Choosing the Right Brush for Your Dog

Written by: Richard Rowlands, Pet Health Expert | September 09 2020

Written by: Richard Rowlands, Pet Health Expert
September 09 2020

Which Brush is Right for My Dog?

As a responsible pet owner, it's important to brush your dog regularly to keep them clean and well-groomed. But with all the different types of grooming tools out there, it can be difficult to know which dog brush to choose.

In this article, we'll take a look at the different types of dog brushes available and provide some practical tips to help you choose the best dog brush. We'll also explore other useful grooming tools, including flea combs, shedding combs, and rakes.

Slicker Brushes

Slicker brushes feature fine wire bristles that extend from a flat or slightly curved base. The wire bristles are capped with protective nubs so your pet won't get injured during use. Still, it's important to use short and light strokes to avoid irritating your dog's sensitive skin.

The Only Natural Pet Slicker Brush is designed to untangle medium to long and wiry hair. It's also great for removing mats, loose hair, and dirt. This type of brush is recommended for breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Rough Collies, Maltese, and Pomeranians. It's also useful for dogs that shed excessively.

Bristle Brushes

Bristle brushes vary in the length, arrangement, and spacing of the bristles. A bristle brush with short, tightly-packed bristles is ideal for short-haired dogs, while long, wide-spaced bristle brushes are perfect for long-haired dogs.

Bristles brushes are used to finish and shine a dog's coat. They help smooth rough hair, remove loose hair or dirt, and distribute natural skin oils evenly for a glossy, shiny finish. Bristle brushes are very versatile and can be used on all dogs, including Retrievers, Pugs, Terriers, and Hounds.

The Only Natural Pet Pin & Bristle Brush Combo features a bristle brush on one side and a pin brush on the other side, all with a sustainable bamboo handle.

Pin Brushes

Pin brushes share the same look and features as a standard hairbrush. They are commonly oval-shaped, have an easy-to-grip handle, and their metal bristles are capped with rubber or plastic protective nubs. This makes them safe for use even on the most delicate skin. The Only Natural Pet Pin Brush is a high-quality brush with an ergonomic design and sustainable bamboo handle. It's perfect for daily brushing, and will keep your dog looking their best.

Pin brushes are the most commonly used dog brush. They are used to remove mats and tangles, buff away loose hair, and remove dirt and debris from your dog's coat. This type of brush is best suited for dogs with medium to long or curly hair like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Schnauzers, and Collies.

Rubber Brushes

A rubber brush (sometimes known as rubber curry brush) is a multifunctional grooming tool that can be used on dry, wet, or shampooed hair. It easily captures and removes loose hair, helps massage shampoo deep into the skin during bath time, and promotes skin health by stimulating blood flow and distributing natural skin oils.

Since this type of brush has soft rubber bristles, it is safe to use even while applying a relatively high amount of pressure. The Only Natural Pet Curry Brush is made from eco-friendly bamboo material with soft rubber bristles that gently massage your pet's skin. It features an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand for maximum control. Rubber brushes are recommended for all dogs, especially short, smooth-haired dogs that shed a lot.

Flea Combs

Flea combs have closely-packed teeth that are designed to trap and remove fleas, flea eggs, and flea larvae. When using a flea comb, apply gentle pressure to comb through your dog's fur. The JW Pet GripSoft Flea Comb has a soft handle which makes it convenient and easy to grip.

Here's a quick tip when using a flea comb: dip the comb into a bowl of hot water after running through your pet's fur to kill any fleas that are lodged between the teeth. Flea combs are recommended for all dogs, and are a must-have grooming tool for every pet owner.

Shedding Combs

Shedding combs are designed to reduce shedding and remove loose hair from your dog's coat. They feature long teeth that penetrate deep into your dog's undercoat, and short teeth that collect and remove loose hair.

The JW Pet GripSoft Shedding Comb works through the undercoat to remove loose hair. It is recommended for double-coated and short-haired dogs that are prone to excessive shedding.

Undercoat Rakes

This tool is shaped just like a rake; it is designed with an easy-to-grip handle and one or more rows of closely-spaced rounded pins. Make sure to choose an undercoat rake with pins that are the correct length for your dog's coat.

Undercoat rakes are perfect for getting into your dog's undercoat to remove any mats, tangles, or loose hair. However, please exercise caution while using this tool as you could easily damage your dog's skin if too much pressure is applied.

An undercoat rake is recommended for medium to long-haired dogs with soft or thick undercoats, like German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Pomeranians, and Malamutes. If your dog sheds excessively, it's worth investing in an undercoat rake.

Dematting Rakes

Dematting rakes are designed with sharp, round-edged blades that are curved inwards. This makes them effective for working into the undercoat to remove any mats and tangles without injuring the skin.

This tool is a must-have grooming tool for all dog owners who prefer to maintain their pet's fur without cutting it. It is most useful for thick or double-coated dogs, but not for smooth or thin coated dogs.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Brush

Your dog's size: Make sure to choose a brush that's the right size for your pet. Picking a small brush for a big-sized dog will be frustrating and ineffective, but the same brush will prove useful for a smaller dog.

Coat Type

Select a grooming tool based on your dog's coat type. Whether you are purchasing a slicker brush, pin brush, or rubber brush, ensure that it is suitable for your dog's coat. Slicker brushes are helpful for medium to long, curly-haired dogs, just as rubber brushes are specially designed for short-haired dogs. Undercoat rakes and dematting rakes are recommended for thick, heavy, double-coated dogs that tend to shed a lot.

Whether or not your dog is a heavy shedder: This is an important factor to consider. If your dog is a heavy shedder, consider grooming tools like undercoat rakes or shedding combs that'll are designed to reduce shedding by up to 90%. If your dog is a light shedder, consider purchasing a bristle or slicker brush to help you remove loose hair.

Durability

Choose a brush that's well made and durable. High-quality brushes and grooming tools will last longer than their cheaply made counterparts. This makes them a better investment over the long term.

Design

Choose a brush that's well designed and easy to use. We recommend opting for a sleek design with an easy-to-grip handle.

Summary

Make sure to do your homework and choose the right type of brush for your dog. This will help ensure that the brush functions well without damaging your dog's skin. It's also worth noting that you may need several brushes or grooming tools that perform different functions.

Choosing the Right Brush for Your Dog