The Ultimate Guide to Dog Brushing and Coat Care

Skin & CoatQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

The type of brush and grooming frequency for dogs vary depending on their coat type. Here’s a guide to proper brushing techniques and precautions for double coats, single coats, long-haired, and short-haired breeds.

What Is Dog Brushing?

An image showcasing the different coat types found across various dog breeds.

Brushing your dog removes dead hair, dust, and sebum, helping to keep the coat and skin healthy. The most important thing is choosing the right brush for your dog’s coat type. Double-coated breeds (such as Jindo, Shiba Inu, and Pomeranian) require an undercoat rake, while long-haired breeds (such as Maltese and Shih Tzu) need a detangling brush. Neglecting brushing can lead to matting and a buildup of dead hair, which worsens skin condition and may result in skin diseases like dermatitis or folliculitis. Therefore, it is essential to brush regularly according to your dog’s coat type.

Why Is Brushing Essential?

Brushing isn’t just about tidying up your pet’s coat. Regular brushing effectively removes dead hair and debris, helping to keep both the coat and skin clean. This is especially important for long-haired breeds and those with double coats, as moisture can easily become trapped beneath tangled fur, leading to a poor skin environment. An excessive buildup of undercoat can also worsen skin conditions. Additionally, brushing allows you to detect lumps, wounds, or parasites on the skin early on, making it a valuable tool for promptly identifying potential skin issues.

Guide to Choosing Brushes by Coat Type

Item	Slicker Brush	Pin Brush	Undercoat Rake	Comb
Suitable Coat Type	Long · curly	Medium-long	Double coat	Finishing for all types
Main Use	Removing tangles	Shine · tidying	Removing undercoat	Detail check
Use on Short-Haired Breeds	False	False	False	True
Recommended Frequency	3–4 times a week	Daily	Daily during shedding season	At the end of every brushing

It's standard to combine 2–3 brushes depending on coat type

Proper Brushing Order and Method

Brushing should follow a specific order. Doing it incorrectly can cause pain and lead to trauma for your pet. Step 1: Hand Brushing – First, check the skin condition and look for tangles. Step 2: Brushing Against the Grain – Lift the undercoat to remove dead hair. Step 3: Brushing With the Grain – Smooth out the coat and add shine. Step 4: Finishing with a Comb – Check for any remaining tangles and fine details. Use a light wrist motion to avoid pressing on the skin or applying too much force.

The process of showing the correct order for brushing a dog

When to Stop Brushing

If the skin is red, swollen, or has wounds or scabs, forcing brushing can worsen the inflammation. Do not attempt to cut severely matted fur with scissors; instead, leave it to a veterinarian or professional groomer, as accidents involving cuts to the skin are common when using scissors. Additionally, because the skin around the ears, armpits, and anus is thin, use a softer pin brush or hand-brush rather than a slicker brush.

How to Detangle Matted Fur

Never pull tangled fur forcefully. Instead, apply a detangling spray or conditioner and gently separate the knots with your fingers. Next, use the pointed end of a comb to split the tangles vertically into smaller sections, then gradually work upward from the tips of the hair using a slicker brush. Never brush from the roots close to the skin, as this can cause pain and bleeding. If the tangles do not come loose after five minutes, it’s best to leave it to a professional groomer.

Care Points During Shedding Season

Double-coated breeds shed large amounts of undercoat during seasonal transitions with significant temperature changes, especially in spring and autumn (shedding season). Care methods need to be adjusted during this time.

Frequency: Brush for 10–15 minutes daily

Tools: An undercoat rake is essential

Bathing: First remove loose undercoat and debris through brushing, then rinse with lukewarm water to help keep the skin clean

Caution: Full-body shaving, which removes all undercoat, often requires sedation (anesthesia) and carries risks of micro-skin damage or burns from clipper blades. It is not a necessary procedure. Therefore, we recommend selectively removing only dead undercoat using an undercoat rake or brush

Diet: Essential fatty acids (omega-3) may help improve coat and skin condition

Common Mistakes

Many pet owners skip brushing before bath time, which is actually the biggest mistake. When tangles get wet, they tighten and become nearly impossible to detangle. Always brush your pet thoroughly before bathing. It’s also easy to assume that short-haired breeds don’t need brushing, but even short-haired dogs like Pugs and Beagles should be brushed with a rubber brush once or twice a week to remove dead hair and excess sebum.

When Your Dog Dislikes Brushing

Brushing stress should be addressed through gradual desensitization. Start by introducing the brush and pairing it with treats to create a positive association. Gradually increase the brushing duration from one minute to three, then five minutes per session, and save sensitive areas like the face, paws, and tail for last. If your pet growls or opens its mouth during brushing, stop immediately and help it calm down. Forcing the process can lead to lifelong trauma associated with brushing. If you suspect pain, consult a veterinarian to check for joint or skin conditions.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you brush your dog?

For short-haired breeds, brushing once or twice a week is recommended; for medium- to long-haired breeds, three to four times a week; and for long-haired and double-coated breeds, daily brushing is advised. During shedding seasons, all breeds should be brushed more frequently.

What should I do if my dog seems to be in pain while brushing?

It’s likely you’re pulling the tangled fur from the roots. Check whether you’re brushing from the tips upward and whether you’re applying too much pressure. If your pet shows pain in a specific area, it could be a sign of dermatitis or arthritis, so a veterinary checkup is recommended.

Which should I do first, bathing or brushing?

Always start with brushing. If you bathe your pet while their fur is tangled, the water will cause the knots to tighten and become even more difficult to manage. After the bath, gently brush through their coat again while drying it.

Do breeds that don’t shed much, like Poodles, still need regular brushing?

Actually, they need it even more frequently. Since their hair doesn’t shed, it stays in place and tangles easily. If you don’t brush them daily, the fur can mat tightly against the skin within just a few days, forming dense, felt-like clumps.

Wouldn’t shaving off all the undercoat keep them cooler?

In fact, extra caution is advised. Shaving the entire undercoat often requires sedation or anesthesia and carries risks of micro-trauma or burns from the clipper blades, so it’s not a necessary procedure. Instead, we recommend selectively removing only the dead undercoat using an undercoat rake or comb.