Dogs engage in daily licking and grooming of their fur. While some owners may perceive brushing as unnecessary, it holds significant value in preserving the well-being of the pet. This article will elucidate the significance of brushing and its various techniques.
About the Necessity and Method of Brushing
Why Do Dogs Need Brushing?
Brushing is crucial for dogs, similar to how humans engage in regular bathing. Regular bathing helps maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of infections. Incorporating grooming sessions and designated relaxation time into a dog’s routine can also contribute to stress reduction. Bathing not only enhances blood circulation and metabolic activity in humans but also provides similar benefits to dogs.
Brushing serves several purposes, including straightening the fur, removing dust and debris from the coat, and getting rid of fleas and ticks. Employing a comb to eliminate shed hair improves air circulation to the skin, which can assist in preventing skin-related ailments. Additionally, brushing proves effective in monitoring a dog’s overall health. Changes in fur texture and shine, excessive shedding, or unexpected sensitivity – even if the dog usually isn’t bothered – can be detected through brushing. This practice enables the early identification of alterations in the dog’s condition and unusual behavior. To maintain and understand a beloved dog’s health status, regular brushing is highly recommended.
How Often Should You Brush?
Ideally, brushing the dog’s coat once a day is recommended. However, daily brushing can be a substantial commitment. This is particularly true for dogs with long hair or larger breeds where a brief brushing session might not suffice. In such situations, an alternative approach could be adopted. Instead of attempting to brush the entire body comprehensively each day, consider breaking it down into segments. For instance, allocate one day for focusing on the back, another day for the rear end, and so forth. At a minimum, it is advisable to perform a thorough brushing at least twice a week.
What Tools Do You Need for Brushing?
Various types of brushes are necessary depending on factors such as the dog’s breed, size, coat type, preferences, and intended use. With a wide array of brushes and combs available, selecting the most suitable tool for pet owners is essential.
Slicker Brush
One commonly thought of brush for grooming is the slicker brush. This tool features teeth attached to a rubber base and is readily found in pet stores. Groomers frequently employ it. It serves well for a variety of breeds, including short-haired, long-haired, single-coated breeds like Poodles and Maltese, double-coated breeds like Shiba Inus, and dogs with wire-haired or coarse hair. It effectively untangles mats and knots. However, as the teeth can potentially come into contact with the skin, causing injury, it should be handled with care.
Pin Brush
Similar in appearance to brushes used by humans, the pin brush is suitable for breeds with long hair. However, the gaps between its teeth are relatively large, making it less ideal for use during shedding seasons when a significant amount of hair is shed.
Rubber Brush
Diverging from the aforementioned brushes with metal teeth, the rubber brush features teeth made of rubber, as its name implies. Its major advantage lies in its skin-friendly nature. This brush efficiently removes loose hair, but users must exercise caution to avoid applying excessive pressure. Vigorous brushing can damage the dog’s skin, resulting in skin problems and a potential aversion to grooming.
Rubber brushes exhibit potent hair removal capabilities, targeting both dead and live hair. As such, users should be mindful of their technique when employing this tool.
Convenient to Have! Brushing Spray to Loosen Hairballs
Brushing spray, in human equivalent terms, functions as a hair mist intended for the combing and untangling of hair. Its purpose is to facilitate the detangling process, address bedhead issues, and enhance hair’s shine. In a similar manner, brushing spray is employed for dogs to achieve comparable outcomes. Additionally, it serves to prevent the buildup of static electricity and promotes smoother brushing sessions.
You Can Make a Safe Brushing Spray at Home!
A homemade brushing spray can be prepared as an alternative. As it lacks preservatives, it poses no harm to the dog’s well-being. However, it’s advisable to use it promptly after creation.
Precautions:
- Utilize the spray within two weeks after its formulation.
- Thoroughly shake and blend the mixture before application.
- Prevent the dog from consuming it. Aroma oils are most effective when inhaled, not ingested. Direct ingestion might lead to absorption of the components, potentially impacting the liver.
