The Importance of Brushing

By Roxanne Willems Snopek

After food, shelter and loads of love, the best thing to give your dog is regular brushing! Why? According to Nancy Tinsley of Tall Tails Grooming Salon in Abbotsford, BC, brushing: - distributes the coat’s natural oils - massages and stimulates the skin - gives you a chance to check your pet’s skin, eyes, nails and ears - reduces the fear of brushing at the groomer’s - helps you determine the source of unpleasant odors.

Often we assume an unpleasant “doggie smell” is due to a dog’s coat or skin, but often the cause of the odor is more serious: infected gums and/or teeth, ear infections or other infections of the skin or foot pads. Brushing provides one-on-one time to inspect our pets for any possible health problems.

"Did you know," says Tinsley, "that before your pet can be properly groomed, every mat and tangle must be removed? The groomer must be able to comb through every section of the coat before the next step in the process can occur." Even though you may request Fido be “clipped right down,” the clipper cannot go through a mat; scissoring will be uneven and difficult if the coat is not brushed out.

Matting and tangles are usually worst behind the ears, the chest, groin and tail areas. When nasty tangles and mats are not dealt with, they become tighter and tighter, pinching the skin. They also provide excellent hiding spots for fleas and can cause sore, red skin irritations called “hot spots.”

Choosing a Brush

There are many types of brushes designed for different coats. An excellent general purpose brush for most pets is a slicker brush. Made of a rectangular head with fine, close metal bristles, the slicker brush can burn the skin if used too vigorously. "BE GENTLE!" emphasizes Tinsley. Let the brush do the work: don’t apply too much pressure. Listen and feel the difference when the brush hits a mat compared to when the mat is brushed through.

Teaching to Brush

Many owners say their pet “doesn’t like to be brushed.” Don’t give up! Begin by brushing a quarter of your pet each day (don’t forget the tummy and inside of legs). Tinsley encourages owners to use a firm, reassuring voice — cooperative behaviour deserves much praise. If your pet becomes stressed, take a break and return to brushing later. "With patience and persistence," says Tinsley, "it’s never too late to introduce brushing as a routine activity."

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.