The general condition of your dog’s skin and coat are good indicators of its health. Although health and nutrition influence the luster and texture of your pet’s coat from the inside, regular grooming and skin care on the outside will help keep your dog’s coat clean and free of tangles, no matter what type of hair coat he or she has
All dogs benefit from regular brushing to remove loose hairs and dead skin cells, to keep the coat free of dirt, debris, and external parasites, and to distribute natural skin oils along the hair shafts. Dogs with long, silky, or curly coats require daily brushing to keep their hair from becoming tangled or matted, especially around the ears, in the armpits, or along the back of the legs. Dogs with short hair coats may require less frequent brushing. However, daily brushing of any dog that sheds will cut down dramatically on the amount of loose hair and dog dander floating around the home, and will also cut down on the amount of hair that the dog swallows in the course of self-grooming with his tongue
“All dogs benefit from regular brushing.”
Regardless of the type of hair coat, you should inspect your dog’s coat every day to make sure there are no tangles or clumps that have developed under the armpits, in the groin, or behind the ears. After a romp through the grass or in the woods, it is a good idea to look for burrs or twigs that might have become trapped in the coat and could potentially cause irritation.
If you regularly check your dog’s coat and skin, you will also have a better chance of detecting any unusual lumps or bumps, parasites such as fleas and ticks, or areas of sensitivity on your dog’s body.
Different styles of brushes work better on certain types of hair coats. Slicker brushes work well for dogs such as Poodles, with curly non-shedding coats, while combs or stiff bristle brushes are good for dogs with medium length hair that sheds, such as Retrievers. Brushes with short bristles or flexible grooming gloves are good for smooth-coated dogs such as Pointers or Boxer Dogs. Long-toothed combs, especially ones made with several offset rows, are good for use in dogs with long hair, such as Collies; these combs are also useful for removing tangled clumps of hair or for removing clumps of loose undercoat hair when your dog is undergoing a seasonal shedding.
Your groomer will have specific recommendations for a grooming tool that will work particularly well for your dog’s type of coat. Whatever the choice of brush you use, it is important to be gentle when using it and to avoid excessive pulling on tangles.
Your dog’s general coat appearance may be the first indicator of health problems. A healthy animal will not shed excessively and will have a shiny coat that is free from dandruff or greasines