- Refrain from applying to puppies younger than three months or pregnant dogs.
Necessary Supplies:
- 100ml of distilled water
- 1-2 drops of essential oil
- Spray bottle
Feel at liberty to combine diverse essential oils based on their effects.
Instructions: Crafting the spray is a straightforward process of placing the materials listed under “Necessary Supplies” (1 and 2) into the spray bottle and thoroughly mixing them. The process is quite simple, so it’s worth trying. However, bear in mind that dogs possess acute scent sensitivity. Utilize only a minimal amount of essential oil, and if the dog exhibits aversion after following the recipe, cease usage immediately.
Types of Essential Oils:
- Lavender: Recognized for relaxation, deodorizing, and antibacterial properties. Avoid during pregnancy.
- Rosemary: Offers pain relief and warming effects. Inadvisable during epilepsy or early pregnancy. Avoid during homeopathic treatments.
Essential Oils to Steer Clear Of:
- Tea Tree: This oil is worrisome due to its central nervous system toxicity.
- Anise: It can stimulate the uterus and possesses high toxicity.
- Wormwood: There’s a potential risk of inducing seizures.
Both Dogs and Owners Are in Trouble! How to Prevent Static Electricity When Brushing
Dry air is the primary factor behind the generation of static electricity. In low humidity conditions, such as during winter, static electricity can manifest when combing hair, resulting in hair adhering to the comb. This phenomenon applies similarly when brushing dogs. Consequently, the strategies to mitigate this effect overlap with those for humans. Consistent attention to “humidity maintenance” and facilitating the “discharge of electricity” remains crucial in averting static electricity buildup.
Use a Spray That Reduces Static Electricity
The brushing spray includes a specific formulation designed to prevent static electricity. This formulation consists of components that effectively dissipate accumulated static electricity, decrease resistance caused by brushing friction, and inhibit the generation of static electricity. While using a water mister to spray water can help in reducing static electricity, it’s important to note that static electricity often returns once the water evaporates. For more effective and prolonged prevention of static electricity, it is advisable to utilize brushing spray even after brushing.
Place a Humidifier to Prevent Static Electricity!
Dry air is the primary factor behind the generation of static electricity. In humid summer conditions, the presence of air moisture aids in discharging electricity. Conversely, during winter, the lack of humidity causes charged electricity to struggle with dissipation. Instances of static electricity are heightened when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Celsius and humidity falls below 25%. However, maintaining a humidity level of 60% significantly reduces the likelihood of static electricity occurrences. Employing a humidifier is an effective method to uphold optimal room humidity. Alternatively, suspending a damp towel, while less potent than a humidifier, can also contribute to elevated humidity levels.
Discharge and Apply Hand Cream Before Brushing
An effective method involves discharging static electricity before brushing. The sensation of a small shock occurs due to limited contact with the fingertips, causing rapid movement of electricity from the touched surface. To mitigate this, individuals can utilize broader surfaces such as the palms when making contact with materials like wood, glass, or concrete. This action aids in the dissipation of static electricity. Additionally, the application of hand cream to minimize friction proves effective in preventing the buildup of static electricity.
Where Should I Brush My Hair?
Typically, indoor settings are preferred for brushing pets. While some pet owners might choose to groom their animals outdoors in favorable weather conditions, or to contain fur spread, it’s important to note that outdoor pet brushing is generally discouraged. This recommendation stems not only from concerns regarding public decorum and courtesy, as it may inconvenience those in proximity, but also due to legal regulations.
Regulations pertaining to the care and maintenance of domestic animals, as outlined in the “Standards for the Keeping and Care of Domestic Animals and Others in Homes” (Ministry of the Environment Ordinance No. 37 of 2002) under the Animal Welfare Act, address this matter. Specifically, the “Preservation of Living Environment (1)” within the “Common Standards” section (3) highlights guidelines related to this practice.
The most suitable location for brushing a pet is typically the “bathroom.” Utilizing a drain cover and employing a shower to gather shed fur simplifies the cleaning process.
