Everything You Should Know About Brushing Your Dog

How we actually test gear

I have bought "indestructible" toys that lasted one afternoon. Now I note chew style and size before recommending anything as durable.

Return windows and sizing charts vary more than product photos suggest. I measure twice and keep receipts until a item survives a full week of daily use.

Our notes on everything you should know about brushing your dog focus on durability and whether most owners would keep using it.

We skipped anything that looked fine in photos but failed after a week of real walks and meals.

Key Points

Although dogs do some things to keep their coats neat and clean on their own, they need your help with tasks that require opposable thumbs, such as brushing.

Regular brushing removes excess hair from your dog s coat and cuts down significantly on the amount of hair you have to deal with on your furniture, car, and your favorite black pants. It also helps distribute the natural oils in your dog s fur and skin, keeping their coat healthy and looking its best.

Brushing is also a great way to check your dog s health. While you brush, look at the condition of your dog s coat. Is it matted or tangled? Dry or oily? Also look for lumps, ticks, fleas, hair mats, cuts, and anything that looks unusual.

Details

As they age, they ll get a few more bumps and lumps all over. On the off chance one of those lumps isn t harmless, it s better to discover it sooner rather than later.

Brushing really is pretty basic. You just need to understand the type of coat your dog has, and that determines how often you need to brush and what type of brush to use.

You should ask your vet or groomer for more individualized instructions. Here are some general rules for grooming:

Now that you ve got the right equipment and you know how often your dog needs a good brushing, make sure you ve got the right technique.

Additional Context

Here are a few guidelines to help you out:

While it s true that you don t need a pro to brush your dog, there s no shame in taking your dog to a groomer. They re in the business for good reason!

You know how you can never get your hair to look as good as your stylist does? Well, the same is true for your dog.

Besides, some level of skill is called for if your dog s coat tends to get matted. And if your dog really doesn t enjoy their beauty routine, you ll find that experienced groomers are good at sweet-talking even the most scaredy-cat dog into relaxing.

Brushing is an essential part of a good grooming routine and will help keep your dog s coat healthy and looking good. It s easy to do yourself, but you ll need a few tools and techniques to do the job right.

For education only—not veterinary advice. Contact your vet if appetite, stool, or energy changes concern you.

How we evaluated options

We prioritized safety, ease of cleaning, and whether average owners would keep using the item after the first week.

Durability testing included daily walks, dishwashers where relevant, and checking wear points on seams and clips.

Sizing and fit

Measure girth, neck, and length rather than guessing by breed label. Two dogs of the same breed can differ by centimeters.

Adjustability matters for growing puppies—choose ranges that allow tightening, not only loosening.

Maintenance and lifespan

Items that trap odor or rust quickly end up unused. We note which materials tolerate regular washing or wiping.

Replacement parts availability can extend value—check filters, pads, or blades before buying.

Who should skip this purchase

Heavy chewers need tougher materials than light chewers. Aggressive pullers may need harnesses rated for force, not fashion styles.

When budget is tight, invest in safety-critical gear first—leash, collar or harness, crate—before accessories.