Q: Do I really have to brush my dog?
Q: Do I really have to brush my short-haired dog? (Plus a few words on brushing dogs with longer coats.)
A: At least 3,453,897 times a week, I meet someone who claims that his or her short haired dog "never needs to be brushed." Sometimes, people with long-haired dogs make similar claims despite the plethora of mats covering the poor dog, which are visible from 19 miles away. Exposure to this type of blasphemy is my cross to bear, but I and everyone in Happy Dog Land feel truly sorry for all those dirty, furry, short-haired dogs out there. I've been known to lift up the owner's pant leg and check the socks for the tell-tale fur coating. Fur-covered socks are always a dead giveaway that you've been neglecting your brushing duties.
ALL dogs except, of course, the truly hairless must be brushed regularly. And by regularly, we mean several times a week--at least. It's good for Fido and for you. Besides, your best friend certainly deserves some pampering in exchange for all that unconditional love.
In addition to the emotional satisfaction of basking in your attention, the benefits of brushing are numerous. Brushing removes Fido's dead fur, which dulls the coat, distributes the fur's natural oils and simulates blood flow to the skin. As a result, your regularly brushed pooch will have a clean, healthy, sleek, shiny coat. Besides, proper brushing feels really, really good--like a massage. Just be gentle and don't brush over the same spot too many times. (Now is the perfect time to review Chapter 15 "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap ... at Home", where you'll learn all the proper brushing techniques.)
But wait, there more...the benefits of brushing continue. You get to relax and enjoy quality time with your best pal. In addition, you'll see much less fur on your furniture, clothes, floor and socks; brushing removes the dead fur before it falls off your dog. Just think of all the money you'll save on lint rollers and dry cleaning!
The appropriate brush to use depends on Fido's coat. Dogs with very short coats like the Dalmatian, Boxer, Pit Bull, Smooth Chihuahua, Great Dane, Whippet, Greyhound, Bulldog and Smooth Dachshund require a "rubber curry." Otherwise, purchase (and use!) a good quality "slicker brush." Always check the wire bristles on your arm to determine if they are too sharp. Clean your curry or slicker regularly and throw it away the moment it is damaged or just gross.
Many dogs have coats that mat. For example, the coats on a Poodle, a Doodle and dogs with multi-length or long coats form mats quickly. A mat is a formed when dead hair gets trapped in the coat. Mats can be painful, trap debris, hide skin conditions and just look awful. Removing mats is painful and can be expensive. In many cases, shaving the dog is the best and most humane choice. Brush Fido regularly, which removes the dead coat, is the best way to keep mats from forming. Your pooch and your groomer will thank you!
