best for curly haired dogs and long-haired dogs.

Conversely, this is great for a dog that sheds a lot in the house as you can remove lots of hair with the very little effort.

Curry Brush Rubber Types

This is usually an oval-type of brush. It simply puts a polish on the dog's coat and gets rid of dead hair which will result in far less shedding. At the same time, it does not harm the skin since it has rounded rubber type bristles. This brush is perfect for sensitive skin and smooth-coated dog breeds.

Pin Brush

These brushes are best used on really long and fine-haired breeds, or heavy-coated dogs that have double coats. The purpose of the brush is to remove tangles in the long-haired dog and with wiry coats that are tough, as it helps to give them a good brush out before stripping the hair by hand.

Combs: Fine, Medium & Wide-Toothed

Dogs with silky, soft hair or with fine-to-medium texture needs a fine-to-medium comb. The comb will remove the final remains of tangles and can often help remove flea dirt as well as the fleas themselves. You should use a wide-toothed comb on a coat that is dense and very thick. The purpose is the same - to finally remove all the tangles.

Coat Rake, Mat Comb, or Mat splitter

When you are dealing with mats and tangles use a spray detangler along with one of these tools. This is best used on curly and long-coated dogs.

Hound Glove

As the name suggests, this is a glove that you slip on and use the side covered with natural bristles to brush your dog. Smooth-coated dogs benefit from this as it helps to remove dead hair in an efficient manner, while adding a shine to the coat.

Remember, all dog breeds require grooming. However, each breed has particular coat care needs. Some individual dogs may have skin allergies or coat problems periodocially through their life, whilst others will always seem to maintain a healthy coat regardless. (Tip: dog shampoo for itchy skin)

Get more top dog grooming tips

Easy Dog Grooming Tips (What is The Best Dog Grooming Brush?)

Brushes & Combs: What Is The Best Dog Grooming Brush?

There are specific brushes and combs to use on dogs, all based according to what you need to accomplish. It's not too different than when people need a round brush for curling with a blow dryer versus a natural bristle brush for normal dry brushing, etc.

Top tip: If you clip your own dog's coat - ensure your equipment is full up to scratch. Find out more about clipper blade sharpening...

If you do not plan on showing your dog then there is no need to get lost in too many details on the perfect brush. For example you might use: a pin brush or slicker brush for the same purpose – or - a curry comb instead of a hound glove.

To better help you make the best choice as to what brush or comb you need to get your dog properly groomed and looking nice, below is a quick-starter guide on all types of brushes and what hair type is best to use them with. All you have to do is choose the right tools that match the individual breed type and hair texture of your dog.

Bristle Brush

This brush has soft and gentle bristles, and are usually made of all-natural material. It is a lot like natural bristled brushes that are sold for people. They result in less electricity in your dog's hair, whereas nylon will let the static electricity build up within the coat. These brushes distribute natural oil though the hair and smooth out the hair. They are an all purpose type of brush, perfect for any dog, especially the long-haired types.

Slicker Brush

This brush is made up of “teeth” type bristles that can be very harsh, but they are very close together and are essential for some dog's coats. The brush readily removes all dead hair from the fur and can remove mats when used properly. These brushes are best for curly haired dogs and long-haired dogs.

Conversely, this is great for a dog that sheds a lot in the house as you can remove lots of hair with the very little effort.

Curry Brush Rubber Types

This is usually an oval-type of brush. It simply puts a polish on the dog's coat and gets rid of dead hair which will result in far less shedding. At the same time, it does not harm the skin since it has rounded rubber type bristles. This brush is perfect for sensitive skin and smooth-coated dog breeds.

Pin Brush

These brushes are best used on really long and fine-haired breeds, or heavy-coated dogs that have double coats. The purpose of the brush is to remove tangles in the long-haired dog and with wiry coats that are tough, as it helps to give them a good brush out before stripping the hair by hand.

Combs: Fine, Medium & Wide-Toothed

Dogs with silky, soft hair or with fine-to-medium texture needs a fine-to-medium comb. The comb will remove the final remains of tangles and can often help remove flea dirt as well as the fleas themselves. You should use a wide-toothed comb on a coat that is dense and very thick. The purpose is the same - to finally remove all the tangles.

Coat Rake, Mat Comb, or Mat splitter

When you are dealing with mats and tangles use a spray detangler along with one of these tools. This is best used on curly and long-coated dogs.

