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Choosing the Right Brush for Thick-Coated Dogs
When it comes to choosing the right brush for your furry friend's coat, it's easy to assume all brushes are equal. However, that's where many dog owners get it wrong. If your precious pooch has a thick coat or is double-coated, brushing them with the right tools can help you reach their undercoat without damaging their guard hairs.
Proper brushing is essential for your pup's health and comfort: brushing their coat regularly prevents mats, supports their skin health, and helps them regulate their temperature. If you've got a dog with a thick coat, we've put together a guide to help you take care of them. We'll walk you through the various types of brushes available, which coat types and breeds they suit, how to brush them correctly, and when it might be time to call in the professionals, like us.
Why Brush Choice Matters for Thick & Double Coats
If your furry friend's got a thick or double coat, then taking proper care of them will get their tail wagging. Double coats are made up of a soft insulating undercoat and protective guard hairs, and using the wrong brush can cause harm to your dog, which none of us wants! Using the wrong brush can unknowingly cause skin irritation, break guard hairs, or trap heat and moisture under mats.
Brush Types Explained (Pros, Cons & When to Use)
There are a few types of brushes on the market, each with its own benefits. Here's how they stack up.
Slicker brush: Excellent for surface tangles and the final brush. A slicker with a cushioned brush is best.
Undercoat rake: Great for reaching your dog's dense undercoat. Best used when your dog's experiencing a blowout, but can be painful if you're forceful.
Deshedding tool: Removes your dog's loose undercoat quickly. However, it can take out a fair amount of your dog's guard hairs if overused.
Pin/bristle brush: Great for daily/frequent brushing, and for sensitive areas of your dog's coat. However, it's not the best choice for reaching the undercoat.
Dematting comb: Great for removing tough knots in your dog's coat. However, it can be painful for them if not used correctly.
How to Choose the Right Brush for Your Dog
Trying to find the right dog brush for thick coats? It's important to match the length of the brush's teeth to the depth of their coat. If they have a long, dense coat, then you'll need a brush with longer pins or rake teeth. If they have a short coat, then you might want to go with a bristle or rubber pin brush.
You should also consider your dog's breed. We recommend using:
- An undercoat rake + slicker brush combo for Huskies, Samoyeds and German Shepherds.
- An undercoat rake + dematting tool combo for Newfoundlands and Great Pyrenees.
- A slicker brush + comb combo for Golden Retrievers.
Your dog's sensitivity and temperament will also affect what you should brush them with. If your dog gets anxious, our professionals recommend using flexible, cushioned brushes and warming them up by initially brushing them in short bursts, so they get used to the sensation.
Brushing Routines by Season (Australia)
In Australia, the varying temperatures and conditions mean that it's worth approaching grooming slightly differently depending on the season, especially for thick/double-coated dogs.
Here's how you should tackle grooming in each season:
Summer: Brush your dog's coat lightly and often. Try not to over-thin their guard hairs; they need them for protection from the heat and sun!
Spring/Autumn (Coat Blow): These are the seasons when their coat will blow out, covering you, your house, and everyone you know in precious sprinkles. During these seasons, you should brush your dog more often, using both an undercoat rake and a slicker brush.
Winter: Like us, dogs get cold in winter. To help them maintain insulation, remove loose undercoat and tangles, but don't strip back their warmth by removing too much fur.
Step-by-Step: Safe Brushing Technique
Looking to safely brush your thick/double-coated dog? Here's our guide to making brushing your dog a breeze:
- Start by checking for any debris caught in your dog's coat or any mats.
- Use a detangler spray to help make brushing easier.
- Use an undercoat rake to remove any loose hairs or mats.
- Brush small sections of the topcoat using the line brushing technique. Using a slicker brush, lift a section of your pooch's fur with one hand, and then brush with the other hand, all the way down to their skin.
- Finish off with a pin brush/comb, and give your dog some TLC and treats
Note: Make sure you stop if your dog's skin gets red or if they seem uncomfortable. We'll go through what to do if you do notice an issue in a moment.
Tools & Products Checklist
As the owner of a dog with a thick/double coat, you'll want a few tools at your disposal. We recommend getting:
- An undercoat rake that's sized for your dog's coat depth
- A soft-pad slicker brush for their comfort
- A pin brush or comb for finishing and feathering
- Dog-friendly detangling or conditioning spray
- A non-slip grooming mat
- If needed, a deshedding tool to help regulate your dog's temperature during the warmer months
When to Seek Professional Grooming Help
So you're brushing your dog's coat, and you've noticed mats, an odour, hot spots, or an impacted undercoat. If this sounds like you, then it's time to call in the professionals.
Here at Guard Dog Training, our team of groomers knows how to safely deshed, detangle and recommend the right tools for your dog's breed and coat condition. We also provide seasonal deshedding packages and brush guidance for thick-coated breeds. If it's your first time grooming a thick-coated dog, or you just want a bit of help with your pup's pampering, we're here to get the job done right.
Keep Thick Coats Healthy Year-Round
When it comes to your pup, they deserve nothing but the best. Using the right brushes for dogs with thick coats and the right techniques can help their coats stay healthy and lush all year round, putting a smile on their face and a pep in their tail.
If you're looking for a bit of extra assistance with seasonal shedding or just want some guidance, then we're here to help. Book a deshedding session with Guard Dog Training today, and let us pamper your pooch!
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