Brush your dog by starting at the head area and stroking with the grain of the hair. Then brush the sides from the back down to the stomach. And don’t forget the paws, behind the ears, under the arm pits, all of which are hiding places for dirt and matts. A dog’s coat, especially in breeds with long hair, can easily become matted. Not only is matted hair unsightly, but also it becomes a magnet for all kinds of debris, such as dirt and pests. Matting, especially when severe, can pose a health risk for your pup and the worse the mat, the harder it will become to brush it out.
My tip: Using a detangling leave-in conditioning spray can make brushing easier, especially if your dog has a long coat that tangles easily. Spray the leave-in conditioner on your dog’s damp coat after a bath and before drying, or lightly spray over dry fur and brush through the coat.
Please pay particular attention to brushing your dog during periods of molt.