Which Location Should I Focus on Brushing?
Brushing the pet’s coat is essential for maintaining its health. Begin by running the comb from the roots, addressing any knots and eliminating loose hair. Knots are commonly found under the arms, inner thighs, and behind the ears, necessitating thorough brushing of these regions. For tangled sections, opt for gentle detangling using fingers or the brush’s end, rather than forceful combing to prevent any discomfort.
Excessive pressure during brushing should be avoided to prevent skin irritation and aversion to brushing. Initiate brushing from the hair tips, starting with the less sensitive back area, progressing to the lower back, sides, belly, and concluding with delicate areas such as ears and paws. Instead of attempting to remove all dead hair at once, prioritize removing already loose hair initially. A light brushing through the hair with the brush is sufficient.
What Should I Do If My Dog Doesn’t like Being Brushed?
This Is How Dogs Who like to Be Brushed Feel!
Dogs that find brushing enjoyable view it as a pleasant activity. Humans experience similar sensations during haircuts at salons, sometimes becoming so relaxed that they fall asleep – akin to the sensation dogs feel. Dogs probably discover a sense of refreshment and contentment in the removal of excess fur, paralleling our experience.
Hate Brushing?
Given that many dogs often do not find brushing enjoyable, it’s important to understand that if a dog resists brushing, one should refrain from jumping to conclusions like, “Did I make a mistake?” Instead, the process involves systematically identifying the factors contributing to their reluctance towards brushing and addressing them step by step to facilitate their gradual acclimation to the activity.
Has Pain Been Experienced During Brushing?
The dislike for brushing often stems from past unpleasant encounters with it. Experiences involving pain during brushing can potentially result in lasting discomfort. Instances like the brush bristles impacting the skin forcefully, resulting in injuries and subsequent skin problems, the unexpected jolt of static electricity causing a brief shock, or the sensation of hair being pulled out before its natural shedding process. Have dogs ever undergone similar experiences due to brushing?
Fear Towards Brushes
Despite their regular presence in our daily lives, dogs can perceive brushes as intimidating objects due to their unfamiliar bristles. To alleviate this fear, even if not actively brushing them, owners can help acclimate their dogs to brushes by allowing them to become accustomed to the sight of the brush on a regular basis.
Dogs Who Don’t like Brushing Should Get Used to It
For a dog that is averse to brushing, it is essential to help them recognize the benefits of this grooming activity involving body contact. Rather than immediately introducing the brushing tool, the process should commence with gentle body touch. Initiate by touching the less sensitive area of the back and promptly offering a reward. Once the dog is at ease with back touching, proceed to extend the touch to cover the entire body. Once the dog becomes familiar with body contact, gradually introduce the brush and lightly brush for approximately 2-3 minutes, starting from the back. Following the brushing session, acknowledge the dog with rewards and positive reinforcement. Over time, incrementally lengthen the brushing duration, with the ultimate goal of being able to brush the entire body in a single session.
In Fact, a Lot of Hair Falls out During the Shedding Period! about Brushing Your Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu Possesses a Double Coat, Consisting of a Longer Outer Coat and a Dense Undercoat
This dual fur layer aids in weather adaptation. The breed experiences two annual coat changes: shedding the undercoat in summer and regrowing it in winter. This natural process eliminates the need for a summer cut.
Nonetheless, the Shiba Inu’s undercoat might retain proximity to the skin due to the presence of the outer coat. This could result in moisture accumulation and potential skin problems, akin to wearing heat-trapping clothing in summer. Hence, a daily brushing routine is recommended to prevent such issues.
Summary
Brushing is not only beneficial for a dog’s health but also helps strengthen the connection between the owner and their pet. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in preventing various illnesses. Despite its advantages, some dogs might exhibit a reluctance towards brushing. This reluctance is often rooted in negative past experiences that involved discomfort or pain during brushing sessions. For dogs that display resistance, a gradual and patient approach is recommended. By doing so, brushing can be transformed into a pleasant and enjoyable activity that is shared between the owner and their canine companion.
