How to Brush a Dog With a Slicker Brush
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Introduction
Slicker brushes are typically wire brushes with firm bristles. They are great for dogs with short, wiry coats such as Terriers. Slicker brushes are a great tool to use to help remove knots, tangles, and even mats that don't necessarily need to be cut out. You can use your slicker brush all the time if you have a dog with a wiry coat or you can use your slicker brush before bristle or pin brush grooming to remove mats and tangles. Some dogs will require only a slicker brush, while others will benefit from a slicker brush along with other grooming tools for regular grooming. Look for slicker brushes that have fine wiry bristles to work out tangles and mats.
Dog's Perspective
If your dog has tangles and mats in his fur, his skin might be a little sensitive because mats tend to pull on the skin. So make your slicker brushing gentle and easy with soft and short strokes. A treat for your pup never hurt to help get him through difficult detangling moments.
The Slicker Brushing Method
The Matted Dog Method
Caution & Considerations
- Slicker brushes are great at removing debris from your dog's fur as well as tangles. If your dog has been playing in a pile of leaves, use a slicker brush to remove all the loose debris from his fur.
- Good slicker brushes will have wiry bristles that are set close together to assist in easing out any tangles or mats.
- Though you may use a bristle or a pin brush to groom your dog on a regular basis, a slicker brush is perfect for getting out any loose hair to minimize shedding or removing debris from the fur and spot detangling.
- Slicker brush bristles are angled to easily pull out tangles without scratching your dog's skin.
- Slicker brushes are great for dogs with wiry fur, short or long.
- If you have a Poodle, a Cocker spaniel, a Retriever, a Husky, a Terrier, a Saint Bernard, or a fluffy cute Doodle, you should probably have a slicker brush in your collection.
- Though you may have a group of brushes specific for your dog for grooming, remember a slicker brush is great for removing unwanted mess in the fur. Slicker brushes remove knots, tangles, mats, dirt, and debris.
- Though it might work well for your dog for every brushing, you still may need additional brushes every so often for regular grooming.
Conclusion
Remember a slicker brush is perfect for tangles, knots, and mats. Keep your dog looking beautiful while de-shedding and getting rid of the tangled mess that once was your dog. Give your dog a fur-tastic makeover using a slicker brush, some detangling spray, and a little tender loving care.
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Maki
Hii! I'be researched that since labradors have a double coat, its best to brush them as often as possible. What brushes are good for everyday? What's a good routine (everyday and the weekly/monthly more thorough grooming)for grooming for a puppy? What age should I alter this routine and what should i alter it to?
0 Dog owners recommended
Congratulations on your puppy! You are wise to begin the grooming process at an early age because doing so will help Maki to accept the process and sit nice and still for you. I would brush Maki daily with a slicker brush and at shedding time, add a grooming glove to the session. Get your puppy used to baths with a quick weekly dip in the tub (water only at this point, unless Maki rolls in something). A brush of the teeth daily or at least twice a week, and a clipping of the nails every two weeks. When Maki is older, and used to the bath, once a month or every few months is fine. Use a gentle, vet-approved shampoo so as not to strip the oils in the fur. Keep the brushing daily, and the tooth and nail care the same as well. Hope this helps!
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I use the Chris Christensen Big K Slicker brush on my dog. How often do I need to replace the brush?
Thank you
0 Dog owners recommended
Thank you for the question. Yofi is a real cutie! I am not able to advise you on the longevity of this brand of brush, but I can say that if any of the bristles are missing or broken it is time for a new one. I see the reviews say the brush lasts for a long time and the warranty appears to be six months. If the brush is not pulling on Yofi's fur, keep using it. All the best!
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How often should you use a slicker brush?
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, I love Milo's smile! I would give Milo a once over brushing with the slicker brush every other day to keep tangles out of his coat and to remove any debris he may pick up while outside playing. You can also use the pin brush now and then. Keep up the brushing on your own and then the grooming visits will go smoothly and be pretty straightforward. It's good to keep Milo used to the grooming process so he cooperates when he goes for trims. All the best to Milo!
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