Dog Combing

Dog Combing

There are two elements to consider: size of the comb's teeth and spacing between the teeth. For longhaired dogs and those with heavy undercoats, select a large-tooth comb with wider spaces between teeth to loosen mats and tangles. Fine-tooth combs work best on shorthaired dogs and those with thin undercoats.

Brush the coat with a pin-brush to smooth things out first.

Starting at the tail, take a small amount of fur and comb backwards toward the tail. The comb should reach the skin. If you run into tangles and you are having trouble getting the comb through, take less fur at a time, or turn the comb and use the end to break up the tangle. Continue working toward the neck, always combing backward. When you are done you should be able to run the comb easily from front to back.

Do the legs by fluffing the fur from bottom to top. Start at the foot and take small amounts of fur and comb towards the foot. Work your way up the leg from bottom to top. You will need to lift the leg to get at the underside, or reach through and do the inside of the opposite leg. Be careful on the legs. The fur is thinner and the legs are sensitive to the teeth of the comb.

Do the sides with the same procedure starting from the tummy and working your way up the side. Use the same procedure on the neck, working your way from the base toward the head always combing toward the base. Gently comb his face.

A flea comb helps you check your dog for fleas and traps the pests and their debris in its close-set teeth. Keep a jar of hot soapy water on hand for any fleas you snare.

Some people prefer to just comb in the direction of hair growth, combing small sections at a time, until the coat is tangle free. For troublesome knots and tangles, use an anti-tangle comb. If the coat has a particularly stubborn knot or tangle, you may have to trim it off with scissors. A de-matting comb, slicker or rake can be used to remove mats. When using a combination comb, begin with the widely spaced teeth, and follow with the finer teeth. After the coat is nice and smooth, you can gently comb in the opposite direction if you desire.

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