The Best Dog Brush
Long hair, short hair, wavy hair, coarse hair, and every length in between, every dog needs to be brushed regularly for a healthy coat. But before you purchase any old brush, you need to determine your dog's specific brushing needs. Are you trying to cut down on shedding? Or do you need to remove mats from tangled fur? Maybe you need one to encourage a smooth and shiny coat. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dog brushes to help you find one you and your dog will love.
What to Look For
Researching dog brushes, we found that the best ones are versatile, durable, and easy to clean. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the slicker brush from Hertzko. This large brush uses delicate metal bristles to smooth your pet’s fur and help reduce shedding. Also, its self-cleaning feature makes it easy to remove the collected hair by retracting the bristles. We also love the brush from Bodhi Dog because you can use it on wet or dry fur. The waterproof brush is perfect for distributing shampoo during a bath and removes excess hair in the process. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dog brush.
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
A brush for all occasions
Hertzko’s slicker brush works on dogs with all fur lengths to smooth, detangle, and remove excess hair from their coats. The brush is made up of tiny metal bristles, which are set at a slight angle to cut through stubborn knots. Its comfortable grip prevents discomfort while you brush your pup, especially if it is part of your daily routine. But the best part is that the bristles retract when you let go of the button, so you can pull the collected hair off in one piece.
Pros:
- The metal bristles have rounded tips that won’t hurt your dog, even if they have sensitive skin.
- The bristles are long enough to remove loose undercoat fur.
Cons:
- You have to hold down the button while brushing your pet.
Hartz Groomer’s Best Slicker Brush
Tiny tool
Grooming small dogs requires tools that fit their size, like this slicker brush from Hartz. The brush head is covered in angled metal bristles to detangle and soften every inch of your pet without damaging their skin. This general grooming brush will reduce shedding when used regularly while giving your pet a gentle massage. And you can wash the brush in warm, soapy water when needed.
Pros:
- You can hang the brush using the hole in the handle.
- It is safe to use on dogs with straight or curly hair.
Cons:
- It can be challenging to remove the collected hair from the brush.
Bodhi Dog Bath Brush
A hairy situation
Waterproof and gentle, this rubber brush helps nervous dogs feel more comfortable at bathtime. After sliding the brush onto your hand, you can use it to massage shampoo into your pup’s fur. It will speed up the process and remove hair that would otherwise end up down the drain. The low-profile bristles won’t tug on your dog’s fur or make them uncomfortable as you brush. Plus, you can use it on dry fur to keep shedding at a minimum.
Pros:
- We appreciate that this brush is made with latex-free rubber.
- It works well to fully shampoo dogs with undercoats.
Cons:
- We wish that the handle on the brush was adjustable.
Ruff ‘N Ruffus Double-Sided Undercoat Rake
In the thick of it
Preventing a blanket of fur from collecting around your home can be challenging if you have a fluffy dog that sheds throughout the year. This undercoat rake cuts through the top layer of fur to gently remove knots and excess fur underneath. One side of the brush is for detangling fur, while the other safely thins and removes loose hair from the undercoat. Using this brush regularly keeps your dog comfortable, especially in warm weather, and minimizes the loose hair floating around your home.
Pros:
- This undercoat rake comes with a matching pair of nail clippers for grooming your pup.
- The brush has sharp but rounded teeth that work effectively without hurting your dog or damaging their coat.
Cons:
- It isn’t as straightforward to use as other dog brushes and will take practice to perfect the technique.
Poodle Pet Soft Bristle Dog Brush
Shiny and smooth
In general, short-haired dogs don’t require as much intensive grooming. Regular baths and routine brushing will remove dirt, dander, and loose hair to keep their coat shiny and healthy. However, Poodle Pet’s brush is a worthy tool for when the time comes. It’s tightly packed with soft bristles to ensure your pet stays comfortable while you brush. Plus, the non-slip handle will make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pup since you’ll be more willing to brush them for longer periods.
Pros:
- The dense bristles help distribute your dog’s natural oils to encourage a shiny coat.
- This high-quality brush won’t shed with long-term use.
Cons:
- It isn’t as affordable as other similar options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you brush your dog when they’re wet or dry?
Brushing your dog’s fur when it is dry will have the best results. Loose hair from their top and undercoats will come free more easily. And you won’t have to worry about tugging on their fur like you would if it was wet. The exception is if you choose to use a rubber brush during bathtime. These brushes slide on your palm and help lather soap while also removing excess hair. Since they’re designed for this purpose, they won’t hurt your dog, even if they’re soaking wet.
How often should you brush your dog?
Most dogs would benefit from a thorough brushing once a week, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. Removing a build-up of dander, loose fur, and debris will make them feel more comfortable and less itchy. But some dogs, including breeds with curly or wavy hair, may need to be brushed daily to prevent mats from forming.
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