Hound Glove

As the name suggests, this is a glove that you slip on and use the side covered with natural bristles to brush your dog. Smooth-coated dogs benefit from this as it helps to remove dead hair in an efficient manner, while adding a shine to the coat.

Remember, all dog breeds require grooming. However, each breed has particular coat care needs. Some individual dogs may have skin allergies or coat problems periodocially through their life, whilst others will always seem to maintain a healthy coat regardless. (Tip: dog shampoo for itchy skin)

Get more top dog grooming tips

OMG! Dog Walks on Water

You have to see this, from Ryan O'Meara's blog

So dogs really can walk on water!

I knew it.

We all knew it.

Now there's proof!!

OMG! Dog Walks on Water

You have to see this, from Ryan O'Meara's blog

So dogs really can walk on water!

I knew it.

We all knew it.

Now there's proof!!

Dog Breed Insurance Help

(petbuzz, London, October 2011) - Dedicated information for dog owners seeking individual dog breed insurance information now has a new home thanks to pet insurance lifetime cover experts VetsMediCover.

In partnership with leading pet marketing provider, petbuzz, VetsMediCover has set up a dedicated website to cover dog breed specific insurance information.

The information contained on the website is designed to make it easier for caring dog owners to research and get fast access to dog breed insurance specifically related to their own type of dog.

Speaking about the initiative, Ryan O'Meara says:

"This service has been needed for a long time. Dog owners now are much more aware of the positive aspects of pet insurance. They have a greater understanding of the various elements of policy cover, claims issues, restrictions and the different types of pet insurance cover that different policies contain. 

By launching this site with VetsMediCover, we hope we'll be able to help dog owners by providing the most comprehensive, dog breed specific pet insurance resource."

According to a recent study carried out by K9 Magazine, 90% of dog owners questioned were completely satisfied with the quality of service provided by their vet, whilst the same proportion of owners, 90%, felt their vet was overcharging them for the services provided. 31% said they would be prepared to change their vet on account of the high fees being charged rather than the quality of service their dogs received.

As vet fees look set to continue to rise as pet health treatment becomes more sophisticated, dog insurance has never been so crucial for owners looking to minimise their exposure to unexpected costs.

Find out more: www.DogBreedInsurance.co.uk

Distributed by Taylor Guerney on behalf of petbuzz.

Dog Breed Insurance Help

(petbuzz, London, October 2011) - Dedicated information for dog owners seeking individual dog breed insurance information now has a new home thanks to pet insurance lifetime cover experts VetsMediCover.

In partnership with leading pet marketing provider, petbuzz, VetsMediCover has set up a dedicated website to cover dog breed specific insurance information.

The information contained on the website is designed to make it easier for caring dog owners to research and get fast access to dog breed insurance specifically related to their own type of dog.

Speaking about the initiative, Ryan O'Meara says:

"This service has been needed for a long time. Dog owners now are much more aware of the positive aspects of pet insurance. They have a greater understanding of the various elements of policy cover, claims issues, restrictions and the different types of pet insurance cover that different policies contain. 

By launching this site with VetsMediCover, we hope we'll be able to help dog owners by providing the most comprehensive, dog breed specific pet insurance resource."

According to a recent study carried out by K9 Magazine, 90% of dog owners questioned were completely satisfied with the quality of service provided by their vet, whilst the same proportion of owners, 90%, felt their vet was overcharging them for the services provided. 31% said they would be prepared to change their vet on account of the high fees being charged rather than the quality of service their dogs received.

As vet fees look set to continue to rise as pet health treatment becomes more sophisticated, dog insurance has never been so crucial for owners looking to minimise their exposure to unexpected costs.

Find out more: www.DogBreedInsurance.co.uk

Distributed by Taylor Guerney on behalf of petbuzz.

Clicker Training to Stop Puppy Chewing

Use the clicker method for training your dog. Clicker training is a form of conditioning that can help a dog to identify behaviour that produces praise or a reward. After your dog has successfully obeyed a command, use the clicker to indicate that he will get a treat. Your dog will soon learn if he isn't following commands or behaving correctly! Certain studies have shown that using a clicker reduces training time by one third.

When you are training your dog out of chewing inappropriately, remember to set him up for success. Furthermore, a dog that chews inappropriately needs to be kept away from danger. Hairbrushes, nylons, and other common household items pose a danger to dogs and can lead to choking and obstructions.