If you’ve ever wandered into an aisle of dog brushes you know all about the impressive, and sometimes confusing, variety of options. There are brushes for long hair and short hair. Some decrease shedding while others remove mats. Some feel sharp while others have blunt tips. But don’t let the endless options overcome you — we’ll help you find the best dog brushes for your pet here.
A great dog shampoo to level up their appearance. They also help them maintain their body temperature in warmer months and keep your home more clean.
Best Dog Brushes to Consider
Considering the wide selection of dog brushes available today, it’s important to start your search with the right parameters in mind. And above all else, you’ll need to note your pet’s fur type. Long-haired dogs need more tangle support, while shorter-haired pups need to stay away from sharp brushes that could potentially hurt their fragile skin.
Next, think about the challenges you currently face with your pet’s fur. Do they shed too much? Does their coat quickly fill up with dirt and debris? Do their strands tangle mere minutes after you leave the grooming salon?
And last but not least, keep your needs as a pet owner in mind. Make sure the brush fits in with your budget. And try to find something that you’re comfortable using. After all, the best brush will do nothing at all if it requires too much time and effort to even be used.
Wahl Dog Brush
This dog brush is designed for use with all types of fur. It’s gentle yet effective when used to combat loose fur and small tangles. The pins have a unique, dual-headed design to help remove strands from both the lower and top coats. The soft-bristled side is great for smoothing, removing dirt, and massaging your pup. The ergonomic, grip-covered handle is comfortable for pet parents, no matter how long your grooming sessions end up taking.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Works on long and short fur
- Two types of bristles to try
Cons:
- Not designed to remove matted fur
- Created for medium and large dogs, but not small breeds
Hartz Deshedding Dog Brush
This dog brush is perfect for deshedding on all fur types. We’re talking about short hair, long hair, curly hair, double coats, and more. The needles are firm and effective, but they’re also covered to prevent skin scratches. The brush is easy to use — simply pull through your pet’s fur once every week or so. The handle is comfortable and the whole brush is lightweight, making it easier for pet parents to make it through extended grooming sessions.
Pros:
- Simple design
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- A smaller version is available for tiny dog breeds
Cons:
- Not self-cleaning
Maxpower Planet Dematting Dog Brush
This dog brush is designed to tackle the toughest mats and tangles. Its dual-sided design provides optimal teeth for both detangling and deshedding. These teeth are also rounded for your pet’s comfort. The brush works best on long, wiry fur types and easily breaks through both the top coat and undercoat. The handle is ergonomic and covered with grips for your convenience. And multiple colors are available to choose from as a fun touch for the humans in the house.
Pros:
- Breaks through stubborn tangles
- Can be used alongside other types of brushes
- Reduces shedding by up to 90% when used weekly
Cons:
- Not designed for dogs with short fur
Hertzko Dog Brush
This dog brush takes care of itself by removing the built-up fur from its bristles. Simply press the button on the back and the bristles will move inside of the casing, causing all of the fur to fall right off into the trash. The brush is a slicker style product, which means it has sturdy pins to divide tangles and decrease shedding. Several versions are available to choose from, so it’s important that you click through the options and pick the product that best matches your pet’s fur and skin type. This will help to ensure the brush is effective but also gentle enough on your dog’s particular skin type.
Pros:
- Convenient for pet owners
- Reasonably priced
- The sensitive skin version will not scratch pups with short fur, as other slicker brushes do
Cons:
- Families with multiple dog breeds may need to purchase more than one version of this product
Dog Brush Grooming Kit
If you’re new to the grooming world or have multiple dogs at home, this set may be a perfect fit. It comes with a self-cleaning slicker brush, which works well on all fur types to remove matting and loose strands. It also includes a brush that is specifically designed for shedding and two stray fur-removing gloves. You can use any combination of these tools to care for your pet without having to make multiple purchases. The brushes have ergonomic grips for your comfort. And the price is fair for such a large collection as well.
Pros:
- Ideal for top coat and undercoat care
- Gloves can be used in the bath
- All tools provide relaxing massages for your dog
Cons:
- These tools have more of a focus on deshedding and less on smoothening coats
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all dogs need to be brushed regularly?
It’s more important to brush dogs with long fur, due to their increased risk of mats and tangles. However, brushing dogs with all fur types regularly is beneficial. It’s typically comforting to your pet, and it can also decrease shedding — a benefit all pet parents can appreciate. Other benefits include stimulating blood flow and allowing healthy oils to move around all of your pup’s fur.
How often should I brush my dog?
Most dogs should be brushed every week or two. Dogs with longer fur or who shed more than most may need to be brushed 2-3 times per week. If your dog is hesitant to brushing, try offering them some tasty treats to make the experience happy and gentle.
How can I decide which brush type is right for my pet?
The most important factor is choosing a dog brush that matches the fur type your pet has. This will help to ensure the brush works for your pet, as well as that it doesn’t hurt them. Everything else is up to your discretion.
What if my dog has mats that brushes can’t get through?
Sometimes, pets get tangles and mats that only a groomer can successfully remove. In these instances, you will likely need to get outside help. In the future, you can prevent these occurrences with regular brushing.
About the Author
Jessica is the proud owner of two dogs: an adorable dalmatian and a very active retriever mix. With all her years of experience caring for her own pups, Jessica hopes to help other dog moms and dads make the most of their time with their furry friends by finding them products that make dog ownership convenient, easy, and fun. As a mom of two, Jessica is always looking for products that are safe for her dog, her kids, and her home.
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